Founded in 1926
Fragonard
A perfume museum, factory visit and boutique in the heart of Grasse. A vivid introduction to the art of perfume.
Discover
Discover Grasse & the French Riviera
Villa Apolline sits on the hills above Grasse, between the perfume capital of the world, the hilltop villages of Provence and the Mediterranean. Mornings in historic streets, afternoons by the sea, evenings around the table beneath the olive tree — everything is within easy reach.
Grasse
Grasse, the world capital of perfume
Some of the world's greatest perfumes were born here. To stay at Villa Apolline is to sleep inside that story: a perfumer's house, on the very hills that scented the world.
The perfume know-how of Grasse has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2018.
Grasse
The rose and the jasmine
No other destination on the French Riviera is quite like Grasse. For centuries its singular climate has allowed the cultivation of jasmine, rose centifolia, tuberose, orange blossom and lavender — the most precious raw materials in perfumery.
The historic old town
Just below the villa, the old town is best explored on foot, slowly. Narrow medieval streets, ochre façades, stone staircases, small shaded squares, cafés, independent boutiques and markets: a place to lose yourself happily, away from cars.
You climb up in the morning for the market, and return at the golden hour, when the warm stone turns the colour of honey.
The great perfume houses
Founded in 1747
Galimard
One of the oldest houses in Grasse. Its create-your-own-perfume workshops let you compose your own fragrance, guided by a nose.
Founded in 1849
Molinard
A historic house and its period boutique, where perfume-creation workshops unfold in exceptional surroundings.
Grasse
Perfume experiences
Minutes from the villa, perfume is something you live as much as you breathe.
- Create your own fragrance with a perfumer
- Visit the factories and laboratories
- Explore the perfume museums
- Wander the flower fields in blooming season
The Riviera
The French Riviera, within reach
One of Villa Apolline's greatest luxuries is its location. Within thirty to forty-five minutes, guests move effortlessly between the peace of the Provençal hills and some of the Mediterranean's most iconic destinations.
Cannes
La Croisette and its grand hotels, luxury shopping, beach clubs, yachts and the spirit of the Festival. The Mediterranean at its most glamorous.
Nice
The Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town and its flower market, museums and terraces. A grande dame with an Italian heart.
Antibes
The fortified old town, Port Vauban and its sailing boats, the Picasso Museum and lovely beaches. The Cap, next door, for the walk.
Monaco
The Casino, the boutiques, the superyachts and fine dining. A spectacular principality, for an evening.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Art galleries, cobbled streets and one of the most beautiful villages in France, a landmark of modern painting.
The villages
The hilltop villages of Provence
One of the region's quiet treasures. High above the coast, far from its bustle, these stone villages have kept the slow rhythm and character of old Provence.
Mougins
A village of art and gastronomy, renowned for its restaurants and galleries, perched above the hills.
Valbonne
Its arcaded square, weekly market and relaxed atmosphere, around a grid of streets unique in Provence.
Gourdon
Clinging to its cliff, spectacular panoramas all the way to the sea and a historic castle. One of the region's finest viewpoints.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Medieval streets, artisans' workshops and the violet, which the village has made its pride.
Cabris
Just minutes from the villa, magnificent viewpoints over Grasse and the lake, quiet cafés and an authentic atmosphere.
Food & wine
A region made for long lunches
Provence is as much about markets and shared tables as it is about Michelin stars. Here, a meal is a way of life — and it often begins with a wander through the market.
The markets
The Grasse market, Valbonne's, those of Mougins: seasonal produce, olive oil, cheese, fresh flowers. Everything for a lunch on the villa terrace.
Exceptional tables
The region holds some of the finest tables in France, from village bistros to starred houses.
Our selection of favourite addresses will be shared here soon.
The wines
Provence rosé, of course, but also the Bellet wines on the hills above Nice, one of the smallest appellations in France. Estates to visit and tastings to arrange.
Nature
Living outdoors
Between the sea and the Pré-Alpes, nature here is lived in full light, at every hour.
A morning walk on the hillside paths, a swim before breakfast, a picnic in the shade of an olive tree, a sunset from a viewpoint: the most beautiful moments ask for nothing more than being there.
For those who wish, hiking in the Pré-Alpes, cycling, golf facing the hills, the Mediterranean beaches and boat excursions along the coast are all within reach of the villa.
Itineraries
A few dream days
For inspiration — to follow, to mix, or simply to set aside in favour of doing nothing at all.
A perfect day in Grasse
- 1Breakfast at Villa Apolline
- 2Wander the old town
- 3A perfume workshop
- 4Lunch on a shaded terrace
- 5Afternoon by the pool
- 6Dinner beneath the olive tree
The Riviera day
- 1Morning in Cannes
- 2Lunch by the sea
- 3Shopping on La Croisette
- 4Back to Villa Apolline
- 5Sunset aperitif
Hidden Provence
- 1Valbonne market
- 2The panoramas of Gourdon
- 3A stop at a local winery
- 4A scenic drive
- 5Dinner at Villa Apolline
A family day
- 1Morning at the beach
- 2Ice cream by the sea
- 3A visit to an aquarium
- 4Afternoon in the pool
- 5A garden barbecue
A romantic escape
- 1Creating a perfume together
- 2A wine tasting
- 3Sunset on the terrace
- 4Dinner beneath the stars