Holiday in Grasse, Opio, Le Tignet, Cabris, Mouans-Sartoux, Auribeau, Tanneron

The Pays de Grasse is characterized by beautiful rolling hills dotted with posh residential areas and flower plantations for the perfume production. 

Perfume world capital

Ever since the 17th century Grasse is known for manufacturing perfumes and it enjoys the reputation of being world's perfume capital. Around Grasse are several lovely Provencal villages like Mouans-Sartoux, Auribeau-sur-Saigne, Le Tignet or the little charming villa of Cabris.  More posh are the villages Valbonne, Opio, Roquefort-les-Pins and Le Rouret. There you will find many beautiful villas, luxury shops and high end restaurants.

The golden triangle

The area between Cannes, Grasse and Nice is also known as 'the golden triangle'. The area breathes prosperity and a high standard of living. This is also reflected in the (rental) prices of the villas. Especially in the pittoresque and ancient villages like Valbonne, Opio, Roquefort-les-Pins and Le Rouret prices are high. 

The good life also means love fot wine and food. In this area there are excellent (Michelin star) restaurants, like La Bastide Saint Antoine in Grasse and Lou Cigalon in Valbonne. Sometimes we treat ourselves at Les Arcades.

Perfume

Although more and more flowers are being imported from other countries, the lovely smell of delicious jasmine is all around. Almost all the major noses aka perfume designers in the world have had their training in Grasse. Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie to learn more about the history of perfume. Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard, the three major historical perfumers, give free tours, which are very interesting.

Grasse is more than perfume. There is a nice climbing park, the Riviera Nature Trail Adventure. For golfers there is a wide choice of good golf courses. Nearby is the 18-hole courses of Royal Mougins Golf and Golf de Saint Donat and Golf Opio Valbonne. In Valescure you can find Golf Blue Green d'Esterel and Golf de Roquebrune. The 36-hole course of Terre Blanche is located less than 20 miles away.