©Pierre BEHAR

Walking in and around Grasse

The flowery scent of a lavender field, the mouth-watering aroma of sun-drenched fruit, the woody scent of the garrigue… Provence always brings its bouquet of reminiscences. And while they emanate throughout the region, on these Côte d’Azur trails, these scents are accentuated. Between the Alps and the Mediterranean, between natural scents and age-old traditions, come and exalt your senses and explore the hinterland on a hike in Grasse.

A hike in Grasse between perfume and panoramic tour

As you climb towards the hills of the pre-alps, all paths lead to aromas. Above the rooftops, the fumes of perfume factories mingle with natural essences and accompany every walk in Grasse.

Start from the town centre. As the gradient increases, the scents become more powerful. Gradually, your senses take control of your steps until you reach the peaks of Grasse and their incredible panoramas.

The exhilarating scents of the hinterland soon guide you to the Tour de la Marbrière trail. After a few kilometres of hiking, a breathtaking view of Grasse emerges.

Sit back in one of the seats arranged at the top, from these heights, the peaks of the Alps and the beaches of the Côte d’Azur greet you. Amid flowers and rocky ridges, this Grasse hike takes you to the heart of wild Provence: a must-do activity in the city of perfume.

Tour de la Marbrière

  • Duration of hike: 3h30
  • Height gain: +380m; -380m
  • Level:Medium

Hiking tours for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers

Equal distances from the Mediterranean and the Alps, the perfume capital stands like a border between mountain and sea. During a stay in an accommodation in Grasse, the first peaks of the Mercantour offer hikers some great mountain adventures. On the old Route Napoléon from the town centre and the space of the same name, a historic and natural circuit through the hinterland awaits you. Sporty and with a steep gradient, this hike starts in Grasse and takes you all the way to the village of Escragnolles. Continuing on, you can even go as far as Digne-les-Bains on this 6-day tour.

To get back to the maritime landscapes, head for the path that runs alongside the Canal de la Siagne. This hike from Grasse takes you down to the Croisette beach in Cannes. From the city of perfumes to that of the festival, wind down the mountains and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the Côte d’Azur.

Val de siagne:

Hike duration: 3h

Height gain: +230 m ; -230 m

Level: Medium

Our most beautiful walks on the Côte d'Azur

A hike in Grasse for all the family

In Provence with all the family, follow in the footsteps of the Romans by venturing out on the circuit of the ancient Rouret camp. For an easy and cultural first hike, this trail in the Grasse hinterland is ideal. Before reaching the historic remains, a few vineyards and superb views of the villages of Gourdon and Bar-sur-Loup punctuate this loop.

As you pass through the forest, stone walls and old oil millstones litter the route. These are the ruins of the Roman camp. You’ll see, this hike in Grasse takes you through both the eras and landscapes of the Côte d’Azur.

  • Hike duration: 2h30
  • Height gain: +246m ; -248m
  • Level: Easy
Our top 4 walks in and around Grasse

From footpaths to scents, hiking in Grasse offers a compendium of the most beautiful scenery in Provence. To explore them, take a look at our 4 favourite tours of Grasse’s hinterland:

1. Canal du Loup and Aqueduc du Foulon
Starting from the village of Bar-sur-Loup, the path along the old canal promises a lovely hike. Wind your way through tunnels and narrow passages to reach the peaks of the Vallée du Loup. From waterfalls to small torrents, via a crossing of the Aqueduc du Foulon, water gives rhythm to the circuit. At the finish, an exceptional panorama of the Grasse hinterland rewards this sporty hike.

  • Hike duration: 3h30
  • Height: +417m ; -414m
  • Level: Medium

2. Plateau de Caussols
Around the Plateau de Caussols and its limestone landscapes, a path winds its way between the Mediterranean and the Alps. Follow this route past the Col du Clapier and numerous sheepfolds. After a few kilometres, the summit of Haut Montet rises to the top of its ridge. Take a stroll through this wild landscape, where stone stands side by side with the flowers of the garrigue. While the hike is in full swing, a few flocks of sheep cross your path and point the way to the summit.

  • Duration of hike: 4h
  • Ascent: +420m; -420m
  • Level: Medium

3. Circuit du Paradis
In Bar-sur-Loup, one path looks like a Garden of Eden. The aptly named Circuit du Paradis winds its way along the crests of the Vallée du Loup. Over the rooftops of the villages and the treetops, several kilometres of uneven terrain unfold. Intense, this hike will take you through forests, waterfalls and sheer cliffs, guided by the exhilarating scents of perfumeries and the surrounding nature.

  • Hike duration: 3h30
  • Height gain: +520m; -520m
  • Level: Medium

4. Circuit de la Malle
Starting from the village of Gourdon, a challenging hike reveals one of the finest panoramas of the Côte d’Azur coastline and the peaks of the Alps. On this steeply graded route, you’ll pass through forests, villages and limestone hills. At an altitude of several metres between the Colle des Maçons and the Haut Montet, the Malle trail alternates between physical exertion and contemplation of the Côte d’Azur landscapes.

  • Hike duration: 6h30
  • Height gain: +890m; -890m
  • Level: Difficult