See all the best sites and highlights of the French Riviera in this full-day, guided small-group excursion!
You will meet your driver/guide on your cruise tender pier and depart Villefranche in an exclusive group of no more than eight guests. Your first stop will be the Medieval hilltop perched town of Eze, approximately 20 minutes away. Here, you will have approximately 20 minutes to take photos of the quaint town or browse the shops at the base. The views from the top are amazing.
The nearby Fragonard perfume, soap, and cosmetics factory in nearby Grasse are next on the list. You will have a short guided walk through and the staff on hand will explain how to choose a fragrance that is right for you.
Your excursion will continue through the hills to the unique village of La Turbie. You will stop for a photo overlooking the town and the Roman ruins dating from the 6th century BC Tropaeum Alpium, (Trophy of the Alps) which was erected by Roman Emperor Augustus in celebration of a victory.
The Riviera's ultra-luxurious Monaco awaits next. Your first stop will be the Rock, a rocky outcrop where you will have an exterior visit of the Royal Prince Palace. If timing permits, you might see the changing of the guard that occurs at 11:55 AM daily. Guests may choose to also view the Cathedral just a few yards away which is the final resting place of Prince Rainier and his Princess Grace.
Next is a glimpse of the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo. You will take a short drive over to Casino Square where you will have time for a quick photo of the exterior of the famous Monte Carlo Casino with the endless lineup of exotic and ridiculously expensive cars lined up in front. The Hotel de Paris and the Cafe de Paris are also in Casino Square.
Continuing on, you will drive along a portion of the Grand Prix circuit as you depart Monte Carlo and drive 40 minutes to the artsy town of St. Paul de Vence. In the 1920s, the town became a haven for artists including Signac, Picasso, and Matisse who were drawn by the richness and intensity of the light, colors, and scenery in this area. The film world discovered the village in the 1950s as both a filming location and an actor's hideaway. You will have approximately 60 minutes to wander the maze of courtyards, pedestrian streets, and squares dotted with artists' shops and cafes.
Your next destination is approximately a 30-minute drive to the coast and the popular old town of Antibes. This small town is full of old history and new money! Your guide will drive you along the ancient walls giving you some of the stories of the town. You will also see the scenic harbor known as Billionaire's Quay as it is full of mega yachts. If time and traffic allow, a stop will be made for photos.
From Antibes, it is a short 20-minute drive down the road to the legendary city of Cannes, where you will drive along La Croisette, the waterfront boulevard. It is a must-see with the endless beach clubs on one side and the gleaming white Belle Epoque buildings, high-end designer shops, and exclusive hotels on the other.
A photo stop is made outside of the Palais des Festivals building, home each May to the Cannes Film Festival. Pose on the same steps as the stars do each year. As your excursion comes to an end, it is a 40-minute drive back to your tender pier in Villefranche.
Please note: The order of sites visited may change based on crowds and traffic.
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