Country Side

This trip to the villages of the French Riviera is not just for lovers of medieval history. It's a chance to discover Medieval Europe, certainly, but it's also an opportunity to collect Provence souvenirs.

Visiting villages on the Côte d'Azur: a unique experience

The Côte d'Azur is often associated with seaside landscapes, but its picturesque charm, evocative of the gentle South of France, cannot be ignored. Because you can visit the French Riviera in a dayWhy not explore the village part of the country?

As you explore, you'll find yourself surrounded by greenery and rocky paths. You'll also discover places perched high in the mountains and enjoy panoramic views over the Mediterranean. This village region of the Côte d'Azur takes you through fields of flowers, small country lanes and sunny squares. If the visit seems too short for you, the Mediterranean countryside also awaits you with a tour of the Verdon gorges.

Each village on this itinerary boasts historic monuments, houses with authentic architecture, charming alleyways, squares that have survived the passage of time, and a past told with a fascinating narrative. Your guide will tell you all about the curiosities and special features of these villages.

Why this excursion?

The villages of the French Riviera have as much to say as Cannes or Nice. The advantage of exploring these villages lies in their rich cultural heritage. Not only will you discover the medieval past of these regions of France, but you will also learn about the skills of yesteryear. This is particularly true of the art of perfumery. Yes, you'll be visiting villages that stand out for their age-old love of making perfume.

Secondly, these villages are real eagle's nests as they are located close to the southern Alps; you'll revel in the panoramic scenery at every stop. The altitudes of the Côte d'Azur are ideal for adventures and getaways to recharge your batteries if you're tired of the hectic pace of the big cities. Soak up the views and get away from it all.

This 6-hour tour of the southern villages is also a good idea if you don't have enough time to explore the whole region. Think of it as a scouting trip if you're planning a longer stay on the Côte d'Azur during your next holiday.

4 exceptional villages for guided exploration

The programme includes 4 exceptional stops: Grasse, a testament to France's historic perfume-making heritage, Gourdon, a beautiful hilltop village, Tourrettes sur Loup from the top of its rocky outcrop, and Saint Paul de Vence, the artists' haven.

Grasse is a must for lovers of French fragrances. Its perfumery, which is open to the general public, allows you to discover perfume from the cultivation of the flowers to the bottling of the finished products.

Gourdon boasts magnificent views over the French Riviera. The village is best known for its 9th-century castle.

Tourrettes sur Loup is a must if you love violets. It's one of the most beautiful places on Earth where this flower is grown.

Saint Paul de Vence has some great places to linger, including the Place de la Fontaine. It's a beautiful village that has retained the authentic landscape of its past.

Visit Grasse for an unforgettable olfactory experience

Grasse is home to the International Perfumery Museum. Here you can learn about the history of perfume from ancient times to the present day. You can also discover how to make perfume step by step. It's worth noting that the Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard perfume factories offer perfume-making workshops for visitors.

Extend your olfactory pleasure by visiting the flower fields of Grasse. Grasse's flower fields are part of an ancient, well-preserved tradition. You'll find mimosa, orange blossom and other varieties of flowers in this enormous garden.

In the old Provencal village of Grasse, stroll through the narrow streets to immerse yourself in a sunny, soothing atmosphere. The authenticity of the place, with its little squares and chapels, is well worth the diversions. For a change of scenery, there's nothing more satisfying than observing the old but authentic appearance of this commune.

Gourdon, a hilltop village in the Alpes Maritimes

You'll find yourself at an altitude of 760 metres in this old town, or rather this village. From up here, you'll have a breathtaking view of the Loup valley. You'll see the ruins of the Gourdon fortress, testimony to the area's feudal past. Next, you'll see the Château de Gourdon and its garden. It's a place that plunges you into a fairytale atmosphere!

The list of monuments to visit in Gourdon also includes the chapel of St Vincent and the Gourdon fountain. This is a visit you should make at least once in your life. The rock overlooking the Loup valley is a breathtaking natural spectacle. Don't forget to take a photo of the view.

Before finishing your visit, you'll also have the chance to take a tour of the craft shops on this Côte d'Azur summit. Visit the Sainte Catherine delicatessen, the Gourdon pottery and the bastide des arômes, among others.

Tourrettes sur Loup or the city of violets

The fortified town of Tourrettes sur Loup is typical of the Côte d'Azur. Here you'll find narrow streets, stone houses and numerous squares that tell the story of the village's past.

Discover the pride of the region's horticulturalists: violets. Violets are used in perfumery and confectionery in the region. Horticulturalists deliver their harvest to the perfumers of Grasse.

You can also visit the Bastide aux violettes, a museum where you can find out more about the history of the village. You can also visit the Bastide's violet greenhouse.

Saint Paul de Vence: a place of art and history

Saint Paul de Vence is on the road during this exploration. This is a village where the love of art is intertwined with history. Painters, poets, actors and actresses have stayed in this part of the Côte d'Azur to enjoy its landscape and typical charm.

Take this tour of the 4 most beautiful villages on the French Riviera for an adventurous getaway.