Grasse

Grasse is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department (of which it is a sub-prefecture), on the French Riviera.

The town is considered the world's capital of perfume. It obtained two flowers in the Concours des villes et villages fleuris contest and was made "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (town of art and history).

Main sights

Three perfume factories offer daily tours and demonstrations, which draw in many of the region's visitors. In addition to the perfumeries, Grasse's other main attraction is the Cathedral, dedicated to Notre Dame du Puy and founded in the 11th century. In the interior, are three works by Rubens and one by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a French painter native of the town.

Other sights include:

• Saracen Tower, standing at 30m.
• Monumental gate of the Hôtel de ville
• International Museum of Perfume
• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence
• Church of Plascassier, built in 1644

Festivals

There is an annual Fête du Jasmin or La Jasminade, at the beginning of August. The first festival was on August 3-4, 1946. Decorated floats drive through the town, with young women in skimpy costumes on board, throwing flowers into the crowd. Garlands of jasmine decorate the town center, and the fire department fills a fire truck with jasmine-infused water to spray on the crowds. There are also fireworks, free parties, folk music groups and street performers. There is also an annual international exhibition of roses ("Expo Rose") held in May each year.

Transport

The Gare de Grasse railway station offers connections with Cannes, Nice and Ventimiglia.

source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasse