Grasse, Gourdon & St Paul: Medieval Villages Day Tour

Summary

Medieval perfume towns, violet ice cream stops and quiet castle views

You’ll stroll scented streets in Grasse with your guide sharing local secrets, gaze from Gourdon’s eagle-nest ramparts, taste homemade violet ice cream in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, and wander Saint-Paul de Vence’s art-filled alleys at your own pace. Expect real conversations and plenty of time to linger where it matters most.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about Grasse for ages — the way people talk about its perfumes, you expect the whole place to smell like a flower shop. It’s not quite that, but when we stepped out of the van (our guide, Pierre, had already pointed out a few things I would’ve missed), there was this faint sweetness in the air. Maybe jasmine? We wandered cobbled streets where old tanners’ workshops used to be. The Fragonard factory tour was more interesting than I expected — watching them bottle up all those scents by hand. Pierre told us how Grasse ended up on UNESCO’s list for its perfume know-how. He seemed proud of it, you know?

After Grasse, we wound up into the hills toward Gourdon. The road got twisty and suddenly you’re looking down at this crazy drop into the valley of the Loup — it made my stomach flip a bit. Gourdon itself is perched so high it feels like a lookout post from some fantasy novel. There’s an old stone castle (Pierre said built by Saracens) and tiny shops with lavender sachets everywhere. The wind was sharp up there; I had to hold onto my hat once or twice. We didn’t rush — plenty of time to poke around and just stand at the edge staring out toward the Mediterranean.

I didn’t know much about Tourrettes-sur-Loup before this day trip from Nice, but now I can’t forget it — especially that violet ice cream they make there (I tried to describe the flavor but gave up). The village is all uneven steps and blue shutters; houses seem almost stacked on top of each other along these ravines that used to keep invaders out. Pierre showed us a little church tucked away behind an archway; he even waited while I took too many photos of purple flowers spilling over a wall.

Saint-Paul de Vence was our last stop, and honestly, I could’ve spent hours just sitting outside La Colombe d’Or watching people go by. There’s art everywhere — not just in galleries but on walls, in little courtyards, even carved into doorways. You can feel why so many artists came here; something about the light bouncing off those pale stones just makes colors look different. Walking along the ramparts with Pierre telling stories about Picasso trading paintings for meals… well, it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit medieval villages and art sites

• Drive to Grasse village
• Stroll old streets of Grasse
• Visit FRAGONARD perfume factory
• Drive to Gourdon village
• Explore medieval fortress and castle
• Drive to Tourrettes-sur-Loup
• Explore medieval village lanes and ramparts
• Visit Saint-Grégoire church
• Admire violet flower symbol
• Drive to Saint Paul de Vence
• Walk ramparts and fortress
• Visit La Colombe d'Or inn
• Explore art galleries and alleys
• Return home

Top questions

How long is the medieval villages day tour from Nice?

The tour lasts 8 hours including driving time between villages.

Which villages are included in this day trip from Nice?

The tour visits Grasse, Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, and Saint-Paul de Vence.

Is pickup included for hotels outside Nice?

Pickup outside Nice is only available for private tours; shared tours include pickup within Nice.

What is special about Grasse on this tour?

You’ll visit historic perfume workshops and tour the Fragonard factory with your guide.

Do we have time to explore each village or is it rushed?

The itinerary allows enough time at each spot without feeling rushed or stuck in traffic.

Is lunch included on this medieval villages tour?

No lunch is included but you’ll have time for snacks or treats like violet ice cream in Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

Are infants or small children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The villages have uneven surfaces but all fitness levels are generally welcome; check specifics if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (within Nice), comfortable transport between Grasse, Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul de Vence with a knowledgeable local guide who holds a university degree. Entry to the Fragonard perfume museum is covered as part of your experience before returning comfortably at day's end.