There are so many reasons to visit The French Riviera, If you’ve already visited you’ll know how much it has to offer and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?! Château Saint Gorges, situated in the beautiful town of Grasse is an extraordinary 19th-century venue. It has been coined “Le Petit Versailles” and is a southern France landmark, built by a famous perfumer. We offer a serene environment with luxurious finishes, modern amenities, and commanding views over the bay of Cannes and Grasse. Both the Château and its surrounding areas are full of activities events and sights that are must-visits and must-sees. Here are our top 10 things to do on your visit to Grasse…
1. TOUR THE PERFUMERIES
By far the best and most historic thing to do is tour the perfumeries, It’s what this wonderful town is famous for, so no trip would be complete without it. There are three famous perfumeries based here Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard. If you’re a person that’s into history or perfume, or both then this is definitely something you want to do. Galimard is the oldest perfumery that dates back to 1747 and like the others offers free guided tours where you can learn about their history, how their perfume is made and while away the hours smelling the beautiful scents that they create. Fragonard even has its own perfume museum attached to it, and at Molinard you can learn how to make simple perfume, so there’s something for everyone.
2. THE CÔTE D’AZUR GARDEN FESTIVAL
If you’re visiting in Spring then the wonder and beauty of the Côte d’Azur garden festival will transport you to an ethereal place. Created by teams of extremely talented garden landscapers you can while the days away amongst the most beautiful parks and gardens on the Côte d’Azur. There are lots of events and activities that go on in and around this festival, and it’s definitely something you can enjoy alone, as a couple or as a family. It lasts for almost a month running from May 9th-June 9th so you have plenty of time to visit these artistic gardens.
3. VISIT GEORGES DU LOUP
If you’re a nature lover then Georges Du Loup is one of the natural wonders of the region. A day of exploring or hiking this beautiful place is a must. It’s only 15 minutes north of the city of Grasse, and you will see continued beautiful scenery and a spectacular canyon that holds a trio of waterfalls. It’s full to the brim of epic scenery and the views are breathtaking. There are lots of beautiful walks to do too!
4. NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Summer brings the Nice Jazz Festival that proudly holds the title of the first Jazz Festival in the world and dates back to 1948 so it has plenty of history behind it. It’s a festival dedicated to ‘great music’ and has the crème de la crème of jazz performers. It runs from July 15th – 19th and has a unique programme every evening. If you love jazz music then you will not want to miss this magical event.
5. EXPLORE GOURDON
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this charming medieval village is a popular Grasse tourist attraction. Known as a ‘perched village of Provence’ you can enjoy panoramic views of the French coastline and take a trip back in time. It’s full of maintained medieval houses that are located around the feudal castle. You can visit its apothecary garden to know more about the medicinal plants used in the Middle Ages and there are lots of creative independent french shops to browse too. It’s a little piece of history that you don’t want to pass by if you are visiting Grasse.
6. VILLA BEACHES
A wonderful summer event held at the beginning of August The Electronic Beaches is a unique festival that offers chilled and exotic vibes. There is plenty of outdoor space with a unique seating configuration to enjoy a lavish picnic and while the days away listening to talented artists serenade you! It runs for 4 days and year on year has a breathtaking live program for you to enjoy. A real must visit if you’re a bit of a festival-goer!
7. WALK THE 300-STONE STEPS
Grasse itself is full of hidden treasures, so on your wander around this enchanting city make sure you visit and walk the 300 stone steps. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, stone streets and colourful buildings, it’s worth taking some time out to appreciate this beautiful place.
8. THE SAILS OF SAINT TROPEZ
Autumn is considered one of the beautiful sailing races ‘The Sails of Saint Tropez’ runs for 2 weeks from the end of September to the beginning of October. Regattas are scheduled over the two weeks and over 300 modern and classic boats grace the water, it’s an incredible sight and definitely worth a visit. The first week of races is for boats of 20 metres and the last week is for those impressive maxi yachts that sail the sea. If the weather allows you may get a chance to participate in the race too, it’s for both beginners and professionals alike and prizes are presented at the end of each week.
9. TAKE A TRIP TO CANNES
The city of Cannes is well renowned worldwide, mainly due to the infamous Cannes Film Festival and its association with the rich and famous. It has luxury hotels, restaurants and shops and it has a lot to offer if you are wanting a day in the city. Visit the ports to take in the sea views, have lunch on the promenades, and if you’re partial to a bit of retail therapy then this is a beautiful place to do it! There are lots of streets full of beautiful shops for every occasion.
10. THE MIMOSA ROUTE
If you’re visiting at the end of winter then The Mimosa Route is a huge celebration and popular festival that takes place every February. After an inaugural evening at the “Notre Dame des Mimosas” Chapel and the election of the Queen of Mimosa, parades take place in the districts of Mandelieu la Napoule in celebration. This festival is eight days long with lots of activities each day. The highlight of the festival is most definitely the flower parades, which mark the start of Spring on the French Riviera. Visitors can enjoy the hills in bloom and take in the beauty of the mimosa route. They can also discover all the secrets of the Mimosa during its flowering period from mid-January to early March, so there’s plenty of time to see this beautiful route.
These are just a few of the many reasons to visit! Whatever season you are visiting there is always something to do and some spectacular event going on you can find out more below and If you would like anymore help, or would like to enquire about staying at Château Saint Gorges, get in touch!
WINTER EVENTS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA: 3 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR STAY AT CHATEAU SAINT GEORGES
AUTUMN EVENTS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA: 3 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR STAY AT CHÂTEAU SAINT GEORGES
SUMMER EVENTS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA: 5 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR STAY AT CHÂTEAU SAINT GEORGES
SPRING EVENTS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA: 3 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR STAY AT CHATEAU SAINT GEORGES
