Day Trip to Grasse

The perfume capital of the world, Grasse is the birthplace of the delicate scents that evoke so many memories.  Even its name sparks the imagination with romantic images of vast fields of flowers… but actually you don’t see that at all.  Grasse is a charming town, but centered on perfume creation and production.  Just over an hour from Nice, and just 30 minutes from Cannes it is well worth seeing, but the flower fields are another excursion…

What to do in Grasse (with map)

First visit the International Perfume Museum which is an education in itself.

Next clear your head with an exploration of the cobbled streets of old town, discover the little shops and boutiques.

There is a farmers’ market on the Place aux Aires every morning but Monday.  Every Wednesday, and the 3rd Saturday of the month, you’ll find an all-day antique market at Cours Honoré Cresp.

The old town is full of cute little spots for lunch.  I recommend La Fleur de Lys for creative food under ancient arches, 2 Av. Chiris.  Les Delicatesses country café is perfect you want to eat lite and share little plates, and it’s right next to the open-air market on Place aux Aires. La Brasserie des Artists at 2 Pl. de la Foux has a nice sunny terrace; and Lou Pignatoun for a more hearty local’s lunch at a good value, 13 Rue de l’Oratoire.

In the afternoon take a tour of a working perfume factory, you have your choice of three… All offer free tours, a glimpse of daily operations, and a long storied history.

On your way back you can stop at the next town, Mouans-Sartoux where  you’ll find the International Perfume Museum Gardens and plant conservatory, featuring 5 acres of flowers and plants used in making perfume, plus plant tutorials.  4€ entrance fee, or 2€  if you have already been to the International Perfume Museum in Grasse.  If you want to do this just ask the tourist office for the map and also the best way to get there (depending on if you are returning by bus or train)…

Grasse has a weekend a Rose Festival in mid-May, and a Jasmine Festival in early August.

Here is the link for the Grasse Tourist office, in English.

Here is a little reading to whet your appetite…

Taking the Train to Grasse

The direct train from Nice to Grasse costs about 10€, leaves every hour, takes a little over an hour to get there, and is quite picturesque as it goes along the seaside then turns inland for the last 20 minutes with Grasse as the final stop.  This train route is included in day passes and family day pass tickets.  The only problem with this is that the Grasse train station is a ways from the main village, so you have to either walk up a big hill or wait for the free shuttle.

Taking the Bus to Grasse

The Bus #650 from Nice to Grasse is a bargain at just 2.50€, takes about an hour and 20 minutes, but drops you off right in the town of Grasse, conveniently right in front of the Grasse tourist office so you can get a local map map and some recommendations, and be on your way.

A ticket on the Grasse bus #650 costs 2.50€ and you can buy it from the driver as you board.  You catch this bus from the Parc Phoenix tram stop (near the airport) and so if you are taking a tram ride to get there, at any tram stop ticket machine buy the Ticket Azur for 2.50€, which is good for one tram trip in Nice (or local bus), and then is also good for the Bus #650 to Grasse anytime within up to 2 1/2 hours.  The Ticket Azur only works going out of Nice, coming back you need to buy your bus ticket from the driver, then use a local bus/tram ticket once back in Nice.

And of course you can always take the bus up, then the train back down.

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android

 

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