Known as the Cote d’Azur, the French Riviera lies on the southeast coast of France. Home to jet-setters, artists, and internationally successful retirees, it is also the destination for a dream vacation. This sprawl of pebble beaches and zillion-dollar houses has always captivated sun lovers and socialites. Today’s admirers know not to miss the Côte d’Azur’s textbook points of interest: animated St-Tropez; the Belle Époque aura of Cannes; the towns made famous by Picasso—Antibes, Vallauris, Mougins; the urban charms of Nice; and a number of spots where the per-capita population of billionaires must be among the highest on the planet, including Cap d’Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
ITINERARY
1.day: Nice, St.Paul de Vence
With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and stunning seaside location, Nice is the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Azur, and a must-see for every visitor. A magnet for sunseekers and high-rollers since the 19th century, this bewitching coastal city has so much going for it, it’s almost embarrassing – fabulous markets, an enticing old town, glorious architecture and a wealth of super restaurants. It’s far from perfect – it’s scruffy in spots, the traffic’s horrendous and the beach is made entirely of pebbles – but if you really want to soak up the Riviera vibe, there’s really no better place to do it. To do: welcome drink in your accomodation, some free time and evening drive to St.Paul de Vence for a nice, quite dinner.
Built on its rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built on the orders of Francois 1st, St Paul is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. The beauty of the surrounding area, quality of life and exceptional light has inspired numerous famous artists, painters, writers and poets, some of whom took up residence in the village. You can find signatures from some of these famous artists at the Fondation Maeght which has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other graphic works from the XXth century.
To do: a guided walk through the cobbled streets before dinner (1h)
2.day: Nice
Eat your way around Vieux Nice – Nice’s old town – on a 3.5-hour food walking tour! Led by a local guide passionate about the region’s rich gastronomic heritage, your tour includes up to 20 samples of deliciously different dishes from Nice. Sip wine from the nearby Provence hills, and try the famous pissaladière– onion tart, the chickpea based socca or the succulent petits farcis stuffed vegetables. Learn about the Italian influence on the city’s cuisine, and visit top Nice attractions like the Cours Saleya Flower Market and Castel Hill.
Enjoy a slice of the good life on the French Riviera with a private yacht cruise from Nice. Leave everything to your personal skipper, who guides a luxurious private yacht along the picture-perfect Côte d’Azur while you relax in style. Glide past towns like Beaulieu, Cap-d’Ail, Villefrance-sur-Mer and Menton. Soak in the Mediterranean sun on your private deck while you sip refreshing drinks 2-Hour Champagne Sunset Cruise – Enjoy an unforgettable sunset while sipping a glass of Champagne paired with snacks as you cruise to Villefranche-sur-Mer, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu.
3.day: Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze
Squeezed into just 200 hectares (2.8 sq km), this confetti principality might be the world’s second-smallest country (the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. Glitzy, glam and screaming hedonism, Monaco is truly beguiling.
Although a sovereign state (Monaco has its own flag and national anthem), the principality’s status is unusual. It is not a member of the European Union, yet it participates in the EU customs territory (meaning no border formalities crossing from France into Monaco) and uses the euro as its currency. Citizens of Monaco (Monégasques) don’t pay taxes. The traditional Monégasque dialect is, broadly speaking, a mixture of French and Italian.
In Eze, tour a traditional perfumery to discover the complex processes behind enticing scents; see the changing of the guard at an ornate palace in Monte Carlo; and lap the world-famous circuit of the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco.
4.day: Cannes, Antibes
The brightest star in the firmament of Riviera resorts is Cannes, the glittering jewel in the crown of the Côte d’Azur, where wealth, style and showbiz collide at Europe’s most prestigious film festival. Truly Cannes is a place to walk the promenade, people-watch and soak up the sun. Explore the old town, the historic buildings, the churches and museums. Then wander along the famous beachside, palm-tree lined La Croisette boulevard. Do not miss the famous Film Festival Palace. Enjoy the lunch in one of the exceptional restaurants in the old town.
In the afternoon, watch beautiful yachts resting elegantly on the water in Antibes, and explore the medieval village center. Soak up the atmosphere in the bustling market, or perhaps visit the Picasso Museum.The 14th century Château Grimaldi served as Picasso’s studio from July to December 1946. The museum now houses an excellent collection of his works and fascinating photos of him.
Dinner in …
5.day: St. Tropez, Frejus
The gulf of Saint Tropez is famous due to the numerous stars and celebrities who have been visiting since the 1950’s. It’s also a land of history and charm with countless gorgeous medieval villages and fabulous scenery.
As from the 17th century, bought by the town in 1993, this listed building is one of the most visited historical and cultural sites. Composed by bastions and a hexagonal keep built between 1602 and 1608 on the drawings of engineer Raymond de Bonnefons, it is the most significant building between Antibes and Toulon. Stunning panoramic view over the Bay. The modern maritime museum, set up in the donjon, allows visitors to discover famous figures and heroes as well as the daily lives of men and women who shaped over the centuries the Saint Tropez of today.
Appreciated by lovers of nature, gastronomy, partying, French art de vivre and shopping, this legendary village promises an unbeatable combination of relaxation, authenticity, luxury and tradition.
Not to miss : The 17th century Citadel
Lunch break in …Afternoon exploring of Frejus, located where Provence met French Riviera- it was the first Roman military harbour of the mediterranean coast. Nowadays is a city of art and culture at the heart of The Côte d’Azur. Antique and medieval hostrical monuments but also lots of other secrets like natural sites are to be discovered. A pleasant place for restful or active holidays.
A lavish dinner in the restaurant…
6.day: Nice
A day for last minute shopping and transfer to the airport or prolonging the staying and enjoying the hot French Riviera Sun.
The price includes:
– accommodations with breakfasts
– food walking tour with a professional guide, 20 food tastings, 1 olive oil tasting, 1 wine tasting
– 2h champagne sunset cruise, transport by private luxury yacht, personal skipper, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, beach towels, on bottle of Champagne and snacks (for sunset cruise), life jackets, fuel surcharge
– professional guide for Monaco, Eze, Cannes, Antibes, Nice
– hotel pick up and drop off, transport
The price does not include:
– entrance fees
– food and drinks, unless specified
– gratuites
– insurance
All offers will be considered tailor-made. Contact us for our best prices for this programme and information on availability.