Posted on February 01, 2013 by sguese

 

You have to have a nose in Grasse. Surrounded by fields of lavender, jasmine, roses, mimosa, orange blossom and violets, Grasse seemingly always smells great. The French hilltop town is also one of the country’s leading perfume producers. Throughout its tightly coiled streets and centuries of history, you can get a whiff of Grasse in mere minutes. The southern Provence town rests just 16 kilometers north of Cannes, making for an easy day trip from the Cote d’Azur. It’s hard to believe Grasse was originally the center for leather tanners. Leather was told to more over and the perfume producers moved in town.

 

Nosing around…

The best way to get a sense of Grasse is to nose around in its scents. You can begin your journey through Grasse at the Musée International de la Parfumerie. The museum lends an interactive way to see the history and art of perfumery. If your nose is still going, head to Fabrique des Fleurs, where the real perfume production takes place in town.

 

The many museums…

 

Grasse is not just about perfume and perfume museums. The city does have a wealth of museums even the non-perfumed crazed can appreciate. The Provencal Costume and Jewelry Museum presents dummies modeling 18^th and 19^th century clothes and jewelry. The town is also proud of its Art and History Museum. Inside the Hotel de Clapiers Cabris, you can explore pottery, toys, furniture, costumes and paintings from Grasse’s past. The true standout museum in town is the Musée Jean-Honor Fragonard. The museum showcasea the paintings of the controversial Grasse-born artists who lived in the town for just one year in 1790. His works depicted licentious love scenes that shocked most in the 18^th century.

 

The architecture…

 

Aside from perfume, Grasse is also known for its medieval buildings and architecture. The best spot to begin seeing this accolade is at the Cathedral Notre-Dame-de Puy. The 12^th century structure holds three paintings by Rubens. Travelers will also want to mosey on over to the Town Hall. The interior courtyard of the structure features a decorative foundation and a perfect view across the town center.

 

Fete du Jasmin…

 

Held each year at the beginning of August, Grasse comes alive for the Fete du Jasmin. Decorative floats parade through town, all while throwing flowers at on-lookers. The act is known as flower battle. The festival brings fireworks, free parties, street performers and folk music groups to the city.