Walking in and around Grasse

The flowery scent of a field of lavender, the mouth-watering aroma of sun-drenched fruit, the woody smell of the garrigue… Provence always brings a bouquet of reminiscences. And while they emanate throughout the region, on these Côte d’Azur trails, these scents become even more pronounced. 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: perfume and panoramic views

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

Departure from the town centre. As the gradient increases, the scents become more powerful. Little by little, your senses take control of your steps until you reach the summits 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, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Grasse.

From one of the seats at the top, 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

Length of walk: 3h30
Difference in altitude: +380m; -380m
Level: moderate

Hiking trails for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers

Equidistant from the Mediterranean and the Alps, the perfume capital stands like a frontier between mountain and sea. During a stay in Grasse accommodation, the first peaks of the Mercantour offer hikers some great mountain adventures. On the old Route Napoléon from the town centre and the area of the same name, a historic and natural circuit through the hinterland awaits you. This challenging, steeply graded walk, starting in Grasse, takes you as far as the village of Escragnolles. You can even continue as far as Digne-les-Bains on this 6-day tour.

If you want to get back to the seaside, take the path along the Canal de la Siagne. This walk from Grasse takes you down to the Croisette beach in Cannes. From the city of perfumes to the city of the festival, wind your way down the mountains and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the Côte d’Azur.

Val de siagne :

– Hiking time: 3h

– Difference in altitude: +230 m; -230 m

– Level: moderate

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A hike in Grasse for all the family

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans as you venture along the trail of the ancient camp at Rouret. This trail in Grasse’s hinterland is ideal for an easy, cultural first hike. Before reaching the historic remains, this loop takes in a number of vineyards and superb views over the villages of Gourdon and Bar-sur-Loup.

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

Length of walk: 2h30
Difference in altitude: +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 out from the village of Bar-sur-Loup, the path that runs alongside the old canal promises a delightful 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 line, you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional panorama of the Grasse hinterland.

Length of walk: 3h30
Difference in altitude: +417m; -414m
Level: moderate

2. Caussols Plateau
Around the Plateau de Caussols and its limestone landscapes, a path winds its way between the Mediterranean and the Alps. Follow this trail 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 will cross your path and show you the way to the summit.

Length of hike: 4 hours
Difference in altitude: +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. This intense hike will take you through forests, waterfalls and steep cliffs, guided by the exhilarating scents of the perfume factories and surrounding nature.

Length of walk: 3h30
Difference in altitude: +520m; -520m
Level: moderate

4. La Malle trail
Departing from the village of Gourdon, this challenging hike takes in some of the finest views 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 Colle des Maçons and Haut Montet, the Malle trail alternates between physical exertion and contemplation of the Côte d’Azur landscape.

Length of walk: 6h30
Difference in altitude: +890m; -890m
Level: Difficult