Sightseeing tours

Tour n° 1 : On the artists' track
Leaving from Cannes, but not without first seeing the “Palais des festivals” and the red carpet over its fabulous “Steps”, we drive across the city by the famous “Croisette”. Have a look at the sumptuous hotels and luxury stores on one side, and at the palm trees and gorgeous flowerbeds on the other side.

Still going by the seaside, we come along Golfe Juan (where Napoleon arrived one day), Juan les Pins (city of Jazz) and then the Cap d'Antibes. Idyllic site (due to the surrounding vegetation and the grey rocks plunging into the translucent water), which historically was the celebrities' safe haven.

From the eastern embankment of the Cape, you will be able to gaze upon the Old Antibes and its history-filled battlements, overlooking the sea and, to its background, its mountains. You will never grow tired of strolling down the narrow streets to glean some souvenirs or choose a place to savor some traditional Provençal dish.

We will continue along the coast to the “Baie des Anges” in Villeneuve-Loubet and then to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This typical Provençal Village, located at the top of a hill, with narrow little pedestrian streets and high stone houses, used to be truly inspirational to many painters (Picasso, Matisse, Utrillo...) and writers. Today, its gift shops are the paradise for tourists who wish to immortalize their stay in this peaceful spot.

Along your ride, you will of course be able to stop at your leisure, whether to take a photo, stroll some more or enjoy a good meal (these stopovers are included in the approximate length of the ride).

Tour  n° 2 : fragrances and altitudes

The city of Grasse is today clearly associated to the word “perfume”. But did you know that, until the 8th century, the place was traditionally hosting mills and tanneries. The glovers used to put perfume on their gloves to conceal the smell of the skin. Slowly, the leather workshops were given up and replaced by perfumeries. If you come by in May, you will have the opportunity to discover the “Expo Rose” (A four-day exhibition of 50,000 roses throughout the city). In August, don't miss out on the ‘festival of jasmine’ and its floral floats.

We suggest you to start this tour with a (free) visit of the famous perfumery where you will be able to learn how to create your own perfume, and then the International Perfume Museum (MIP - entry is charged) or the cathedral and the old town of Grasse.

Let's then continue our trip to Gourdon, a little village nestled on the mountainside, that offers a marvelous view out onto Grasse and the sea.
If ever you wished to savor a refined traditional meal while enjoying this magnificent view, the excellent restaurant “Le Nid d'Aigle” will be delighted to welcome you (reservation needed).

Finally, let's be on our way to Tourettes-sur-Loup at the top of a hill, where high houses, not unlike battlements, surround and protect the castle. You will appreciate the medieval character of this typical Provençal village and you will enjoy strolling in its narrow cobblestone streets.

Along your ride, you will of course be able to stop at your leisure, whether to take a photo, stroll some more or enjoy a good meal (these stopovers are included in the approximate length of the ride).

TOUR N°3: Amazing landscape
Let's go back to the seashore, in La Napoule, where you can have a look at the quite large marina. One might also want to visit the picturesque stone castle, close to the beach, dedicated scene to many musical events in summertime.

Then, let’s reach Théoule-sur-mer, from where you can walk up to the rocky stretch of coast called Calanques of Esterel, characterized by this flamboyant red rock beautifully contrasting with the azure of the Mediterranean sea and sky : it's a festival of colors in all seasons, but even more in the shining sun of spring and summer.

We will then get to Fréjus – St Raphaël, well-known for its arenas and its marina surrounded by restaurants. Afterwards, we will follow the famous beaches of St Aygulf and reach Port-Grimaud. This modern town, built in 1966 around a canal, is also known as “the Little Venice of the Côte d'Azur”.

Traveling another few kilometers, you'll be able to see some more natural bathing landscapes. Have a stopover in St Tropez: behind luxury and spangles, beaches and the pomp of summertime, hides a lovely Provençal town which still holds marks of a medieval time (little streets, remains of their defensive walls...) and particularly its 16th century citadel.

Along your ride, you will of course be able to stop at your leisure, whether to take a photo, stroll some more or enjoy a good meal (these stopovers are included in the approximate length of the ride).

Tour N°4: green land and vertigo
We will rejoin the “Napoleon Road” via Cabris, at the level of St Vallier (shady terraces, local market with home produce…). The farther we get, the more the landscape changes. We reach the left bank of the Verdon Gorges. This site is registered “regional Natural Park” and the strollers and hikers can discover the species richness of flora and fauna. Be ready for a maximum exhilaration when looking at the gigantic cliffs (more than 300m high!) at the bottom of which runs the Verdon River.

Perfect stopping point, the “Pont de l’Artubie” is the highest bridge in Europe, at 182m above sea level, from which, at certain times of the year, the bravest like to go bungee-jumping!!! (Cardiac refrain!)

When you reach the foot of the Gorges, you will have the privilege of contemplating Moustiers-Ste-Marie village. Registered as one of the most beautiful villages of France, it is particularly known for its tiles, for its churches as well as for its small and friendly inns where you will be able to savor a refined traditional Provençal cuisine. We highly recommend you to try “la Ferme Sainte Cécile” at the entrance of the village or “La Treille Muscate”, at the church place (reservation needed).

Next to this village, the gorgeous lake of Sainte Croix (10km long and 3km wide) is the largest artificial lake of the Verdon River. In summertime, it will cool you off and you will also be able to rent a small boat or a pedalo (paddle boat) to explore the gorges, spectacular site, in a soothing atmosphere.

At the end of this lovely trip, we will head towards Castellane, this time taking the right bank, called “the low bank” of the Verdon Gorges. The church “Notre Dame du Roc”, set on a rock (a limestone cliff 184m high), overlooks this mountain town, which is organized around the ‘Marcel Sauvaire Square’, with large shaded café terraces and pedestrian streets between many gift-shops and home produce shops. If you still feel like it, you could take a 30-minute walk up to the breathtakingly high church! (Or if you prefer, do as the driver and leisurely quench you thirst in the town square…!)

Along your ride, you will of course be able to stop at your leisure, whether to take a photo, stroll some more or enjoy a good meal (these stopovers are included in the approximate length of the ride).

Tour N° 5: Promenades and Princesses
We will reach, by the highway (A8), the famous “promenade des Anglais” in Nice, the most Italian-like of the French cities. On the Promenade, you will be surprised by its contrasting style: between sea and mountain, old buildings and modern architecture, palm trees and olive trees; these few kilometers of promenade will enhance right away the atmosphere of “Nizza la Grande” (“Nizza the Great”). At the end of the promenade, we will reach the Old Nice, where you can for instance stroll in the flower market and enjoy its fabulous colors and smells, savor a piece of the “socca”, the local specialty, wander in its old streets and visit a wide variety of shops.

We will drive along the Basse Corniche (“lower corniche”) and reach the remarkable bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This little port city and its 17th century houses is built around a harbor with emerald blue-green water and faces the “Cap Ferrat” peninsula. On the port, you will find many restaurant that offer various traditional fish specialties, among which “La Mère Germaine” (located on Quai Amiral Courbet).

Still going the length of the coast, we will get to the Principality of Monaco. On its famous “Rock” stands the Palace, residence of Prince Albert. The “foundation Cousteau”, a legendary oceanographer, hosts one of the largest aquariums in the world. Another must-see, the splendid Casino Square surrounded by gardens and 5 star restaurants terraces. From Monaco to Monte Carlo, all is only luxury, calm and pleasure…

We will then head to the picturesque Provençal village of Eze, nested on a rock at 429 meters above sea level. Its breathtaking view, makes the village one of the most visited place of the area.

Along your ride, you will of course be able to stop at your leisure, whether to take a photo, stroll some more or enjoy a good meal (these stopovers are included in the approximate length of the ride).