Decorated floats drive through the town, with young women in skimpy costumes on board, throwing flowers into the crowd.

The trade in leather and tanning work developed during the twelfth century around the small canal that runs through the city.

At the time of the Renaissance perfume manufacturers began production of gloves, handbags and belt (clothing), to meet the new fashion from Italy with the entourage of Queen Catherine de Medici.

Introduction of new production methods turned perfume making into a real industry that could adapt to new market demands.

During the twentieth century the creation of synthetic products brought the democratization and affordability of perfumes and their spin-offs; (shampoos and deodorants, cream (pharmaceutical) and detergents, food flavouring for cookies, ice cream and dairy products, beverages, convenience foods, confectionery, preserves and syrups).

Once tanned, the hides were often exported to Genoa or Pisa, cities that shared a commercial alliance with Grasse.

Thereafter, the product spread through the Royal Court and high society, and this made a worldwide reputation for Grasse.

However, during the 1960s and 1970s large international groups gradually bought up local family factories (Chiris, Givaudan-Roure and Lautier, for example).

Grasse perfume companies have therefore adapted by turning to aromatic synthesis and especially to food flavourings and successfully ended a long stagnation.

The Grasse perfume industry cannot compete against large chemical multinationals, but it benefits greatly from the advantage of its knowledge of raw materials, facilities, contractors, etc.

In addition, major brands such as Dior and Chanel have their own plantations of roses and jasmine in the vicinity of Grasse.

[citation needed] Three perfumeries, Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard opened their doors to the public and offer free tours that explain the processes of producing a perfume.

The town is home to the Lycée Amiral-de-Grasse and since 2019 one of two seats of the higher education engineering college ECAM-EPMI.

In addition to the perfumeries, Grasse's other main attraction is the Cathedral, dedicated to Notre Dame du Puy and founded in the 11th century.