Côte d'Azur: Visit the International Perfume Museum in Grasse, the Throne of Luxury Perfume

Inherently tied to the historical roots of perfume, Grasse is home to the first-of-its-kind International Perfume Museum (or the Musée International de la Parfumerie). Across a 3,500 square meter space, discover the origins of perfume, how it's created, and important artifacts linked to the industry.

The History of Perfume at the International Perfume Museum

Since 1989, the International Perfume Museum celebrates perfume, as well as soaps, makeup and other products throughout 4,000 years of cosmetic history across five continents. 

Expanded and restructed in 2008, this first-of-its-kind museum is composed of 4 buildings symbolic of the city of Grasse: the Pontevès Hotel, the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery, the former Pélissier building and the jardin des orangers.

Come and discover the stages involved in perfume creation: treating the raw materials, distillation, extraction, and more. Learn what happens in each process and the equipment involved in them too.

A One-of-a-Kind Collection          

Over 2,500 objects retracing the origins of perfume have been carefully organzied into five sections according to Western historical chronology: from ancient to modern and contemporary times going right through the Middle Ages.

The collection is displayed following specific themes: elegance and classicism, magic and dynamism, and also frivolity and hygiene.

Admire different types of perfume bottles (glass, porcelain, and so on) from various civilizations (Egyptian, Greek, Roman). If the fragrances appeal to you, the designs of their unique bottles will definitely catch your eye.

A variety of other key objects are displayed here, such as palattes, vases, and even the beauty travel case that belonged to Marie Antoinette, and the many beauty utensils it contained.

Address

Musée International de la Parfumerie
2 Boulevard Jeu de Ballon
06130 Grasse