L'art de vivre of the Côte d'Azur

Day 1: Departure to Nice

Today your adventure begins, setting sail for Nice, where you will stay for four nights at one of our hotels nearby.

Day 2: Nice

On the agenda today: exploring bustling Nice. Traditionally, this city has always had great appeal to the Russian aristocracy and you'll notice this at the Musée Chagall or at the most beautiful Russian Orthodox church in the Western world. In old Nice, near the port, you can stroll unrestrainedly through the narrow alleys towards the flower market. The luxurious parks and fountains of the modern city or the beaches by the Promenade des Anglais are a pleasant place to stroll. You will also explore the picturesque upper town of Cagnes-sur-Mer with its Renoir museum, and even higher up, the beautifully located artists' village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. From an unsightly Provencal village, Saint Paul grew into a true symbol of 'l'art de vivre'. Like a magnet, it always attracted celebrities such as Jacques Prévert, Yves Montand, Matisse, Braque, Picasso and so on. You can visit the Chapelle du Rosaire, decorated by Matisse or the Fondation Maeght, an ode to modern art. The Musée d'Histoire locale shows an interesting overview of Provençal history and there is also a photo exhibition of more contemporary celebrities who spent a stay in Saint Paul.

Day 3: Of fishermen, villas and monarchs

A drive along the coast brings you to Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its citadel and the Chapelle Saint-Jacques, sanctuary of fishermen. Further on, you will come to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu, with enchanting villas of nobility and crowned heads. You will drive to the charming village of Eze where you can admire the stunning mountain or sea views from every street corner. Your journey continues to Monaco, the fashionable mini-state and fiscal paradise, where numerous rich and famous have their residence. You can visit the princely palace there for the changing of the prince's guard or the famous botanical garden. Strolling through the narrow streets of this mini-estate, you could also, at the famous Monte Carlo casino, go and watch the spectacle around the gaming tables. Continue towards the Italian border with more historic villas in Cap-Martin. Last resort just against the border with Italy, is Menton, with its baroque quarter and 'Petit-Port'. Return via the spectacular corniches with fabulous views of the Mediterranean.

Day 4: Around Cannes

In Antibes, with its charming old town, you can visit the Musée Picasso. Afterwards, fashionable Juan-les-Pins and renowned Cannes await you. Around the Festival Palace, you can feel the pulse of the world's most famous film festival with a stroll on the Croisette and the Walk of Fame. This is the beating heart of Cannes, with its luxury shops, galleries, antique dealers, cinemas and nightclubs.

Day 5: Fréjus and St.-Raphaël

Along a beautiful stretch of the Azure coast, you will arrive in Roman Fréjus, located between the Massif des Maures and the Massif de l'Esterel in the valley of the river Argens, where numerous vineyards and fruit trees (especially peaches) grow. Built on a rocky plateau sloping down to the sea, the town is sure to delight archaeology lovers for its Roman ruins. You will continue on to Saint-Raphaël, with its picturesque setting of the old port and its pretty marina. 'St-Raph' is also associated with the fate of Napoleon, who stranded here twice after his conquests. You will stay three nights at a Caractère hotel nearby.

Day 6: The most beautiful coasts

Heading west towards Toulon, you arrive in picturesque and beautifully located Bormes-les-Mimosas with its covered passages. Beautiful beaches lead afterwards to the little fishing port of Le Lavandou and the palm-topped town of Hyères, the Côte d'Azur's oldest seaside resort. There is also a magnificent garden there, the 'Jardins Olbius-Riquier', where all the existing species of palms can be seen.

Day 7: The peninsula of St-Tropez

Via the fortified village of Ramatuelle, explore sophisticated St-Tropez including the Place des Lices and the Place aux Herbes and its world-famous beach. Name and fame were made here by Brigitte Bardot and ... a 'gendarme'. A visit to the Musée de la Gendarmerie fully immerses you in the humorous scenes of Louis de Funès. After St Tropez, visit old Grimaud and the marina of Port-Grimaud, also known as 'Little Venice'. This looks like a fishing village but is actually a luxurious urbanisation with a marina. If you prefer to take it easy, you can enjoy a day at the hotel pool.

Day 8: Going home

Your trip on the Côte d'Azur is over, you can head back home feeling fulfilled. We also recommend making a stopover at one of our hotels in Burgundy on your return journey. You can also choose to extend your holiday for a few more days in a Caractère hotel of your choice. We will be happy to help you with this!