Grasse (France)

Grasse is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department 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" 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. 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. The Gare de Grasse railway station offers connections with Cannes, Nice and Ventimiglia.