Somptuous Bastide Aixoise

Grasse occupies a hillside position in the Alpes-Maritimes pre-Alps, roughly 15 kilometres inland from Cannes, at an elevation that keeps it noticeably cooler than the coast. The city is internationally recognised as the historic capital of the perfume industry, a status it has held since the 17th century, and its old town retains a dense fabric of medieval streets, arcaded squares, and tall Provençal townhouses. In 2018, the savoir-faire of Grasse perfumers was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Daily life centres on the Place aux Aires market, held every morning, and the covered Marché Provençal. The Musée International de la Parfumerie and the historic perfume houses, including Fragonard and Molinard, are within the old town. Cannes, with its full range of restaurants, private clinics, and international schools, is approximately 25 minutes by car.

Grasse is served by regular bus connections to Cannes and Nice. By car, Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is approximately 40 to 45 minutes via the A8 motorway, providing direct flights to most major European cities and intercontinental connections. Cannes train station, with TGV services to Paris in roughly 5.5 hours, is around 25 minutes by road. Monaco is accessible in under an hour by car.