Condé Nast TravelerNov 16, 2025
I Base My Travels Around Perfume—Here Are 7 Cities to Visit for an Olfactory Immersion
Let your nose wander through destinations with a rich perfume history.
Stay in a 19th-century perfumer’s mansion.
23 things in this story
- Musée International de la ParfumerieMuseumLearn about the history of perfumery.
- FragonardPlaceFamous perfumery with a mini museum.
- MolinardPlaceOffers a hands-on perfume-making workshop.
- GalimardPlaceOne of three major perfumeries in Grasse.
- International Rose FestivalFestivalOccurs in May during the rose harvest.
- Jasmine FestivalFestivalOccurs in August during the jasmine harvest.
- Santa Maria NovellaPlaceFounded in 1221, original outpost still open.
- Villa Des ParfumsHotelStay in a 19th-century perfumer’s mansion.
- Skylark BNBHotelOffers views and educational experience with proprietors.
- Denis DurandSightIndependent perfumer with opulent aesthetic.
- Café FleurRestaurantPart café, part concept shop with artisanal coffees.
- Officina Profumo-FarmaceuticaSightDestination for perfume lovers, open since the 1600s.
- Aqua FlorSightReviving Florence's perfume presence since 2009.
- Dr. Vranjes FirenzeSightOne of a dozen Florentine perfumeries.
- ProfumoirSightTaking scent-tourism to a new level.
- Casa ProfumoirHotelRenovated home of master perfumer Sileno Cheloni.
- Museo VilloresiMuseumEducates guests on raw materials used in perfumery.
- Giardino delle RoseSightHouses nearly 400 species of roses.
- Palazzo FirenzeHotelGlamorous 18th-century mansion turned five-star hotel.
- Campomarzio70SightNiche perfume store with olfactory works of art.
- Profumoir Perfume Tasting experiencePlaceTeaches nuances about perfumery and includes incense ceremony.
- Osmorama roomSightVisitors can find and sniff over 1,000 notes and accords.
- Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San SimonePlaceOffers an affordable perfume masterclass.