Spotlight on the French Riviera
9 Days Starting and ending in Nice, France
Visiting: Nice, Monaco, Grasse, Cannes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, St. Paul de Vence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15694
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the glamorous French Riviera and Monaco with the "Spotlight on the French Riviera" tour. Begin your adventure in the sun-drenched city of Nice, where you'll explore vibrant markets and savor Mediterranean cuisine. Discover the opulence of Monaco, visiting iconic sites like the Cathedral and Prince's Palace. Experience the charm of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the "Crown Jewel of the French Riviera," and the artistic allure of St. Paul de Vence. Delight in a perfume-making workshop in Grasse and a wine tasting on Saint-Honorat Island. With visits to the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the glamorous city of Cannes, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, luxury, and breathtaking vistas. Enjoy the Riviera's laid-back atmosphere and create lasting memories on this exquisite coastal escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Radisson Blu
It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. With its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques and captivating museums, it’s the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.
Day 2 : Nice (French Riviera), France - Tour Begins
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.
Day 3 : Nice: The Flower Market & The Local Foodie
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Step into the shoes of a local and navigate the Tram this morning. Get familiar with the routes and use it to your advantage during some free time. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colorful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll return to your hotel and stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. You may even stay downtown and visit one of Nice’s world-class art galleries, such as the Chagall or the Matisse Museums. Maybe you’ll find your favorite café for the week and soak in the local life.
Day 4 : Monaco: Alluring & Royal
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour* taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.
Day 5 : Hilltop Grasse & Perfume Workshop
Location: Grasse
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming Provençal hill town before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure.
Day 6 : Glamorous Cannes - Saint-Honorat Island & Wine Tasting
Location: Cannes
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Journey to Cannes and rub elbows with Europe’s elite. Walk in the footsteps of celebrities when you see the Film Festival Palace and the iconic red carpet featured during the Cannes Film Festival. During free time, explore the cobbled lanes of the Le Suquet neighborhood or the lively Forville farmer’s market. Then, sail** across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint-Honorat, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey. Pause for a taste of the locally produced wine before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. Back in Nice this evening, savor a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting the delights of the South of France.
Day 7 : Once Upon A Villa
Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion that takes you to the most Italian, French village of Menton. After working up an appetite, savor a peaceful dinner in the medieval Village of Eze.
Day 8 : St. Paul De Vence: An Artist’S Haven
Location: St. Paul de Vence
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 9 : Nice - Tour Ends
Location: Nice
Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.
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Local Foodie Tour
Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.
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Perfume Workshop
Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop at the Fragonard Perfumery.
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Wine Tasting
Pause for a taste of the locally produced wine on Saint-Honorat Island.
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Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Visit
Visit the stunning seaside palazzo Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens.
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Farewell Dinner
Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursion to Eze
The excursion to the village of Eze, including dinner, is optional and requires a minimum of 10 passengers to operate.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from France are not included in the tour package.
Experiences
Visit the stunning seaside palazzo Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens.Explore Saint-Honorat Island belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey.Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.
Options
Eze Village: Eze Escape: Village & Gardens with Dinner Discover the enchanting village of Èze, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, where each turn reveals charming shops and breathtaking views. The village is renowned for its stunning gardens, filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. Stroll through the Jardin botanique d’Èze (the Exotic Garden of Èze) while taking in spectacular views of the French Riviera. Explore and be captivated by the village’s?timeless?charm and savor local cuisine during dinner. This optional excursion offers a serene escape and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Eze Village: Eze Escape: Village & Gardens with Dinner Discover the enchanting village of Èze, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, where each turn reveals charming shops and breathtaking views. The village is renowned for its stunning gardens, filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. Stroll through the Jardin botanique d’Èze (the Exotic Garden of Èze) while taking in spectacular views of the French Riviera. Explore and be captivated by the village’s?timeless?charm and savor local cuisine during dinner. This optional excursion offers a serene escape and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Eze Village: Eze Escape: Village & Gardens with Dinner Discover the enchanting village of Èze, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, where each turn reveals charming shops and breathtaking views. The village is renowned for its stunning gardens, filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. Stroll through the Jardin botanique d’Èze (the Exotic Garden of Èze) while taking in spectacular views of the French Riviera. Explore and be captivated by the village’s?timeless?charm and savor local cuisine during dinner. This optional excursion offers a serene escape and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Savor the Riviera’s Mediterranean cuisine during dinner in Vieux Nice.Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.Enjoy a typical French lunch in the tearoom of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Must See
Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites, such as the Cathedral and the Prince's Palace.Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the "Crown Jewel of the French Riviera."Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence with beautiful vistas.
Choice Highlights
Nice Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.
Food Tour & Tasting
Nice Flower Market In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), amongst old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses; take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers; sample seasonal fruits and fresh baked breads; be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays; sip and savor a hot cappuccino; take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.
Monaco At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.
Monte Carlo Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, hugs the stunning Mediterranean Sea. The affluent principality is only three miles long by one-half miles wide but boasts the region's most elegant address – the Monte Carlo District. The district’s Golden Square is the heart of its elegance with elaborate gardens and fountains, high-end fashion boutiques, prestigious jewelers, and is frequently lined with luxurious cars. The most remarkable building in the square is the famous Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1863 and designed by Charles Garnier. This architectural work of art features astonishing frescoes and sculptures, and is adorned in gold and marble. The opulent gaming rooms are decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. Attached to the casino is the extraordinary opera house that features world-class performances of opera and ballet throughout the year.
Choice on Tour: Monte Carlo Panoramic Tour or Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum In Monaco, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to explore the tiny principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino. Your second choice is to visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.
Panoramic Tour of Monte Carlo - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 1
Panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo by tourist train. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and takes guests through the highlights of this tiny country including some of the sites in Monaco they will have seen in the morning with the Tour Manager. Highlight of the tour is the panoramic drive to Monte Carlo. The tourist train will make a stop for a few minutes to allow people to take photos of the famous casino. There is no walking involved.
Monaco's Oceanographic Museum - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 2
Collection is explored at leisure. The museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I. Its most prominent director was French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (1957 to 1988) who is also world-renowned as the author of The Silent World, which is both a successful book and an award-winning documentary film (won a Palme d'or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival).
Grasse Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.
Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.
Cannes Known for its famous annual film festival, Cannes is situated on the French Riviera. Walk among the elite as you tour this exclusive city with a local expert. Although this area has been inhabited since the 2nd century BCE, it wasn’t called Cannes until the 11th century. The focus of the area at the time was mostly on the nearby Lérins Islands. As you tour the city, you’ll be able to walk in the steps of celebrities when you view the Film Festival Palace. See the famous red carpet for the festival, which has been celebrated for over 70 years.
Saint-Honorat Island & Wine Tasting
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.
Saint Paul de Vence One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Mode of Transport
Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to Monaco, navigate the Tram in Nice, and sail across the Bay of Cannes to Saint-Honorat Island, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey throughout the French Riviera.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Radisson Blu in Nice, where you can unpack your bags just once and enjoy the comfort of a single hotel for your entire adventure on the French Riviera.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Grasse?
In Grasse, the tour offers a hands-on workshop at the Fragonard Perfumery, where you can learn the secrets of perfume making and explore the charming Provençal hill town.
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What can I expect during the visit to Monaco?
During the visit to Monaco, you will travel along the Corniche coastal road, view the changing of the guards, visit the Cathedral of Monaco, and have the choice to either explore the Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour or visit the Oceanographic Museum.
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What activities are included in the Nice city tour?
The Nice city tour includes navigating the Tram, exploring the city's flower market, and a tasting tour of local delicacies in the Old Town with a local expert.
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What is special about the visit to Saint-Honorat Island?
The visit to Saint-Honorat Island includes exploring the island belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey and tasting locally produced wine.
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What can I do during the free time in Cannes?
During free time in Cannes, you can explore the cobbled lanes of the Le Suquet neighborhood or visit the lively Forville farmer's market.
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What is included in the visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild?
The visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild includes exploring its lush gardens with views of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoying lunch in the tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche.
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What is the highlight of the visit to St. Paul de Vence?
The highlight of the visit to St. Paul de Vence is exploring the walled medieval village, known for its distinctive light that inspired artists like Matisse and Chagall.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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