Shore Excursion From Villefranche Port to French Provence & Grasse Perfumery

Tour’s itinerary

Shortly after leaving Villefranche we will drive the center street of Nice – Promenade des Anglais we’ll continue to the village of artists, hidden in the hills – Saint Paul de Vence. This medieval town standing within XIV century ramparts has been called the Royal city in past. Over 100 years ago it turned into real mekka of artists – young painters, sculptors and modern designers. The trend started when Picasso, Chagall or Matisse as well as many others were coming here for inspiration – you’ll easily find out ‘why?’. It’s no different today – many yet unknown artist find their home here and you would not believe your eyes seeing what combination it brings: middle-ages narrow streets with galleries, ateliers, shopping windows full of modern art. In case you are into this direction there is more: the world’s largest collection of contemporary arts also located in St Paul in honorable museum, the Maeght Foundation.

Our journey continues towards Provance and next stop is 3000 years old village hidden among the hills – Tourrettes sur Loup. It is called today a city of violets and there is a reason for that. Two different gates on both sides give the only entrance and exit to the place and you will experience all the different styles of architecture while walking around.

20 miutes later we will get to one of the most elevated towns in the region – legendary Gourdon. City of cristals and unforgettable views: you may see as much as from Nice almost down to St Tropez from a platform located some 700 meters over the sea level. There is a XIII century castle with turrets cut half – incredible example of what king’s will can really accomplish. Charming old town with manufactures producing miracle looking like crystal items – even Svarovski knows the quality of the place. 

It’s only the way down from there and you will soon land in capital city of world parfume industry – Grasse. That is the only place in the world where you can learn and see how the process of extracting scents from flowers takes place. History of parfume production and factory outlet is there as well to let you the most out of it. You might be surprised of what you hear there…

Litlle while and you’ll land in famous Cannes. Who hasn’t heard of it? The movie stars on the red carpet focus world’s attention in May each year since 1946. But there’s more than just that. Beautiful old town on the hill, port full of large private yachts, mountains of Esterel in the west back of the harbor, the glamourous street La Croisette with all the designer’s store you could dream of and all elegant hotels with obviously The Carlton would make you ‘wow’ for a little while. 

Right after that we will be getting back to Villefranche