See three of the most popular locations in the French Riviera - Cannes, St. Paul, and Antibes all in just half a day!
After meeting your driver/guide on your tender pier shoreside, you will depart Cannes in your exclusive group of no more than eight guests. Your first stop is a scenic 40-minute drive away to the charming medieval hill town of St. Paul de Vence.
Believed to be occupied since the 10th century AD, St. Paul de Vence's location between Provence and the seaside made it an important market town and desired location by local nobility. For the next 800 years, it had its share of numerous conquerors, as did most villages of the time. With each new conqueror, larger, higher, or thicker walls were built. In the 1920s, the richness and intensity of the light, colors, and scenery attracted artists including Signac, Picasso, and Matisse. The film world discovered the village in the 1950s as both a filming location and a hideaway. You will have approximately 60 minutes to wander this intriguing maze of pedestrian streets, courtyards and squares dotted with artist's shops and cafes.
Departing the hills, it is approximately a 30-minute drive to the coast and the popular old town of Antibes. The area was settled sometime in the 5th century BC by the Phoenicians. Situated on rocks with water on two sides, made for a perfect location to ward off an enemy attack. Your guide will drive you along the ancient walls giving you some of the histories of the town. You will also see the scenic harbor full of mega luxury yachts and boats are known as Billionaire's Quay. If time and traffic allow, a stop will be made for photos.
It's a short 20-minute drive back to Cannes, where a drive along La Croisette is a must. This main street separates the sea, with its swanky beach clubs and restaurants, from the gleaming white Belle Epoque buildings housing chic boutiques, cafes, and world-famous hotels such as the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, where a real-life prince met his princess.
A photo stop is made outside of the Palais des Festivals building, home each May to the Cannes Film Festival. Stand on the same steps as the famous stars do each year! As you make the 10-minute drive back to the tender pier, you will see the old town area to your right, starting at the base of the hill and climbing up to the clock tower. If time allows, it's worth exploring after your guided excursion.
5
