Grasse is the city of perfume and is also the hometown of the famous painter of the XVIII. century Jean-Honoré Fragonard who was born here in 1732
If you would like to find out more about Fragonard, then it would be worth your while to visit the Villa-Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard (23, Boulevard Fragonard; Open daily: 10:00 – 18:30), which is the house he lived in from 1790 to 1791. His works can be viewed at Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence, in the rue Mirabeau Nr. 2 (Open daily:10:00 – 18:30) or in the cathedral Notre Dame du Puy.
The world of scents is however best explored at the Musée International de la parfumerie where not only can you see the history of perfume, but can also play around and invent your own personal scent.
In addition there are also many free tours that one can take of the many perfume factories in the area such as the Fragonard (L’Usine Historique, 20 Boulevard Fragonard) where you can find out everything you need to know about the production of the charming scented liquids. The tours are generally offered multiple times daily in a variety of languages. And as a bonus you can find the fruits of the factory’s labor in the gift shops at discount prices.
To complete the tour of Grasse one can enjoy the simple beauty of the town by strolling along the alleys of the old town, where there are also many small artist galleries where the works of many young artists are on display.
