Cannes isn’t just about glamorous film festivals and sun-drenched beaches; it’s also a surprising hub for creative workshops and classes that let you learn about local crafts and art. Whether you want to craft your own signature scent or paint your first canvas, Cannes offers a variety of hands-on experiences that make your trip truly memorable. I’ve personally enjoyed some of the perfume workshops here, especially because they blend tradition with personalized fun—like creating your own custom perfume with guidance from expert perfumers. If you’re curious about French perfume craftsmanship, the MOLINARD Parfums Cannes: Discovery Perfume Workshop is a delightful intro. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick, engaging experience and a unique souvenir.
For a more in-depth perfume experience, the Classic Perfume Workshop at Molinard provides a full hour of scent exploration and creation, complete with a diploma and a bottle of your own perfume. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s even a fun Perfume Workshop for Kids that lets your little ones make a fragrant keepsake. Beyond perfumes, Cannes also invites you to unleash your inner artist with a painting class in a private studio, ideal for those looking to add a splash of color to their trip. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top workshops and classes to consider during your stay.
1. MOLINARD Parfums Cannes: Discovery Perfume Workshop
At number one, the Discovery Perfume Workshop offers a captivating introduction to fragrance creation in just 45 minutes. For $59 per person, you’ll learn the basics of perfume blending and create your own 30ml Eau de Parfum with guidance from a professional. It’s a hands-on, small-group experience that’s ideal for first-timers or those wanting a quick yet personalized activity.
What makes this workshop stand out is the guided help from a professional perfumer who introduces you to a palette of 40 essences. You get to design your own fragrance and take home a custom 30ml bottle, making it a perfect souvenir. The relaxed pace and focused attention ensure you won’t feel rushed. It’s a great, affordable option for travelers eager to try perfume-making without committing a lot of time or money. Plus, with a high rating of 4.7/5 from 79 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice.
Bottom Line: This quick, fun experience is perfect if you want a taste of perfume craftsmanship and a personalized scent without a big time investment.
2. MOLINARD Parfums Cannes: Classic perfume Workshop 1hr
For those interested in a deeper dive into perfume crafting, the Classic perfume Workshop provides a full hour of scent exploration and creation. At $98 per person, this experience is a bit more comprehensive. You will visit a boutique in Cannes’ city center, where a professional guides you through the process of composing your own signature perfume. You’ll also receive a diploma to commemorate your achievement, plus the option to buy back your fragrance for life with a special certificate.
This workshop offers a personalized experience, with enough time to experiment with different scent combinations. Guests love the opportunity to create a perfume that truly reflects their personality while enjoying the boutique’s charming setting. The included 20% discount on your purchase makes this a good value for those considering keeping their scent as a souvenir. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a more intimate, boutique experience and an actual diploma to mark their creative accomplishment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for lovers of French perfume who want a slightly more involved, souvenir-worthy creation in a boutique setting.
3. Classical Perfume Workshop in Cannes
This Classical Perfume Workshop takes you into the world of French perfume—widely regarded as the best in the world—over approximately one hour. Led by an instructor, you’ll explore the history and structure of perfume, then blend your own scent. For $99.61, the experience is intimate, limited to just 10 participants, which allows for more personalized guidance.
Participants often comment on how engaging and educational it is, with the chance to take home a vial of your own perfume. The instructor shares expert tips, making it ideal for perfume enthusiasts or curious travelers. The workshop is praised for its friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from a master perfumer. Many reviews highlight the memorable nature of the experience, with a certificate and a unique fragrance as keepsakes.
Best suited for: Travelers who want an in-depth, hands-on perfume experience and enjoy small-group intimacy. The price is fair considering the level of personalization.
Bottom Line: A fantastic pick if you’re interested in understanding perfume’s art and science in a small, dedicated class.
4. MOLINARD Parfums Cannes: Perfume Workshop for Kids
Cannes makes sure everyone gets the fragrant treatment, including children, with the Perfume Workshop for Kids. For just $37 and lasting about 30 minutes, kids aged 4-8 can create their own perfume and personalize the bottle with stickers. It’s a fun, interactive activity designed to teach young children about scents and creativity.
This workshop is a nice way for families to include children in the experience, helping them interpret what scents appeal to them most. It’s a relaxed, playful introduction to the world of perfumery that results in a personal keepsake. Guests mention how engaging and charming it is, and it’s perfect for a quick activity that adds a special touch to your trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families with young kids looking for a creative activity that also leaves a fragrant souvenir.
5. 2 Hours Painting Class with Local Artist in Private Studio
If your idea of fun is expressing yourself with paint, the 2-hour painting class in a private Cannes studio is a great option. For $90.59 per person, you’ll get everything—canvases, brushes, acrylics—and the patient guidance of a local artist. No experience is necessary, making it suitable for absolute beginners or those wanting to refine their skills.
Guests rave about how fun and educational the class is, often mentioning they leave with a personal masterpiece and a new skill. The private setting ensures you get individual attention, and the included beverage options—wine, coffee, or tea—add a relaxing touch. This activity suits anyone wanting a creative outlet or a memorable, handmade souvenir.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art lovers or anyone wanting a break from sightseeing to create something meaningful.
$90.59 per person
6. Perfumer Workshop in Fragonard Cannes – in English
Rounding out the list is the Perfumer Workshop in Fragonard Cannes, a 1.5-hour experience focusing on composing and personalizing Eau de Cologne. Led in English by a knowledgeable perfume teacher, it includes a signed diploma, a 100ml perfume bottle in a pouch, and a Fragonard-designed apron. It’s an engaging, relaxed journey into perfume creation that combines education with creativity.
Guests appreciate the detailed guidance, with many mentioning how the instructor’s expertise makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. The workshop is ideal for those wanting a classic, well-organized perfume class with a focus on personal scent development. It offers practical souvenirs and a chance to understand the basics of perfume making in a beautiful setting.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who appreciate traditional French perfumery and want a comprehensive, enjoyable experience delivered in English.
$99 per person
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Cannes
Selecting the right experience depends on your interest level, budget, and schedule. If you’re short on time and want a quick, fun activity, the Discovery Perfume Workshop is perfect. For a more comprehensive exploration, the Classic perfume Workshop offers a deeper dive into scent blending.
Families traveling with kids should consider the Perfume Workshop for Kids, while art enthusiasts might prefer the private painting class. For those interested in classic French perfumery, the Fragonard workshop provides a thorough, guided experience.
Think about your time and budget—some workshops are shorter and more affordable, while others offer more personalized or comprehensive experiences. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Cannes offers a surprisingly wide range of creative and fragrant experiences. Whether you want to craft your signature scent, try your hand at painting, or let your children get involved in the fun, there’s an activity to fit your interests. For a memorable addition to your trip, these workshops can create both a new skill and lasting souvenirs. Pick what excites you most, book in advance, and enjoy a truly immersive local experience.