Villefranche Shore Excursion

This Villefranche day trip includes a private van and driver-guide. When you meet the driver you discuss your interests and they help plan the stops accordingly. Below are our suggested possibilities. With 8-hours you can plan to visit 3 or 4 towns, or fewer if you want leisure time for lunch, shopping etc.

This is a nice shore trip for those who want maximum flexibility with their French Riviera day trip. Some people prefer it so they can spend a lot of time in one location, while others try to see as much as possible.

• Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze
• Monaco, Monte Carlo and Nice
• St Paul de Vence, Antibes and Nice
• St Paul de Vence, Nice and Eze
• St Paul de Vence, Cannes and Antibes
• St Paul de Vence, Cannes and Nice

Antibes (about 50 minutes from Villefranche) - Antibes and Cap d'Antibes is considered the most exclusive area of the Cote d'Azur. A stop here would allow you to see the private port of billionaires and walk past their massive luxurious yachts. You can take a stroll on 16th Century ramparts along the sea side and pick up souvenirs in the local covered Provencal market. The Chateau Grimaldi holds the Picasso Museum and was once his painting studio.

Cannes (about 1 Hour from Villefranche) - Take a walk along La Croisette, a famous flower and palm tree lined boulevard that runs parallel to the most famous beach on the Riviera. This is the location of many designer boutiques and the palace hotels (Carlton Hotel, Hotel Martinez, La Malmaison and the Hotel Majestic) which are referred to as the Grandes Dames. Don't forget to take a selfie on the red-carpeted staircase of the Palace of Festivals, location of the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Eze (about 25 minutes from Villefranche) - Explore a typical French pedestrian only medieval village made up of tiny stone lanes and buildings. The village clings to the cliffs over 1000 feet above the sea. If you can, walk to the top of the town's hill where a succulent garden offers amazing views of the sea far below. Take time to peak into the boutiques or enjoy an ice cream with a million dollar view. Please note that you must leave the van at the base of the village and walk up a step hill into the town. This is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility. If you are not up to walking, you can however enjoy the scents of Provence at the nearby Fragonard perfume factory.

Gourdon (about 1 Hour from Villefranche) - This medieval village sits in the Alpes Maritime at an elevation of about 2100 feet. There are views of the entire region from this eagle's nest location. A highlight is the town itself which was once a castle with gardens.

Grasse (about 1.5 Hours from Villefranche) - Grasse is known around the world for its exquisite perfumes. The Fragonard Perfume Factory is located here and they offer free tours in English. During the tour you will learn how the local flowers are turned into perfume.

Monaco (about 40 Minutes from Villefranche) - The old town of Monaco sits on a huge rock outcrop that made for a perfect fortification. Within the old town you will see the Royal Palace (once a fortress) where the guards keep watch. If you don't mind mobs of people, the changing of the guard takes place at 11:55 AM. near the Royal Palace is the Cathedral where Princess grace is buried. Please note that no bare shoulders or shorts (above the knee) are allowed in the Cathedral. Next to the old town you will find lovely exotic gardens which are worth a stroll. There are several casual restaurants plus souvenir and snacks stalls in the area. Tour vans are not allowed to park in Monaco so your driver will drop you off and set up a meeting time and location.

Monte Carlo (about 40 Minutes from Villefranche) - In Monte Carlo you drive the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, which takes place on public streets. The driver can point out some of the more exciting hairpin turns. A popular photo stop is the Casino of Monte Carlo, where you are bound to see some of the most luxurious cars in the world, plus top hotels and designer boutiques which all line the park near the casino. The casino is open to tourists for viewing from 9 AM until 12 noon. During this period the entry fee is 17 Euro per person (cash only) and no gaming is open. Then from 2 PM onwards the casino is open to individuals and formal dress code is enforced. Everyone must be 18 years or older and have their passport available.

Mougins (about 45 minutes from Villefranche) - This small medieval town is filled with Provencal houses on curved streets that slowly wind up to the center of town. Mougins is famous for its cooking school and many excellent restaurants with high profile chefs. There is almost no better place to visit if you would like a traditional French meal.

Nice (about 10 minutes from Villefranche) - A visit to the old town of Nice will allow you to see the popular flower market which takes place daily, except for Mondays when there is a flea market. There are also a lot of local shops and places to buy souvenirs here. A drive along the La Promenade des Anglais allows you to see the most famous beach in the Riviera. If you want to take a swim, this is a public beach so renting a lounge chair or umbrella is not mandatory. If you are looking for Museums, there are many to choose from including the Matisse, Chagall and Modern Art.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (about 15 minutes from Villefranche) - This small peninsula is another of the exclusive neighborhoods of the Riviera. It is also home to the Vila Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Villa Kerylos. The Rothschild Villa is a glamorous 20th century villa with lush gardens. The Villa Kerylos is a copy of a 1900s Greek villa filled with antiques and offering wonderful views. Both villas are open daily (entrance fees required).

St. Paul de Vence (about 45 minutes from Villefranche) - Take a stroll on the cobblestones of the main street of this popular hilltop Provencal town to enjoy the many art galleries and boutiques.. This medieval jewel has long been known for its artists and it is where many painters and actors live today. You can also walk on the town's medieval walls and into the old cemetery to see Chagall's resting place. If you are interested in modern art you can consider a stop at the Maeght Foundation Gallery or the Chapel of the Rosary. There are also some lovely cafes just outside the town's wall where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup (about 55 minutes from Villefranche - The Loup region is a beautiful area of forests, valleys, waterfalls as well as the Florian Candy Factory and the town of Tourettes-Sur-Loup. At the candy factory you can enjoy a free tour to learn how the areas flowers are also used to make delicious candies and jams. Of course, there are also many delicious chocolates and nougat a yummy Provencal favorite.

Villefranche-sur-Mer (Walking Distance) - The waterfront of Villefranche retains the charm of a small fishing village. You can enjoy an affordable fresh fish lunch, sitting mere feet from the Bay of Villefranche. Just one block from the sea there is a hidden street to explore, which dates back to the 13th century. Up for a quick swim? Villefranche has a small but completely unpretentious public beach.

Notes: Your driver may also make recommendations based on your interest, but it is important to understand that with a flexible itinerary, we cannot guarantee you can see everything you desire in the amount of time you have chosen. Traffic conditions and weather ultimately affect the driving time to the places you wish to visit.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Villefranche shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Villefranche tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.