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Nestling
in the hills beyond Cannes, Grasse is the only large town
on the Côte d'Azur not at the edge of the Mediterranean. But
Grasse is also unique for other reasons. Capital of the Perfume
Industry, it is a town of fragrance whose steep streets are
well worth discovering. The historic part of town with its
quaintness and charm is also well worth the detour. Grasse
began to develop as early as the 11th century, though it was
in the 12th century that the town knew real economic prosperity
thanks to a treaty drawn up with Genoa in Italy. Later attached
to the County of Provence, then the Kingdom of Savoy, Grasse
benefitted from the development of its leather-tanning industry
in the 15th century, then from another activity that grew
out of the first : perfume manufacturing. In the 18th century,
Grasse became the Capital of the Perfume Industry. Since then,
the perfume and food flavor industry has made incredible progress,
leaving Grasse with a fragrance unique on the Côte d'Azur.
Bar-sur-Loup : medieval village surrounded with hills of pines
and olives ; a halt must be paid at the Florian sweet factory
for those with a sweet tooth. Gourdon At an altitude of 758
meters, the 12th century castle boasts a handsome collection
of old weapons and a torture chamber. Admire the view from
the hanging gardens. Designed by Le Notre, who was also responsible
for designing the gardens at Versailles, these terraces are
home to a number of specimens of alpine flowers. Mouans Sartoux
: Mouans-Sartoux is only four miles away from the sea and
a little more from the mountains, with its ideal climatic
conditions. The visitor may admire besides the Castle recently
established by the Commune, the fountains, the XIII-Th. century
chapel,… Opio : flowery village specialized in the flower
rearing ; oil-mill still in production. Saint Vallier de They
This charming resting place, located at the foot of the Audibergue
mountain on a broad, green plateau, offers a beautiful panoramic
view over the "Pas de la Faye". In the area surrounding St.
Vallier de Thiey, discover the many hiking paths and visit
the "Baume Obscure" cave and the "Audides" cave Cabris : located
in an admirable position, the ruins of the 12th century castle
offer a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Cannes,
the Gulf of La Napoule, the Lerins Islands, the Tanneron and
Esterel Hills and Saint Cassien lake. ( Tanks to French Riviera
Chamber of Commerce )
Hotel
Suggestion in Grasse
Hotel Des Parfums**** near Grasse in Vence
Hotel Floreal ***
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FRENCH
RIVIERA 
