French Riviera Countryside & Cannes: Private Shore Excursion from Villefranche-sur-Mer
Embark on a vibrant shore excursion from Villefranche-sur-Mer Port of Call to discover glamorous Cannes and the picturesque hilltop villages of the French Riviera countryside.
Meet your English-speaking driver/guide
Today, on this small group private tour, your English-speaking driver/guide will pick you up directly at your cruise ship in Villefranche-sur-Mer. After going over the itinerary and program of the day with you, board your premium air-conditioned vehicle and begin your journey toward the French Riviera hinterland.
Begin the day with Cannes
Start with a panoramic tour of the world-famous town of Cannes. Lined with palm trees and fine sandy beaches, Cannes is renowned for its café terraces, elegant shops, and luxury hotels. Here you will see the Cannes Film Festival Palace and conference center, where the red carpet is rolled out each year for international celebrities. Alongside Monaco and Monte Carlo, Cannes is without doubt one of the most glamorous destinations on the Côte d’Azur.
Visit Grasse, the French capital of perfumes
North of Cannes, your route climbs the lower slopes of a limestone plateau to reach Grasse, a charming small town associated with perfume-making since the 16th century. Today, Grasse remains home to numerous perfume houses, and you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous factories to learn more about this unique craft.
The panoramic view from Grasse over the sea is stunning and is often described as a balcony over the French Riviera. As you stroll through the historic center, you will notice elegant private mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries and ochre façades that give the town a distinctly Italian feel.
Visit the hilltop village of Gourdon
Continue your full-day tour to the hilltop village of Gourdon, nicknamed the “Eagle’s Nest,” perched on the edge of a rocky spur high above the Loup River. The village is dotted with tiny craft shops and is also home to one of the region’s best-known traditional confectionery workshops.
Gourdon is overlooked by a 12th-century château built on the site of a former Saracen fortress, adding to its dramatic silhouette. After some free time in the village, enjoy a scenic drive along the Loup River through peaceful countryside, discovering quiet corners and beautiful viewpoints.
Reach the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
After visiting Gourdon, make your way to medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, sheltered behind its ramparts and filled with art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafés. Dating back to the 11th century, the village still shows many traces of its long history in its cobbled lanes, stone houses, and fortified walls.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is famous for its artistic heritage, and the surrounding landscapes have inspired many painters. An enclave of galleries and small museums lines the quaint streets, and you will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Maeght Foundation, an exceptional modern art museum showcasing works by artists such as Braque, Kandinsky, Chagall, and Miró. After your visit, your driver/guide will take you back to Villefranche-sur-Mer Cruise Port, marking the end of your services for the day.
