International Perfume Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie)
The basics
France can be considered the birthplace of the luxury perfume industry, and Grasse has been the center of perfume making in France for over 200 years, so it’s fitting that the town is home to the International Museum of Perfume. The exhibits here provide a unique insight into the origins of perfume production in Grasse, from the days when flowers were harvested and dried by hand right up to the present day. There’s also an interesting collection of perfume bottles from across the decades, and exhibits that invite you to smell test different essences.
Things to know before you go
- You can skip the line by purchasing entry tickets in advance.
- The museum’s charming gardens are well worth exploring (separate ticket required).
- Both the museum and gardens are wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The International Museum of Perfume is located in the center of Grasse. The closest airport is at Nice, 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. The region is easy to travel around by car, or public transport. Buses connect Nice and Grasse, while the town also has a train station linking towns along the Cote d’Azur and with onward connections to cities including Paris.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The museum is open daily, year-round. It’s closed on major public holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The region of Provence/Cote d’Azur has a pleasant climate all year round, although you’ll find it busier over the summer vacation months, particularly in August, when most French people take their annual leave.
Visit Provence’s Villages Perchés
Inland from the Cote d’Azur, the countryside is dotted with hilltop towns known in French as villages perchés. From Les Baux with its rocky backdrop to the artist’s haven of Saint Paul de Vence, these picturesque towns with their winding streets and sidewalk cafes are quintessential Provence. To see multiple villages in a single trip consider a guided tour with transport provided.
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- Opio
- Gorges du Loup
- Île Sainte-Marguerite
- Le Suquet
- Castre Museum (Musée de la Castre)
- Chapelle Bellini
- Port of Cannes (Port de Cannes)
- Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
- La Croisette Boulevard (Boulevard de la Croisette)
- Fort du Mont Alban
- Massif des Maures
- Port Grimaud
- Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon)
- L'Occitane Factory