When we think of Grasse, we almost immediately think of perfume. Nestled in the hills of the Cannes hinterland, the town is deeply connected to the history of French perfumery. But Grasse is much more than its perfume shops and charming boutiques: here, perfume can also be discovered in the fields, gardens and traditional know-how passed down through generations.

And right now is a particularly interesting time to discover the town: the jasmine harvest is underway. This small, delicate white flower with its distinctive fragrance is one of Grasse’s treasures. If you are visiting the French Riviera at the end of summer, this is therefore the perfect time to discover another side of the world capital of perfume.

The history of Grasse and perfumery dates back to the 17th century. Originally, the town was mainly known for its tanning industry. Craftsmen began scenting leather to mask its smell, particularly by producing perfumed gloves. Little by little, this expertise developed, and Grasse became a major centre for perfume creation.

Its particularly mild climate, abundant sunshine and fertile soil also encouraged the cultivation of many flowers used in perfumery. Jasmine, Centifolia rose, tuberose, lavender and orange blossom have all helped shape the identity of the region.

Today, major perfume houses continue to preserve this tradition. While walking through the historic centre, it is easy to step into a perfume shop or take part in a workshop to discover the different stages involved in creating a fragrance.

Among the must-see attractions, I particularly recommend visiting the International Perfume Museum. It is an excellent way to understand why Grasse holds such a special place in the history of perfume. Visitors can discover raw materials, production techniques and the evolution of perfumery throughout the centuries.

A little guide tip: allow yourself some time to wander through the small streets of the historic centre. Grasse is a town best discovered at a leisurely pace, with its little squares, colourful façades and small perfume boutiques.

At the end of summer, the landscapes around Grasse take on a special atmosphere with the jasmine harvest. This small white flower, which is particularly delicate, is traditionally picked by hand early in the morning, while it is still fresh and its fragrance is at its strongest.

The harvest requires a great deal of patience. The flowers must be picked carefully to avoid damaging them. Once harvested, they are quickly processed so that their precious aromatic molecules can be extracted and later used to create perfumes.

Grasse jasmine is particularly renowned for its quality and distinctive character. Its rich, floral and slightly animalic scent has become one of the signatures of Grasse perfumery.

This is also what makes visiting Grasse at this time of year particularly interesting. It allows you to understand that behind every perfume bottle lies an entire world of agricultural and artisanal work. Before reaching a perfume shop shelf, a fragrance often begins with a flower grown in the surrounding countryside.

To discover this story in a more hands-on way, some perfume houses offer garden tours and perfume-related experiences. It is a wonderful way to connect the landscapes of the French Riviera with the fragrances that have become famous around the world.

A little tip: if you would like to see the jasmine harvest, check in advance what access is available to local farms and which tours are offered during the season. The harvest period can be relatively short and depends in particular on the flowering season.

Grasse is perfect for a day trip from Nice or Cannes. From Nice, allow around an hour by car, depending on traffic. Once there, you can easily spend a full day exploring the town and its heritage.

Start with a walk through the historic centre of Grasse. The narrow streets, stairways and small squares give the town a very different atmosphere from the coastline. Here, you leave behind the beaches and palm trees and discover a more authentic side of the French Riviera, shaped by the hills and local traditions.

Continue with a visit to the International Perfume Museum, then choose a perfume house to discover the secrets behind the creation of a fragrance. Some even offer workshops where you can create your own perfume. I particularly recommend this experience if you are looking for an original activity to enjoy on the French Riviera.

Among the town’s historic perfume houses, Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard are three of the best-known names and are particularly worth discovering.

Finally, take some time to explore the gardens and landscapes of the Grasse hinterland. This is where you can truly understand the connection between Grasse, flowers and perfumery.

And of course, there is no way to leave without taking home a little scented souvenir! Rather than choosing your fragrance too quickly, take the time to smell several different creations. A scent that you love on a paper blotter can smell very different once it is applied to your skin.