The sensational azures of Provence are sure to lure you in with their beauty and » A day in the country side » tour is the best way to immerse yourself in this wondrous region.
Drive through the world capital of Perfume Grasse, and take advantage of a free guided tour at the Fragonard perfumery, where you will learn the secrets about perfume making as well as hear all the beautiful stories about the French delicacy. The beautiful old town of Grasse owe its international fame to its long tradition of perfumers. There are many great names of perfume that have been created in the village of Grasse, especially one of the most known in the world Chanel N° 5 created in 1921.
For some stunning views which take in the whole of the Riviera then Gourdon is resplendent with magnificent vantage points, at a height of 2774 ft you can admire the French coast alongside a 9th century castle, notice the boutiques carved in the castles walls, where you will find all the locals products from our region. Lunch as a option in a typical Provencal style restaurant (www.lataverneprovencale.com).
The picturesque panorama continues with a stop in a lavender field and the visit of Tourrettes sur loup, this town has a magical atmosphere which begs to be absorbed, this village rich by its history and its architecture is a privileged place for the craftsmen and artists, you will never forget the charm and the beauty of this place. Tourrettes is also renowned for being the capital of the violet, you will find several craft products based on violet, so ounce there we recommend you to taste the best violet ice cream in the region (100% guaranteed we tested for you).
St Paul de Vence, the pearl of Provence the history of this village dates back to the 11th century . Is one of the most-preserved and prettiest medieval villages in the region. Surrounded by its stone wall built during the 16th century on the orders of Francois 1st. The quality of life, (art of living) and exceptional light has inspired many famous painters, writers and poets… You will stroll through picturesque narrows streets which are lined with over 40 art galleries, souvenir shops as well, you will enjoy the fantastic landscape around the village with brilliant views of the Alps. The town is a meeting point for artists from all over the world. You will find in the small cemetery facing the sea at the end of the village, the tomb of the painter Marc Chagall.
Typical architecture of Provencal Romanesque art the monastery of Saint Paul, appears in the landscape thanks to its beautiful Romanesque bell tower with two floors of square plan topped with a pyramidal roof.
The name Saint Tropez conjures up images of yachts and golden sand – it is the classic European getaway. It has been this way however, it was once a quiet fishing village which was transformed after Brigitte Bardot came to St Tropez in the 50s to star in Et Dieu Créa la Femme (And God Created Woman) providing the stage for it become a classic jet set destination where illicit pleasures wait around every corner.
The French and Italian Riviera in one holiday may sound decadent, but the Italian border is only 40 minutes from Nice so it would be a shame not to indulge ! Most visitors head to Ventimiglia or San Remo to see the basic markets, but they generally miss the Italian Riviera’s true gems.