Grasse is located in the hills above the Riviera city of Cannes and to the southwest of Nice. The perfume capital of the world, Grasse is only a short drive from most coastal destinations along the Côte d’Azur.

Originally known for its leather, Grasse glove makers experimented with fragrances to improve the smell of their products. The hillside springs that once channeled water to tanneries are now used to distill perfumes and water fragrant fields of flowers.

A day trip to Grasse from Nice is the perfect way to visit this Provençal town that produces several of the world’s most recognizable and iconic fragrances. Apart from the wonderful perfume related experiences, you can experience the charm and history of this quaint, yet influential destination.

Here's all you need to know about Grasse, one of the most fascinating day trips from Nice.

How to get to Grasse from Nice?

Grasse is an inland subprefecture in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region. It lies southwest of Nice and northwest of Cannes.

From Nice to Grasse by car

You can travel to Grasse from Nice by car following the A8 before turning onto the D6185 or D103 which eventually merges with the D4. The A8 / D2085 route is also pleasant if you are willing to pay the toll fees.

These routes range from 40 to 45 kilometers in length and all take around 45 minutes by car.

From Nice to Grasse by train

Several trains run daily between Nice and Grasse. The 45 kilometer one way journey typically takes about an hour.

Guided tour to Grasse from Nice

A guided tour is the best way to explore the perfumeries that create new, traditional and iconic fragrances and scents. You have the option of selecting a tour that focuses on Grasse and its perfumeries, or can choose a more general tour that includes other local destinations.

Private and small group day trips are possible, and you can select between half- or full-day excursions.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a typical day tour from Nice to Grasse, you are collected from your hotel. The round-trip tour includes visits to some of the perfumeries and flower producers in Grasse, where you learn what it takes to make a world-class fragrance and maybe have the chance to blend your own perfume.

Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup and Saint Paul de Vence are often included in tours of the Provençal countryside. Lunch is not usually included in your tour price, but full-day tours do include a lunch stop. Wine tastings, sightseeing and gallery visits are all possible activities on your trip.

At the end of your tour, you will return to Nice where you might also do some local sightseeing before being dropped back at your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Grasse?

Private and shared small group tours can be booked to Grasse from Nice. Half-day tours that focus on the perfume producing village and full-day tours that include more of the region are both options.

Half-day shared or private countryside tour including Grasse from Nice

Spend a morning or afternoon touring the countryside surrounding Nice, with a small group or on a private basis. This tour includes a visit to the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse, panoramic views from Gourdon, the medieval village of Tourettes-sur-Loup and the creative Provençal destination of Saint Paul de Vence.

A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate on a shared basis.

Small group full-day guided tour including a Grasse perfumery visit

In a group of no more than eight people, you can enjoy the attention of an experienced guide as you tour Provence. This type of tour includes a stop in Cannes, a guided perfumery tour in Grasse, and time to explore the hilltop village of Gourdon and stroll through the galleries of Saint Paul de Vence.

Small group full-day guided tour exploring Nice, Grasse, Gourdon and Valbonne

This small group tour begins with a hotel pickup and transfer to Grasse to walk the cobbled streets and tour the Fragonard perfumery. The medieval village of Valbonne is next on the itinerary for lunch at a traditional Old Town café before continuing on a scenic drive beside the Loup River.

Stunning landscapes from the viewpoint at Gourdon and a wine tasting at Château de Crémat conclude the day of touring.

Private full-day tour: Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Saint Paul de Vence

On a customizable full-day private tour you have up to eight hours with a private vehicle and driver. Start your tour exploring the many facets of Nice and Antibes before continuing on to the seaside town of Cannes.

In Grasse, there is time to visit up to three perfumers, Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard, and the Romanesque-Provençal style cathedral.

The last stop on this tour is usually Saint Paul de Vence, where many iconic artists have found their inspiration.

How much does a day trip to Grasse from Nice cost?

Half-day shared countryside tours including Grasse from Nice start from €50 per person. A private tour will cost €450 for the group.

Small group full-day guided tours including a Grasse perfumery visit cost from €100 per person. Price is dependent on group size and itinerary.

A small group full-day guided tour exploring Nice, Grasse, Gourdon and Valbonne is priced from €120 per person, including a guided perfumery tour and wine tasting.

Private full-day tours including Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse and Saint Paul de Vence cost from €800 for groups of up to eight people.

What will you see and do?

The focus of a tour to Grasse are the town’s perfumes, with several famous perfumeries being open for tours. The flower fields around the town yield many of the floral ingredients used in the fragrances produced.

The town is also home to a captivating Romanesque-Provençal cathedral, where you can view artworks by Rubens, and the International Perfume museum.

Other villages in the region including Gourdon and Saint Paul de Vence are often included in the day’s itinerary. A visit to Antibes or Cannes may also be included on your tour. The rolling green hills and magnificent views over the Côte d’Azur also make this tour worthwhile.

When is the best time to visit Grasse?

June is considered the best month for a visit to Grasse due to its pleasant weather, however this region of France can be visited year round. It can be very busy during the peak summer months of July and August.

Are there any tours to Grasse from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in France:

Day trips to Grasse from Cannes

Travel tips

Wear comfortable flat shoes for walking along cobbled roads.
If you want to create your own fragrance, ensure that a workshop is included in your tour itinerary.
Avoid wearing perfume or strongly fragranced products.
Carry antihistamines if you are allergic to bees or pollen.

Grasse: Day Trips and Tours from Nice