An excursion: from Jasmins Studio to the Napoleon Route
A day to completely change scenery
From Jasmins Studio, in Vallauris-Golfe-Juan, You can easily leave the coast and explore the hinterland. In a single day, this excursion takes you from the perfume gardens of Mouans-Sartoux to the old town of Grasse, then on to the landscapes of the Grasse countryside and the historic Route Napoléon.
If you are visiting the region for the first time, start with our overview of Vallauris-Golfe-Juan: art, sea and history, the municipality where your accommodation is located.
This is a great opportunity to discover another side of the French Riviera, away from the beaches and the activity of the seaside.
Step 1 — Mouans-Sartoux: the MIP gardens
Jasmins Studio → MIP Garden: 11.5 km, approximately 18 minutes by car.
First stop in Mouans-Sartoux, at Garden of the International Perfume Museum (MIP). You will be able to stroll among the plants used in perfumery and discover the essences that have contributed to Grasse's reputation.
This visit provides an excellent introduction to the rest of the excursion: the Grasse region is intimately linked to flower cultivation and the history of perfume.
To learn more about the region's traditional flowers and crops, also discover The Grasse region: flowers, perfumes and gardens
Step 2 — Grasse: the historical capital of perfumery
Continue your journey towards Grasse, famous throughout the world for its perfume industry.
Take the time to explore the old town, its narrow streets, squares, and heritage. You can also visit a perfumery or one of the museums dedicated to this world.
Grasse deserves a closer look: its history, its know-how and its Provençal atmosphere make it an essential stop on this day.
Step 3 — The Grasse region: explore the hinterland
Do not consider Grasse as the end of your trip!
Take the back roads and let yourself be guided towards the Grasse region. You will discover landscapes different from those of the coast, villages of character and a Provençal countryside that invites you to slow down.
This is an opportunity to get off the beaten track and enjoy a more discreet French Riviera, between hills, villages and panoramas.
Stage 4 — The Napoleon Route: In the footsteps of the Emperor
If you wish to extend your exploration, continue your excursion towards the historical route of the Route Napoléon.
This route recalls Napoleon's return from the island of Elba in 1815 and his journey to Grenoble, after his landing at Golfe-Juan on March 1st.
This will allow you to make the connection between the starting point of this historical adventure, very close to Jasmins Studio, and the landscapes of the hinterland.
To understand how this historic adventure began, visit our dedicated page on Napoleon in Golfe-Juan: the start of the Napoleon Route
My advice: dedicate a day to this excursion.
I recommend choosing a day when you feel like leaving the seaside and discovering a different atmosphere.
In just a few hours of driving and sightseeing, you will pass through:
from the Mediterranean → to the perfume plant gardens → to the perfume capital → to the landscapes of the Grasse region → to the traces of Napoleon.
This excursion offers a nice contrast to the days spent in Antibes, Cannes or Golfe-Juan.
After this excursion into the hinterland, you can also plan a day trip to the coast with our guide. Golfe-Juan: beaches, ports and the Lérins Islands
