Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from Villefranche Sur Mer port of Call to discover the town of Cannes as well as the picturesque small villages of the French Riviera countryside.
Meet your English speaking driver guide
Today, on this small group private tour, we will come and pick you up at your cruise port in Villefranche sur Mer. Meet your English speaking driver tour guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private shore excursion with you. Then board your premium air-conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way to the French Riviera Hinterland.
Begin the day with Cannes
Enjoy a panoramic tour in the world famous town of Cannes. Embellished by palm trees and fine sandy beaches, the town is famous for its cafés and terraces, elegant shops and deluxe hotels. Here, you will discover the Cannes film festival Palace and conference center where the red carpet unrolls for celebrities. The town is without a doubt one of the most glamorous of the Côte d'Azur with Monaco and Monte Carlo.
Visit Grasse, the French Capital of Perfumes
To the North of Cannes, we will start to climb on the lower slopes of a high limestone plateau to reach Grasse, a charming small town that has been associated with perfumery since the 16th century. Today, the town is still home to more than 30 makers and of course you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous perfume factories of the region.
The view from the town over the sea is stunning and can be considered as one of the highlights of your day trip. Many coin this view as being the balcony of the French Riviera. The town is also home to a number of private mansions that date back to 17th and 18th centuries. The many ochre façades of the buildings give Grasse a very Italian feel to the charming location.
Visit the hilltop village of Gourdon
Then continue your full day tour to the village of Gourdon, nicknamed the Eagle's Nest, that sits on the edge of a Rocky Spur above the River Loup. The village is dotted with tiny shops but is also home to one of the most famous Candy making Factories named Florian.
The village is also home to a 12th century Chateau that was erected on top of a Saracen fotress. After some time in the village, we will drive along the Loup River through the countryside to discover some places that are a heaven of quietness.
Reach the village of Saint Paul de Vence
After the village of Gourdon, it will be time to make our way to medieval Saint Paul de Vence, sheltered behind its ramparts and filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. The village of St-Paul dates back to the 11th century and traces of its history still remain much to the delight of its visitors.
It is a village well known for its artistic heritage, the beautiful landscapes surrounding St Paul de vence having inspired many an artist and an enclave of art galleries and museums can be found around the quaint cobbled streets.
Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Maeght Foundation. It is Saint Paul's most renowned Art museum. It features works from famous artists that settled at some point in the Côte d'Azur region. Braque, Kandinsky, Chagall or Miro are just a few of them.
Return to your cruise ship after the visit and this will be the end of our services.
