French Riviera
The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera stretches from Hyères to Menton and is located between the Mediterranean sea and the Alps. The famous coastline cities like Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez as well as the principality of Monaco are world famous because of their luxurious hotels, boutiques and emblematic festivals.
But you also discover fabulous coastal roads and beaches, the Islands Ste Marguerite, St Honorat as well as Porquerolles. The mountain hinterland with its perched villages and canyons as well as a big number of stunning gardens and green parks will complete the reputation of this region. The Parc du Mercantour as well as the Gorges du Verdon are just two examples. End of January you experience the Côte d'Azur dipped in yellow when the mimosa trees bloom in the mild winter climate as the first forerunners of the spring season.
Sample Tour
Here is how we could organize the program for this tour
1
day
Nice
Arrival at Nice Côte d’Azur airport (NCE).
Wander through Nice with the "Baie des Anges", the “Promenade des Anglais”, its flower market, and the charming old town, called "Vieux Nice".
Get enchanted by the atmosphere and unique light of this city also named “Nissa la Bella” before checking in your hotel for the next 6 nights.
2
day
ST PAUL DE VENCE, VENCE, CAGNES SUR MER
Visit Saint Paul de Vence, a medieval village surrounded by ramparts where you discover Marc Chagall's grave during a stroll through the picturesque cemetery and where you admire modern and contemporary art at the Fondation Maeght.
In Vence time to walk through the old city and have lunch before you enter the Chapel of the Rosary, also called “Matisse Chapel”. On the way visit the “Domaine des Collettes”, Renoir’s last workplace and residence in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
3
day
ANTIBES, CANNES, LES ILES DE LERINS
In the morning explore Antibes. Picasso lived and worked there for a month in autumn 1946 and left 23 Paintings and 44 Drawings, which you admire while walking through the Picasso Museum in the Grimaldi Castle.
On the way to Cannes drive around the famous Cap d’Antibes with its luxurious villas and world-famous hotels.
After a city tour in Cannes enjoy a boat trip to Sainte Marguerite, one of the two Lérins Islands which are situated just opposite the city in the bay of Cannes.
4
day
MONACO, EZE
The Principality of Monaco is the glamorous destination “par excellence”. On arrival visit the exotic garden and watch the changing of the guard in front of the Prince’s Palace at 11h55.
The afternoon is dedicated to the visit of « Monte-Carlo » with the Casino, the Café de Paris and some time to shop in the luxurious boutiques.
Stroll through Eze Village - small charming village perched on the heights of the Côte d'Azur and also named “eagle’s nest”.
5
day
GRASSE, OPIO, GOURDON, PONT DU LOUP and TOURRETTES SUR LOUP
Grasse is considered as the world capital of Perfume. Walk through the old town and visit one of the Perfumeries. In Opio discover an olive oil mill and also taste several Provençal specialties.
Gourdon, nice village perched against the plain of Caussols will be an ideal place to have lunch.
At the Confiserie Florian, cozily situated in Pont du Loup you will learn about the production of crystallized flowers, candied fruit, chocolate and jams.
The day will end with a nice stroll through Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
6
day
MENTON and VILLEFRANCHE
Menton is the last city before the Italian border with the softest climate on the Côte d'Azur. The Lemon Festival takes place here each year. Guided walk through the old town and visit of the Cocteau Museum.
In the afternoon wander through the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its 7 themed gardens in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. On the way back to the hotel stop by the St Pierre Chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau in Villefranche sur Mer.
7
day
DEPARTURE
Departure from Nice airport (NCE).
