Meet your English speaking local guide
Today, meet your English speaking tour guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable premium air-conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way to delightful Saint Paul de Vence. Visit the village then head towards the Bellet wine region that is located close to Nice. Participate in a wine tasting session to find out about the local wines produced here.
Visit the village of Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is one of the numerous perched villages that are located in the Provence hinterland mountain range. Sheltered behind its ramparts and filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes it is a popular destination of the French Riviera. The village of St-Paul dates back to the 11th century and it has kept its ramparts, guard’s way, canons and other such features.much to the delight of its visitors.
The village is also very famous because of the large number of celebrities, painters or film producers who have come to appreciate the local light, the calm, the sea and peacefulness of the area. The beautiful landscapes surrounding St-Paul having inspired many an artist and an enclave of art galleries and museums can be found around the quaint cobbled streets. Picasso, Matisse, Chagall or Renoir are just but a few of those that have come to take advantage of this small paradise on earth to devote some time for their art work.
On this small group tour from Nice, you will have time to explore this unique village and stroll through the narrow and picturesque streets from the Royale Gate to the Southern Gate to discover magnificent stone facades from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Provence wine tour in the Bellet Appellation
After the visit of St Paul de Vence, reach the Bellet wine region close to Nice. Located between 200 and 300m above sea level, on the slopes of the last foothills of the Alps, the Bellet appellation covers around 650 ha, 50h of which are in production. The vineyard is entirely located on the territory of the municipality of Nice, which is unique in France.
It enjoys a great amount of sunshine (2700 hours per year), beneficial rains (838 mm per year) and a microclimate due to the altitude and the winds (Mistral and Tramontane) blowing almost continuously in the Var valley.
The vines are rooted in narrow planks called “Restanques”, made up of rolled pebbles, mixed with a clear compact sand (“Poudingue”). These excellent conditions combined favor the expression and full maturity of the grapes in the harmony of the different wines of Nice.
There are only 10 wineries that still make wines today. They are certified or in the process of conversion to organic agriculture, most of the appellation having resolutely opted for sustainable agriculture.
The wines of the Bellet appellation
The appellation decree authorizes a certain number of grape varieties for the A.O.P. Bellet. For white wines: Rolle, a typical Mediterranean variety, and primary grape variety of white wines from the appellation (80 to 90%), and Chardonnay.
For red and rosé wines: Folle Noire (named for its very capricious yield from one year to another), Braquet (which is also the name of an old local family), Grenache and Cinsault.
Upon arrival, learn about this very confidential appellation that is little known even to the French. Most wineries being located over the city of Nice, have a stunning view over the French Riviera. After a short introduction of the history of the winery and the wine making process, it will be time to begin your commented wine tasting. Discover unusual grape varieties such as Rolle that is used for the white wines and Folle Noire (Crazy Black) or Braquet very local grapes used for red wines and rosé.
After the visit and wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Nice and that will be the end of our services.
