Overlooking an ancient trade route, the town was founded in the Middle Ages on a spur of tuff: the Puy. The strategic position of the site was also a choice of convenience: a spring was located in the north-east (La Foux).

The habitat has developed from the 11th century around the square where the civilian authority was located - probably in a tower - and the parish church of Sainte-Marie. The town changed in the 13th century with the construction of the Episcopal group and a new enclosure. In the 14th century, the tanning industry was booming. The ramparts were expanded, encompassing the convents and Place aux Aires.

In the modern era, houses were built along the main streets and squares of the town. The Cours (Walk) was built in 1684 to the south of the town. New religious congregations moved to the town, the cathedral was expanded: Baroque religious art made its appearance.
With the fashion for perfumed gloves, perfumers formed themselves into a new guild. Perfume making was very successful in Europe. The boom continued in the 19th century with the industrial revolution. The perfume industry adopted new techniques and factories were transformed.

With the development of tourism, large hotels and a casino were built.
Contemporary architecture is also represented with the law courts designed by Christian de Portzamparc and the extension of the Musée International de la Parfumerie conceived by Frederic Jung.