Molinard Perfumery (Maison Molinard)
60 Blvd. Victor Hugo, Grasse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 06130
Grasse in Provence has long been considered the heart of the French perfume industry—and Molinard Perfumery (Maison Molinard) has been one of its essential stops since its founding in 1849. Today, its headquarters are home to a perfume museum, historical laboratory, and shop, where visitors can pick up scents or even blend their own.
The basics
One of France’s oldest and most esteemed perfume houses, Molinard Perfumery (Maison Molinard) is a must-visit for fragrance lovers visiting the South of France. Its historic headquarters in Grasse are housed in a grand, coral-red building in the hilly outskirts of town. Within, visitors can browse the vintage perfume bottles and artifacts on display in the on-site museum, explore the still-active soap factory, learn about the perfume-making process, and pick up their own scented souvenirs in the on-site shop.
Molinard’s Grasse headquarters are a popular stop on an array of South of France itineraries, and those looking to create their own scents can pre-book expert perfumer-led masterclasses before their visit.
Things to know before you go
In addition to its Grasse headquarters, Molinard operates standalone boutiques in Grasse, Nice, and Paris.
Most areas of the headquarters are accessible to wheelchair users, while those with sensory sensitivities may wish to avoid visiting.
Free tours of the facilities are offered every 20 minutes.
How to get there
Molinard Perfumery’s headquarters are at 60 Boulevard Victor Hugo in Grasse, France. It is roughly 12 miles (19 kilometers) north of Cannes and can be reached by the D6185; parking is offered on-site. The local Molinard bus stop also serves the headquarters.
When to get there
Molinard Perfumery’s headquarters are open daily during the April–September high season, from morning until early evening, with extended opening hours in July and August. During the October–March low season, Molinard is closed on Sundays (except during school holidays).
Grasse’s highlight perfumeries
There are several essential stops for fragrance lovers making a pilgrimage to Grasse. In addition to Molinard, two other longstanding perfumery houses—Fragonard and Galimard—also offer tours, masterclasses, and shopping options. It’s also worth visiting the International Perfumery Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie) and exploring the smaller perfumery brands in the Old Town.
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