Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence: Small-Group Day Trip

Summary

Red carpets, old stones, and the light artists chased along the Riviera

You’ll walk Cannes’ famous red carpet (yes, really), wander Antibes’ ancient ramparts by the sea, and lose yourself among Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s winding streets and art galleries—all with a local guide handling transport and stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if walking up those red-carpet steps in Cannes actually feels glamorous or just a bit surreal? Turns out, it’s both. We started our day trip from Nice with our guide, Sophie, who somehow knew every shortcut and had stories for every curve of the coast. The van was quiet at first—maybe everyone was still waking up—but as soon as we hit La Croisette and saw the palm trees lining the boulevard, someone pointed out the Carlton hotel and suddenly we were all chatting about movie stars we’d never meet. I tried to imagine what this place must be like during the festival—probably chaos, but today it just smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen.

The Palais des Festivals is smaller than I pictured (or maybe I’m taller than I thought?), but yeah, we did the whole “walk up the steps” thing. Sophie laughed when my friend tried to do a dramatic pose for photos—there were only a few other tourists around so it didn’t feel silly. After that, Cannes faded behind us as we drove along the coast toward Antibes. The sea was this weird shade between blue and silver under the morning clouds. Antibes itself felt different—old stone walls circling narrow streets, little shops with open doors letting out bursts of espresso smell. Our guide pointed out where Picasso lived for a while; I didn’t expect to care but somehow I did.

We stopped by the marina—“Billionaires’ Quay,” Sophie called it—and honestly some of those yachts looked bigger than my apartment block back home. It’s almost funny how normal people just stroll past them like they’re not even there. From there we headed inland to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The air changed—cooler somehow, with pine needles underfoot and that sharp scent you only get in old villages perched on hillsides. There were artists painting quietly in doorways and an old man sweeping his stoop who nodded at us without stopping.

I got lost for a minute in one of those cobbled lanes (not actually lost-lost, but you know), staring at sunlight hitting a wall covered in vines. Someone’s dog barked from inside a gallery. It all felt slower here—as if time stretched out between each step. I bought a tiny watercolor from a woman who told me her father painted with Chagall once; maybe she was joking or maybe not—I kind of liked not knowing for sure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

• Pick up at hotel in Nice
• Drive to Cannes via motorway
• Explore Croisette boulevard palaces
• Walk on Palais des Festivals red carpet
• View celebrities’ handprints at Walk of Fame
• Drive coastal road to Antibes via Golfe-Juan
• Stroll Antibes ramparts and Picasso museum
• Pass Antibes marina and Billionaires’ Quay
• Drive to Villeneuve-Loubet Marina of Bay of Angels
• Visit medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Walk cobbled streets and art galleries

Top questions

How long is the Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence day trip?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Nice and visiting all three destinations before returning.

Is pickup included for this small-group tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in Nice.

Does this tour include free time to explore?

Yes, your guide gives you free time at each stop to explore on your own.

How many people are in each group?

The small-group tour is limited to eight people per vehicle.

Are infants or wheelchairs accommodated?

Yes, infants can use prams or specialized seats; folding wheelchairs are also accommodated.

What attractions will I see on this day trip?

You’ll visit La Croisette Boulevard and Palais des Festivals in Cannes, Antibes Old Town and marina, plus Saint-Paul-de-Vence village.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; you have free time to buy food at your own pace during stops.

What happens if my cruise ship cancels its port call?

If your port call is canceled last-minute, you can request a 50% refund for this shore excursion.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Nice by air-conditioned minivan, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, plus drop-off back at your accommodation after exploring each destination together and on your own.