French Riviera & Provence | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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French Riviera & Provence

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PRIVATE/GROUP TOUR - 9 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

Private/Group Tour Highlights

  • Explore Nice Old Town, brimming with baroque churches and bustling squares.
  • Discover Cannes' cinematic history and stroll along the glamorous Croisette.
  • Wander through Antibes' ancient streets and visit the Picasso Museum.
  • Marvel at Monaco's wealth and elegance, including a visit to Monte Carlo Casino Square.
  • Experience the medieval charm of Eze village and learn the secrets of perfume-making in Grasse.
  • Cruise through the stunning Calanques of Cassis and admire Europe's highest cliff.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Marseille on a guided tour, including visits to historic landmarks.
  • Immerse yourself in Provencal culture with a visit to the Mucem Museum and a taste of local delicacies like bouillabaisse.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Go on an enchanting 9-day journey through the captivating landscapes of the French Riviera and Provence. Begin your adventure in Nice, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of its Old Town. Explore Cannes and Antibes, experiencing the allure of the French Riviera’s glamorous lifestyle.  

Discover Monaco’s opulence and charm, then venture to the medieval village of Eze for breathtaking views. Uncover the hidden gems of Saint Paul de Vence, Gourdon, and Grasse before indulging in the beauty of Cassis and Marseille. Enjoy panoramic views, culinary delights, and cultural experiences, making memories to last a lifetime on this unforgettable tour. 

Inclusions
- Transport services and transfers during your stay, as outlined in the program
- City taxes
- Entrance fees to visited sites, as per the program
- Food/wine tastings as specified in the program
Exclusions

- All meals and beverages, except for breakfasts and included tastings
- Luggage porterage services
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any other services not explicitly mentioned in the included section
- Insurances

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Welcome to France

Upon arrival at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the capital of the French Riviera.

Known in French as “La Côte d’Azur”, transfer to your hotel and settle into your rooms. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by an overnight stay.

Upon arrival at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the capital of the French Riviera.

Known in French as “La Côte d’Azur”, transfer to your hotel and settle into your rooms. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by an overnight stay.

Day
2

Nice Old Town – Walking Tour

Start the 2-hour walking tour of Nice Old Town (known locally as 'Le Vieux Nice').

This lovely honeycomb of narrow streets is dotted with beautiful baroque churches, shops, artists’ galleries, and restaurants. It’s a hive of activity with vibrant squares buzzing both day and night. Discover the Massena square fountain, stroll into the Cours Saleya market, past the Opera House, Rossetti square, and the narrow pedestrian streets.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time in town or on Castle Hill, from where you can admire a panoramic view of the coast.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. ...read less

Day
3

Nice -Cannes – Antibes – Nice

Today you will depart for Cannes and Antibes.

Learn about the passionate relationship that the city has maintained for decades with cinema. During a guided tour, stroll among the streets of the old town "Suquet," with its Provence charm and markets. The historical tour leads you from the beach with its fine white sand, the Palaces on the 3km-long Croisette bay, and prestigious houses that once belonged to royal families when they wintered here. Each year in May, during the Cannes Film Festival, the city becomes the center of the world. The Croisette, the glitter, the red carpet, and the stars of the seventh art create a flamboyant showcase that conceals two centuries of surprising history. Enjoy free time for lunch.

Continue to Antibes. Stroll along Port Vauban, the old harbor, and its Camille Rayon wharf, where the world's most luxurious yachts are moored. Arrive at Fort Carré and walk on the ramparts that once fully encircled Antibes, the oldest part of Antibes, rich with its three millennia of history. Discover the old Grimaldi Castle, now the Picasso Museum (visit on request), the Bastion Saint-André, and just below it, the free community of the Safranier neighborhood, a maze of narrow streets where the sun plays in the leaves.

Return to Nice for dinner then back to your hotel for an overnight stay. ...read less

Day
4

Eze – Monaco

Route towards Monaco.

Start a guided tour of the Principality, also called “the rock”: squeezed into less than two square kilometres of space, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world – yet within its borders live people from over 100 nationalities. Enjoy walking through the city’s streets with your guide, gazing out over the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, and soaking in Monaco’s aura of wealth and glamour.

Discover the Monte Carlo Casino Square, which is rewarding just to see the elegant and opulent building (visit on request).

Take you lunch and continue to the village of Eze, suspended above the sea: drive to the middle road corniche between Nice and Monaco, a very scenic road along the cliffs. Magnificent medieval village also called "eagle nest", with its historical center, so charming with cobbled stone streets.

Visit the Fragonard perfume, soap, and cosmetics factory equipped with the most modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the trade secrets of perfumes and cosmetics.

Return to Nice for dinner then back to your hotel for an overnight stay. ...read less

Day
5

Hinterland Villages

Today, discover hidden gems like Saint Paul de Vence, Gourdon, and Grasse villages.

Head to Saint Paul de Vence, the artists’ village. It has been a leading center for modern art since the arrival of the Maeght foundation in 1964. Charming squares, unique monuments, and artistic discoveries add to the special charm of the town. Free time for lunch. Then, drive to Gourdon, nicknamed "the eagle’s nest," which truly has a touch of Eden with its exceptional views, medieval houses, beautiful gardens, Romanesque church, and thousand-year-old castle.

Finally, arrive in the world-famous Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. It is a global leader in the manufacturing of natural fragrances for the perfume industry and flavors for food manufacturers. The French perfume industry originated in Grasse in the 16th century. Besides fragrant flowers, Grasse also has a very extensive old town with tall pastel-painted houses to enjoy.

Return back to Nice have your dinner, and transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
6

Cassis & Marseille

Departure read more...

Departure for Cassis.

Upon arrival in this beautiful, charming port with its narrow streets and colorful fishermen's cottages, take the local shuttle from the coach parking to reach the port. Enjoy free time to discover the narrow streets and beautiful port at your own pace. Lunch will be on your own.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour of the three most famous "Calanques," the water cliff canyons. This pleasant cruise allows you to appreciate the Mediterranean coastline by visiting three crystal-clear turquoise water spots: Port Miou, Port Pin, and Port En Vau. On your return, you'll enjoy views of Cap Canaille, Europe's highest cliff, the cliff road linking Cassis to La Ciotat, and the large stone beach at Cassis.


There will be more free time in the port before continuing to Marseille. Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you will spend the night. ...read less

Day
7

Marseille

Panoramic read more...

Panoramic guided tour of Marseille by coach: The city tour takes in the Corniche Kennedy and the Prado seaside park.

It continues on to the restored Palais Longchamp and the Canebière. The tour ends at the Vieux Port, completely revamped by English architect Norman Foster, and takes in the J4 esplanade with the Mucem, the Villa Méditerranée, and the Regards de Provence museum.

The tour will be followed by… a French-style aperitif!

Discover the atmosphere of the port of Marseille and the history of the famous “Pastis de Marseille” in a local restaurant in the port.

Tasting of 3 different “Pastis”: the local beverage is made by flavoring a neutral alcohol of agricultural origin with extracts of anis vert, star anise, fennel, and natural licorice extracts. Buffet lunch in the old port.

In the afternoon, board a little train for a guided tour to Notre Dame de la Garde. Discover the treasures of Marseille, including the Forts Saint Jean and Fort Saint Nicolas, the Palais du Pharo, the Abbaye de St Victor, Château Valmer, and the famous Vallon des Auffes. You'll then climb to an altitude of 162 meters, where the Good Mother watches over Marseille. From here, you'll enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama.

Finally, visit the Soap Museum. For over a hundred years, the machines, processes, and know-how of this factory have remained unchanged to offer the world a soap of the highest quality and renown.

Return to the hotel. Free time for dinner and overnight stay. ...read less

Day
8

Marseille - Leisure Day

Morning read more...

Morning guided tour of the Mucem Museum, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations.

The first major national museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations for the 21st century, opened in Marseille on June 7, 2013. With almost 45,000 m² spread over three sites, it is located at the entrance to the port, on the J4 harbor mole, and in Fort Saint-Jean: two highly symbolic sites of the city's current development and its age.

Your visit will focus on J4's permanent exhibition and the site's exteriors. Free time for lunch and for shopping in Marseille.

Return to the hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant with local “bouillabaisse,” a traditional Provençal fish soup, a specialty of the port of Marseille. Overnight stay. ...read less

Day
9

International Flight Home

According to your flight schedule, transfer to Marseille Airport for your international flight home.

According to your flight schedule, transfer to Marseille Airport for your international flight home.

Nice, France

Cannes, France

Antibes, France

Monaco

Èze, France

Saint Paul de Vence, France

Gourdon, France

Grasse, France

Marseille, France

Places You'll See

  • Nice

    Located on the French Riviera, Nice is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant street life, and rich history. The city boasts a charming Old Town (Vieux Nice) with narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and historic landmarks such as the Promenade des Anglais and the Castle Hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Cannes

    Famous for its international film festival, Cannes is a glamorous city on the French Riviera. It is renowned for its luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette lined with palm trees. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Le Suquet neighborhood, relax on sandy beaches, or stroll along the promenade.

  • Antibes

    Situated between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is a picturesque town with a rich maritime history. It features a charming Old Town with narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and historic buildings. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi, stroll along the marina lined with luxury yachts, or relax on sandy beaches. 

  • Monaco

    A sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, Monaco is famous for its glitzy casinos, luxury hotels, and the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. It is home to attractions such as the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the Oceanographic Museum. Monaco also offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a vibrant nightlife scene.

  • Eze

    Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea, Eze is a medieval village known for its stunning panoramic views and picturesque cobblestone streets. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Eze Castle ruins, visit artisan shops selling local crafts, and enjoy breathtaking vistas from the Jardin Exotique botanical garden.

  • Saint Paul de Vence

    Renowned as an artists’ haven, Saint Paul de Vence is a charming hilltop village surrounded by fortified walls. It is known for its art galleries, boutiques, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets, visit the Fondation Maeght art museum, or dine in quaint restaurants tucked away in hidden corners.

  • Gourdon

    Situated high in the hills above the French Riviera, Gourdon is a medieval village with commanding views of the surrounding landscape. It is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the ruins of a medieval castle. Visitors can explore narrow streets lined with stone houses, visit artisan workshops, and enjoy panoramic vistas from the village’s vantage points. 

  • Grasse

    Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is a charming town nestled in the hills of Provence. It is famous for its perfume industry, with several historic perfume factories and museums offering tours and workshops. Visitors can explore the Old Town with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, visit the Fragonard Perfume Museum, or stroll through fields of fragrant flowers.

  • Marseille

    As France’s second-largest city, Marseille is a vibrant port city with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. It offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and Mediterranean charm. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Old Port (Vieux Port), the historic neighborhood of Le Panier, the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and the MuCEM museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations. Marseille is also known for its delicious cuisine, lively markets, and picturesque coastal landscapes.

Hotel Options

Testimonials

Debby B.

Traveled November 2021

From pick up to drop off our trip was magical!

From pick up to drop off our trip was magical! We hired a private tour for the 5 days and it paid off, we saw so many hidden gems, hiked in caves we would have never known about, ate at organic greenhouses etc., I would highly recommend this company.

Traveled To

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