Grasse and Biot: perfume, Old Town and glassblowers
Polyglot Club invites you to discover two Côte d’Azur crafts on Saturday, November 20, 2027: perfume-making in Grasse and glassblowing in Biot. Coach transport from Marseille and Aix-en-Provence connects these two visits for a day combining craftsmanship, a stroll through old Grasse and friendly conversation.
In the morning, the planned visit to Fragonard’s historic factory introduces the stages of perfume production, from raw materials to packaging. Afterwards, enjoy the streets of the Old Town and choose a restaurant, terrace or picnic spot for your independent lunch.
The afternoon takes us to La Verrerie de Biot. Watching the glassmakers at work gives a different view of craftsmanship: hot glass changes shape through blowing and skilled movements, before becoming objects with the characteristic bubbles that catch the light. There is also time to browse the displayed collections.
The planned visits use the venues’ free visitor access, subject to group arrangements; paid workshops are not part of the excursion. Our French- and English-speaking Polyglot Club host accompanies the group throughout the day, helping participants meet and practise languages in an international atmosphere.
Photos from a previous Polyglot Club excursion in Provence:
Sales are planned to open on October 1, 2026, subject to the required confirmations. Reservations are currently closed.
BUY YOUR TICKET ONLINE (secure payment):
To reserve your place, you must make an advance reservation by paying part of the total online. The remaining amount (€30) must be paid at departure (cash or cheque).
Read the Terms and Conditions of Sale.
PROGRAMME – GRASSE AND BIOT GLASSWORKS
1. Departure from Marseille, then Aix-en-Provence
- Marseille : 06:45.
- Aix-en-Provence : 07:30.
Meet 15 minutes before departure at the meeting point detailed in the practical information below. Timings are provisional and will be confirmed with the coach operator.
2. Grasse: perfume and the Old Town
Arrival around 10:15, with a visit to the historic Fragonard factory planned from 10:30 to 11:15, subject to group availability. The perfumery visit is free. Explore the Old Town and enjoy lunch independently until 13:15. No paid workshop or private guided Old Town tour is included.
From raw materials to the perfume bottle
At Fragonard’s historic factory, the visit connects perfume with its production: laboratories, workshops and packaging spaces illustrate the stages that turn raw materials into finished products. The factory’s explanations introduce this craft before you see the creations in the shop, with no obligation to buy.
Independent lunch break
Choose a restaurant or bring your picnic. Meals and drinks are at your own expense. Enjoy conversation with fellow participants during the break, while leaving enough time to reach the next meeting point.
A break in old Grasse
The following stroll offers a change of pace: look at the façades, explore the narrow streets and choose a terrace or a lunch spot. Follow the coordinator’s suggestions or enjoy the centre independently, with a shared meeting point before leaving for Biot. About the historic factory.
3. Glassblowers in Biot
Transfer to Biot for a glassworks visit planned from 14:15 to 15:15: observe the glassblowers’ craft and discover bubble glass. Public access and the usual demonstration are free, subject to working hours and group access. Individual workshops and private services cost extra and are not included.
Watch a glass object take shape
Inside the glassmakers’ hall, watch the artisans work with hot glass: a shape gradually emerges through blowing and skilled hand movements. Glasses, carafes and decorative objects reveal the texture and light of the house’s characteristic bubbled glass. We observe the workshop’s normal activity; this is not a private demonstration reserved for our group.
There is also time to browse the displayed collections and shop. The venue currently advertises free self-guided entry; opening hours and group access will be checked again for November 2027. Glassblowing workshops are outside our programme: collecting the finished piece later is not compatible with this day trip. Plan a visit to La Verrerie de Biot.
4. Meeting point and return
Regroup and depart around 15:45. There is no added visit to Cannes or extended tour of the hilltop village of Biot. Final visiting arrangements and times will be checked before sales open.
Final return expected around 19:30, traffic permitting. Exact return points and timings will be confirmed with Sumian.
PRICING
Advance booking is required, with part of the total paid online.
SUPER PROMO : 45.99 €
from October 1 to November 30, 2026 inclusive.A deposit of €15.99 is required when booking; the remaining €30 is payable on the coach.
PROMO : 49.99 €
from December 1, 2026 to November 17, 2027 inclusive.A deposit of €19.99 is required when booking; the remaining €30 is payable on the coach.
Standard : 55.99 €
from November 18, 2027 until booking closes.A deposit of €25.99 is required when booking; the remaining €30 is payable on the coach.
INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED
Coach transport, French-English coordination and language exchanges included. Meals, drinks and personal expenses not included.
Participants
All ages, all nationalities, and all language levels are welcome.
You can come alone, as a couple, with your family, or with friends.
Marseille meeting point
Next to Marseille Saint-Charles station, by the entrance to the Faculty of Sciences Saint-Charles on Place Victor-Hugo, at the “Faculté Saint-Charles” bus stop.
See the exact location on the map.
Aix-en-Provence meeting point
Avenue Henri-Mouret, Quai 28, two minutes on foot from the bus station, on the Casino Partouche side of the avenue. Groups are now picked up at Quai 28, not Quai 25.
See the exact location on the map.
TRANSPORT
Air-conditioned coach (capacity to be confirmed with Sumian).
INFORMATION
SMS / WhatsApp (Vincent): +33 6 60 25 62 66
For more details about all our excursions in Provence, join our WhatsApp group "Excursions in Provence":
https://polyglotclub.com/ExcursionsProvence
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun or rain protection and clothing suitable for the season. Return times are approximate and depend on traffic and access. For coastal trips, swimming and access to natural areas depend on weather and local restrictions.
Minors must be accompanied by parents, legal representatives or guardians; a waiver cannot replace supervision. An unaccompanied minor cannot participate and will be refunded. Discuss accessibility needs in advance so safe participation can be assessed; a support person is recommended where needed.
Arrive punctually: late arrival or failure to pay the balance may prevent participation. Sales and cancellation terms will be provided before booking opens; no insurance is included or promised at this stage. Contact Vincent, +33 6 60 25 62 66 (SMS/WhatsApp). Join the Provence excursions information group.
Photo : Javier Branas, Creative Commons (redimensionnement / resized).
ABOUT POLYGLOT CLUB
Polyglot Club is an association dedicated to language exchange with over 1M members and organizing language events in more than 300 cities worldwide.
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