Molinard Perfume Factory Grasse
Step into the world of fragrance at Molinard, a historic Grasse perfumery where you can create your own signature scent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Molinard Perfume Factory Grasse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the world of fragrance at Molinard, a historic Grasse perfumery where you can create your own signature scent.
"Brilliant personal guidance from the perfumer, who explained the perfume creation process and then helped with the final composition."
🎯 Book Your Perfume Workshop
Popular workshops fill up fast! Book your spot in advance to create your own unique scent. :ticket:
👃 Understand Perfume Notes
Learn about top, heart, and base notes to craft a balanced and lasting fragrance. :dna:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Create Your Own Signature Scent
Workshop Area
Design and bottle your unique perfume with guidance from an expert perfumer. A truly personal souvenir!
Molinard Perfume Museum
Factory Floor
Discover the rich history of Molinard and the art of perfumery through fascinating exhibits.
Molinard Perfume Boutique
Ground Floor Shop
Explore a wide range of Molinard fragrances, from classic scents to modern creations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Perfume Workshop in Advance
Explore Grasse's Perfume Heritage
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Perfume Workshop
Popular workshops fill up fast! Book your spot in advance to create your own unique scent.
👃 Understand Perfume Notes
Learn about top, heart, and base notes to craft a balanced and lasting fragrance. :dna:
🛍️ Explore the Boutique
Discover a wide array of Molinard fragrances, including niche and custom options. +1 :shopping_bags:
🗣️ Multilingual Tours Available
Enjoy tours and workshops in English or French for a comprehensive understanding. :globewithmeridians:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Perfume Workshop
Popular workshops fill up fast! Book your spot in advance to create your own unique scent.
👃 Understand Perfume Notes
Learn about top, heart, and base notes to craft a balanced and lasting fragrance. :dna:
🛍️ Explore the Boutique
Discover a wide array of Molinard fragrances, including niche and custom options. +1 :shopping_bags:
🗣️ Multilingual Tours Available
Enjoy tours and workshops in English or French for a comprehensive understanding. :globewithmeridians:
🌸 Sample Scents on Skin
Test fragrances on your skin to see how they develop and last throughout the day. :perfume:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the personalized perfume-making workshops at Molinard, highlighting the expert guidance and the joy of creating a unique scent. The factory's rich history and the quality of its fragrances are also frequently praised, making it a highly recommended experience in Grasse. Some minor points of feedback relate to the need for advance booking for popular sessions.
"A Must-Do in Grasse – Make Your Own Perfume at Molinard
If you’re visiting Grasse, don’t miss the perfume-making workshop at Molinard. I highly recommend booking in advance — it’s a fun, hands-on, and truly unique experience that lets you create your very own custom fragrance.
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and guide you clearly through each step of the process. The workshop lasts about an hour, and you leave with a bottle of your personalized perfume — such a great souvenir!
Bonus: After the workshop, you receive 20% off purchases in the boutique, which is perfect if you want to explore their signature scents or grab gifts.
If you arrive early, take a few minutes to check out the charming (but tiny) museum on site — a lovely glimpse into Molinard’s rich history.
Pro tip: Avoid smelling any perfumes in the store before your workshop so your nose is fresh and ready to build your perfect blend.
Overall, this experience was creative, memorable, and a highlight of my time in Grasse!"
Marissa Talbot
"Grasse is a wonderful place to experience perfume-making as a family, learn how perfumes are created, and design your own unique scent. Parking in Grasse can be difficult, but Molinard offers a very large parking area that is free for up to 2 hours;make sure to mention this when you check in.
The building is beautiful, with a stylish interior that feels high end the moment you step inside. There are three workshop sessions, and we joined the one at 2:00 pm. We arrived about 15 minutes early and had some time to look around. Before starting, we were advised not to try other perfumes, so that our noses would stay fresh for the workshop.
At exactly 2:00, we sat down at our table; just the four of us as a family. The session began with a 15–20 minute introduction explaining perfume composition: base, heart, and top notes; how to test them; and how to blend them properly. There were more than 50 bottled scents to choose from. You start with the base notes and use testing papers to identify your favorites. You can pick 3, 5, 10, or even more notes if you wish. This part takes the most time, so it’s good to work a bit quickly. Once you’ve chosen, the instructor helps record the proportions in milliliters, and you then bottle your very own 50ml perfume.
It was a wonderful experience, and as a family we each ended up with unique perfumes that we all enjoyed. You can even reorder the exact same blend later if you wish.
My tip: try to learn about scents you like beforehand, so you have some idea going in. I personally had a lot of fun and came away with a beautiful, personalized perfume.
Since Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, it felt even more special to do this here. The staff were very attentive and friendly, always answering questions. Even though it was hot outside, the workshop was comfortably air-conditioned, making the experience even better.
Although I was hesitant at first about booking, I’m so glad I did; it was truly special to spend an hour creating my own fragrance at its very source. Highly recommended!"
Osman “Ozzie” G.
"The Molinard parfumerie and museum is a definite must visit. They have a part of the old factory that you can visit for free and later on do a parfum workshop and create your own scent.
This place is gorgeous and not as busy as the fragonard museum."
Kelvin Saunders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Molinard Perfume Factory is located in Grasse, France. You can reach Grasse by train from Nice or Cannes, or by car. The factory itself is accessible within the town.
While Molinard has boutiques in Paris, the historic factory and main perfume creation workshops are located in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the factory and boutique are open during typical business hours on weekdays and Saturdays. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can visit the Molinard boutique to browse and purchase perfumes without booking a specific tour or workshop. +1
Grasse is served by public transport, and once in town, Molinard is generally accessible. However, specific bus routes may vary, so checking local transport schedules is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost of the perfume-making workshop varies depending on the duration and package. The two-hour workshop, which includes creating and taking home your own perfume, is a popular option. Prices are generally considered reasonable for the experience. +1
Yes, it is highly recommended to book the perfume making workshop in advance, as these sessions are very popular and can sell out, especially during peak season.
Molinard often offers free perfume history tours that provide insights into the brand's heritage and the art of perfumery.
The workshop typically includes guidance from a perfumer, access to a selection of scents, and the creation and bottling of your own personalized fragrance to take home.
Absolutely! Molinard has a boutique where you can purchase their wide range of fragrances, from classic to contemporary scents. +1
🎫 👃 Onsite Experience
The experience is hands-on and educational. You'll learn about perfume composition, choose from a palette of scents, and work with a perfumer to create your signature fragrance. It's described as brilliant and highly recommended. +1
The most popular workshop is a two-hour session, offering ample time to learn, experiment, and create your own perfume.
Yes, families can enjoy the perfume creation experience. Children can create their own scents, making it a fun and memorable activity for all ages.
Molinard is one of the oldest perfume houses in Grasse, founded in 1849. The factory museum showcases its rich heritage and the evolution of perfumery.
Molinard is known for its unique and pure essences, offering a less commercial and more artisanal fragrance experience compared to mass-market brands.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Molinard itself doesn't typically have a full restaurant, they sometimes offer delightful local artisan coffee and macarons as a sweet touch during workshops, enhancing the overall experience.
Grasse offers numerous charming restaurants and cafes, from traditional Provençal cuisine to casual eateries, perfect for lunch before or after your visit to Molinard.
It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before or after your visit to respect the establishment and its offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the boutique and museum areas for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially during workshops.
The beautifully displayed perfume bottles in the boutique, historical artifacts in the museum, and the creative process during workshops offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can definitely capture photos of your unique perfume creation after you've made it. It's a great way to remember your personalized scent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum also provides an engaging way to learn about the history of perfume in a visually interesting way. When visiting Grasse, remember that the town itself is quite charming and walkable, offering opportunities for family exploration beyond the perfume factories. Pack comfortable shoes for navigating the streets and be prepared for a sensory adventure that will delight both adults and children.
💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways
The intimate setting of the workshop and the shared creative process can foster a special connection. After your perfume creation, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Grasse, perhaps finding a charming local restaurant for a romantic lunch. The scent of flowers that permeates the town adds to the romantic ambiance, making Molinard a perfect addition to a couples' itinerary in the South of France.
🛍️ Perfume Enthusiasts and Collectors
Beyond the workshop, the Molinard boutique is a treasure trove of unique scents. Explore their collection of niche perfumes and artisanal creations, which are often praised for their purity and distinctiveness compared to mass-market options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Perfume Creation at Molinard
During the workshop, you'll not only learn about the science behind perfume but also the artistry involved. The perfumer helps you balance different olfactory families – floral, woody, oriental, citrus – to achieve your desired effect.
After crafting your signature scent, you'll bottle it, creating a tangible and personal memento of your time at Molinard. This custom perfume is more than just a fragrance; it's a souvenir infused with your own creativity and the essence of Grasse.
The entire process is designed to be educational, enjoyable, and deeply personal, offering a unique insight into one of France's most cherished traditions. Molinard's Rich Heritage and Legacy
Its long history is steeped in tradition and innovation, having been a favorite of royalty, including Queen Victoria. The Molinard Perfume Factory in Grasse houses a museum that chronicles this fascinating journey, showcasing antique perfume bottles, historical documents, and the evolution of perfumery techniques. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the meticulous process of extracting essences from natural ingredients, a craft that Grasse has perfected over centuries.
Molinard's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in its current offerings. They continue to produce high-quality, artisanal perfumes that are distinct from more commercial brands, often praised for their pure and fresh aromas.
Exploring Grasse: The Perfume Capital
Visiting Molinard is an integral part of experiencing Grasse's rich olfactory heritage. Beyond Molinard, Grasse is home to other historic perfume houses like Fragonard and Galimard, each offering their own unique tours and workshops.
Exploring these factories provides a comprehensive understanding of the industry's history and modern practices. The town itself is charming, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a palpable connection to the world of fragrance. For those interested in a deeper dive, consider visiting the International Perfume Museum in Grasse, which offers a broader historical and scientific perspective on perfumery.
Grasse offers a sensory journey, where the air itself seems to carry the scent of flowers and history, making a visit to Molinard a perfect starting point for this aromatic adventure. 
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