Musee International de la Parfumerie, Grasse

Grasse, the birthplace of traditional perfumery (located 15 kilometers/nine miles from Cannes), has a wonderful museum devoted entirely to perfume. Visitors are given a tour on how perfume is made, from the processing of raw materials (creation of essences, distillation, extraction), right through to the finished product. Inaugurated in 1989, the museum has an outstanding collection of antique and contemporary items associated with perfume and make-up (including the travel case belonging to Marie Antoinette). Refreshments are available on the museum terrace.