French Riviera Private Tour: Option 3

Provençal Hilltop Towns

Starting from Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo or Villefranche

Tour Summary-
Type: Candy Tasting, Culture, Free Time, Local Crafts, Medieval Villages, Perfume Tour, Scenic Drive
Length: 8 - 10 Hours (Your Choice)
Walking: Medium
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Driver Guide
Language: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

Depart your pier for Biot.  Your first stop is the glass making factory for which Biot is well known.  Your driver guide can provide translations as you learn about this beautiful handcraft.  Next is a short stop in the hilltop village of Biot itself.  Walk to the arcaded square which is shaped like a Roman circus.  The village dates back to Roman times and this unique oblong square is lined on two sides by arcaded covered walkways.  At one end of the square is a 15th century church, which because the slope of this hilltop town you enter and immediately go down 12 steps into the nave.  To the left you'll see a memorial to the 26 people who perished when five buildings on the edge of town collapsed into the valley in 1898.

Your next stop is Grasse, known around the world for its exquisite perfumes.  This is a surprisingly delightful stop for everyone.  You'll have a private tour (in English) of the Fragonard Factory where you will learn how the local flowers are turned into perfume.  It is here where some of the most famous perfumes were first developed.  After your tour there is a chance to stroll the small streets of the Provençal old town. 

Next you'll drive higher into the mountains of the Loup Region.  The Loup river flows from the Alps into the sea, and the surrounding hills offer amazing views of the sea from tree lined roads around deep gorges with waterfalls.  You'll stop at the picturesque village of Gourdon 2400 feet above sea level.  Here you'll stroll the medieval streets and shop in the small boutiques which are filled with everything that is Provence; fabrics, soaps, perfumes, dolls and much, much more.  At the end of the main street you'll find beautiful views from a terraced platform where you can watch hang-gliders jump from the cliffs and soar like eagles over the Cote d'Azur. 

Next you'll drive deep into the Loup Gorge for a stop at the Florian Candy Factory.  You'll enjoy a tour in English and learn how the areas flowers are also used to make delicious candies and jams.   You'd be surprised how good rose flavored jelly or jasmine flavored candies can be as you try the many free samples.  Of course there are also chocolates and the Provençal favorite, nougat. 

Your last stop of the day is the town of Vence.  While everyone knows of St Paul de Vence, the nearby town of Vence is also famous for its art, but with fewer crowds.  Vence's most famous son is Henri Matisse.  You'll have time to stroll the curved streets or visit the Chapel of the Rosary which was decorated by Matisse, including paintings, furniture and stained glass windows.

Tour Breakdown- The order of the tour may change based on your starting port and traffic conditions. To see the sites described in this tour, a minimum of 8 hours is needed.

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours of the French Riviera to Biot, Grasse, Gourdon and Vence.