Cannes, Grasse & Saint-Paul de Vence Shore Excursion: 4 Villages

Four French Riviera villages in a single port day, from beaches to mountain gorges to medieval hilltops

A guided shore excursion from Cannes through four villages of the French Riviera, traveling by luxury minivan with a professional driver-guide who speaks English and French. The day moves from the red-carpet glamour of Cannes' Boulevard de la Croisette to Grasse's perfume factories and old town, then climbs to Gourdon's clifftop views before descending through the Gorges du Loup to Saint-Paul de Vence, a medieval village where Picasso, Renoir and Chagall once worked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Gourdon1h
2. Gorges du Louppassing by
3. Tourrettes10m
4. Saint-Paul de Vence1h

Explore Cannes, Grasse, Gourdon, and Saint Paul de Vence

• Visit Cannes and stroll Boulevard de la Croisette
• Explore Grasse and optional perfume factory tour
• Admire scenery in Gourdon village
• Drive through Gorges du Loup valley
• Photo stop at Tourrettes
• Discover art and history in Saint Paul de Vence

The experience

You board a luxury Mercedes minivan at the Cannes port and spend the morning on the Boulevard de la Croisette, the famous promenade where the Film Festival unfolds each year. The guide points out the white sand beaches and designer boutiques that line the waterfront, and you have time to walk the red carpet at the Palais if you want the photo. From there the route turns inland toward Grasse, the perfume capital of the world and birthplace of Chanel No. 5. You can either join a guided tour inside one of the city's well-known perfume factories or wander the old town and its 13th-century cathedral on your own.

The drive climbs into the mountains and valleys of the French Alps until the road reaches Gourdon, perched on a ridge and known as the "Balcony over the French Riviera" for the views it commands across the coast below. A scenic descent through the Gorges du Loup follows, a river valley carved deep into the landscape, with a photo stop at Tourrettes along the way. The final stop is Saint-Paul de Vence, the second most visited village in France and a true artists' haven. Picasso, Renoir and Chagall all worked here. Chagall is buried in the village cemetery. You walk the narrow medieval streets, browse galleries and studios, and absorb the quiet of a place that has drawn artists for generations.

The tour runs eight hours total and includes the services of a professional driver-guide whose commentary travels with you the whole day. Transport is by air-conditioned minivan, and the itinerary is guaranteed in English and French. Other languages are available on request. Stops are approximate and may shift depending on the day, and wheelchair users need accompaniment at certain sites, though the minivan itself is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide with onboard commentary in English and French (other languages on request).
• transport by air-conditioned luxury Mercedes minivan.
• access to all four villages and scenic stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by Tour Azur

Is this one for you?Eight hours leaves room for a leisurely morning in Cannes and a full afternoon exploring the mountain villages, but rules out a second port activity. If your ship's schedule allows a shorter excursion or you want time for a beach swim, look for a Cannes-only option instead.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What is there to do in Cannes on this tour?

Cannes gives you time to walk the Boulevard de la Croisette, the promenade lined with designer boutiques and white sand beaches where the Cannes Film Festival takes place each year. You can take selfies on the red carpet at the Palais or simply stroll and watch the scene.

Can I choose what to do in Grasse, or is the perfume factory visit required?

The perfume factory tour is optional. You can either join a guided visit to one of Grasse's well-known perfume factories, or spend the time exploring the old town and the 13th-century cathedral on your own.

What makes Gourdon worth the drive up the mountain?

Gourdon sits on a ridge and is known as the "Balcony over the French Riviera" because of the sweeping views it commands across the coast and landscape below. The village itself is one of the most beautiful in France.

Who were the artists that lived in Saint-Paul de Vence?

Saint-Paul de Vence was home to Picasso, Renoir, Chagall and many other renowned artists. Chagall made the village his home and is buried in the cemetery there. The narrow medieval streets still hold galleries and studios where contemporary artists work today.

How does the route between Gourdon and Saint-Paul de Vence work?

The drive descends through the Gorges du Loup, a scenic river valley carved deep into the landscape, with a photo stop at Tourrettes along the way before arriving in Saint-Paul de Vence.