Excursions
Saint-Paul de Vence
People come to pay homage to its majestic Gothic Church; its numerous side-streets are quiet and clean. Craftsmen, such as olive-wood carvers, rope makers, weavers and silk painters sit working on doorsteps or in little work shops. Needless to say, the shopping is varied and it is not unusual to walk out unknowingly with an art piece that may one day become very valuable. Under the large plane trees of the “Place du General de Gaulle”, you will usually find a lively game of Petanque (bowls) under way: this is the typical outdoor bowling game played with leaded balls in this part of France.
Antibes, Chateau Grimaldi
Pablo Picasso came to the Grimaldi Castle in Antibes to paint on large panels. Everything he did in the museum has been left there : drawings, gouache paintings, oil paintings, lithographs and ceramics. Not to be missed the picturesque Provencal market and a Pastis (local aperitif) tasting in a hidden underground shop.
Entrevaux, draw bridge, French Alps
The incredible walled medieval town. Its dominating fortress, ramparts and drawbridges were rebuilt by Vauban, the famous architect of the French Sun king Louis XIV. The Cathedral, built into the mass of the strong walls, contains paintings representing glorious military and religious past. This tour will literally put you “on top of the world” as you spend your day on our Alpine adventure.
Fishing village Villefranche-sur-Mer
Founded in the 14th century and one of the most delightful little towns on the Côte d’Azur with its picturesque old quay, magnificent citadel, “Rue Obscure”, palm trees and sun washed old houses in every shade of Mediterranean blue, ochre and green, rising in steep, narrow lanes above the harbour. Villefranche, a fishing port and holiday resort is built on the wooded slopes encircling one of the most beautiful roadsteads in the Mediterranean. The bay lies between the Cap Ferrat Peninsula and the Mount Boron heights. Your guide will take you inside the old part of Villefranche and show you the “chapelle St-Pierre” famous for its decoration, works by Cocteau and the citadel built in 1560 by the duque of Savoy.
Eze Village
Eze Village is a magnificent medieval settlement situated on the Moyenne Corniche -RN7 between Nice & Monaco (10-15 minutes). Well-known “eagle’s nest”, perched high, which was built to protect the people from the Moor’s invasions. Now it is inhabited by artists of all kinds and their curious little shops add style to the old village. Breathtaking landscapes and vistas will be enjoyed throughout the outing. The exotic gardens, with some roman ruins, stand right on top of the village. The Fragonard Perfumery has a factory outside the village and a small shop in the village.
Monaco Prince’s Palace
Located in the Old Town, known as le Rocher, the Prince’s Palace (and the State Apartments) is fronted by a picturesque square lined with cannons and cannonballs. Visit the building and galleries rich in history and marvel at the sumptuously decorated grand rooms of the Prince’s Palace with its collection of paintings by the great Masters as well as the Stairs of honor, the Hercule gallery and the Napoleonic museum. Visit the Cathedral to see several paintings by Louis Brea. The Cathedral is also where Princess Grace was led to rest. The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11:55 a.m .