Monaco Shore Excursion: Grasse & Hilltop Villages of Provence Private Tour

Pick up at your Cruise Ship in Monaco

First we will come and pick you up at your cruise ship in Monaco Port of Call. Before the start of the tour, your guide will introduce you to the area and to the different sites that you will be seeing on this full day tour dedicated to the most renowned towns & villages of the French Riviera. This private tour is a perfect introduction to the area for those of you who have only but a short time in the area.

Visit Saint Paul de Vence

Your private day trip will begin with the village of St Paul de Vence. The village is one of the numerous perched villages that are located in the Provence hinterland mountain range. From its origin as a military stronghold it has kept its ramparts, guard’s way, canons and other such features.

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. 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.

Here, you will have time to explore 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. The village is also scattered with art galleries and delightful small squares typical of small french villages.

Visit the Capital of Perfumes, Grasse

Then, your small group day trip will head to world famous town of Grasse, coined the capital of Perfumes. Situated on a slope in a natural amphitheater in the lower Alps, Grasse is a world leader in the production of natural fragrances for the perfume industry and of flavourings for food manufacturers. The perfume industry, although largely controlled by multinational groups, dominates the local economy.

Roses, jasmine, and other flowers, as well as bitter orange blossom, from which the perfumes are distilled, are cultivated in the close vicinity of the town. Here, participate in a guided visit of a perfume factory to discover all the secrets behind perfume making.

Visit the medieval village of Gourdon

Then reach the village of Gourdon 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 Factory named Florian. 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.

Admire the Loup Canyon landscape

Our next stop will be in Tourettes sur Loup. Tourettes is one of those picturesque villages that is so unique to France, again set on a rocky hill separating two valleys. As you wander and stroll through the narrow streets of the “village of violets”, you might stop by in one of those tiny fashioned shops that sell unique local arts & crafts that make this part of the hinterland so prized by visitors from all over.

After the visit, head back towards Monaco, Monte Carlo and this will be the end of our services.