This
Villefranche shore trip visits the most popular coastal towns on the French Riviera including Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze. Your driver-guide takes you to Nice's Old Town, the Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, the Grand Prix route and Casino of Monte Carlo, and the stunning medeival hilltop village of Eze.
After meeting your driver-guide at the pier in Villefranche, you drive west towards Nice. Once you are in Nice you drive down La Promenade des Anglais, the famous palm tree lined street that parallels the most famous beach in the Riviera. You enjoy some free time in the old town of Nice to walk through the beautiful flower market (closed Mondays when flea market takes place).
Leaving Nice you follow the Lower Corniche road, which hugs the dramatic rocky coast line until you reach the hilltop medieval village of Eze. This typical French pedestrian-only medieval village is made up of tiny stone lanes and buildings. The village clings to the cliffs over 1000 feet above the sea.
There is time for you to walk to the top of the town's hill where a succulent garden offers amazing views of the sea far below. You can take some time to peak into the boutiques or enjoy an ice cream with a million dollar view.
Please note that you must leave the van at the base of the village and walk up a step hill into the town. This is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility. If you are not up to walking, you can however enjoy the scents of Provence at the nearby Fragonard perfume factory.
Later you visit the Principality of Monaco where you have free time to explore the old town of Monaco where you can see the Royal Palace plus stroll through the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. Please note that no bare shoulders or shorts (above the knee) are allowed in the Cathedral.
Next you drive on the route of the legendary Grand Prix of Monte-Carlo Formula 1 circuit. This race takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo and your driver-guide will point out some of the more famous hairpin turns of the course.
Your final stop of the day is in the modern city of Monte Carlo, home to the rich and famous. High rise condominiums fill your vision and the streets buzz with luxury cars. Get your camera ready as one can hardly believe the luxury of this unique place!
The famous Casino of Monte Carlo sits across from a lovely park which is also lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels and more. Parked in front of the casino there are invariably some of the most expensive cars in the world such as Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari. Aston Martin and Lamborghini.
At the end of this popular Villefranche shore excursion, you'll return to the port.
During the tour your driver-guide will also stop at one or two panoramic view points for stunning views over the French Riviera.
Notes About the Casino of Monte Carlo - The Casino of Monte Carlo is open to tourists for viewing from 9 AM until 12 noon. During this period the entry fee is 17 Euro per person (cash only) and no gaming is open. Then from 2 PM onwards the casino is open to individuals (not tour groups) and formal dress code is enforced. During this period there is no entry fee to access slots, craps and Black Jack tables. Further gaming rooms require 17 Euro per person entry fee (cash only). Everyone must be 18 years or older and have their passport available.
Mobility - Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our
Villefranche shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. Please
contact us with any questions or to receive a customized
Villefranche tour quote.
For even more information, we recommend you visit the
Official Site of Monaco. Another good source is the
Monte Carlo Tourist Information.
