Monaco, Eze & Monte Carlo: Small group tour from Cannes

Summary

Following winding roads from Cannes to Monaco with new friends

Start your day with pickup at Cannes port and travel in a small group along winding coastal roads to Eze, explore its medieval lanes, visit Fragonard perfume factory, then continue through La Turbie before reaching Monaco’s palaces and gardens. With a friendly local guide and time for photos or quick chats along the way, you’ll get moments you’ll remember long after your cruise moves on.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right at the port in Cannes — I was still finishing my coffee, honestly, but she was already waving us over with this big, easy smile. There were just six of us in the van, which felt like the right number for actually hearing each other (and not getting lost). The drive up to Eze took about 40 minutes, and I kept catching glimpses of the sea between the trees. It’s funny how you think you’ve seen “blue” before, but then there’s that Mediterranean color. We stopped at a viewpoint where the air smelled faintly salty and someone’s perfume drifted by — maybe foreshadowing what came next.

Eze itself is one of those places where you can’t help but slow down. The stones underfoot are uneven and cool, and there’s this hush in the narrow streets except for a couple of shopkeepers chatting in French (I caught “bonjour” and not much else). Our guide pointed out some old stone archways and told us about how artists used to come here for inspiration — I could see why. Thirty minutes wasn’t enough to see every corner, but it was enough to want to come back someday.

After that we visited Fragonard, the perfume factory nearby. I’m not usually into scents, but learning how they blend everything by hand was oddly satisfying. Li laughed when I tried to say “fleur d’oranger” in French — probably butchered it. The whole place had this warm, powdery smell that stuck to my jacket for hours after.

The drive through La Turbie was quick but memorable; our guide slowed down so we could see the Trophy of the Alps looming above the village rooftops. Then suddenly we were in Monaco — which is somehow both grand and tiny at once. Walking past the Prince’s Palace felt surreal (there were guards outside who didn’t blink), and inside the Cathedral it was cool and quiet except for our footsteps echoing off marble floors. Casino Square was packed with people taking photos or just pretending they belonged there; I didn’t gamble but did snap a picture of those famous gardens. Driving part of the Grand Prix circuit on our way back made me laugh — it’s so much smaller than it looks on TV.

I keep thinking about that first view over Eze, honestly. Something about seeing all those layers of history stacked above the sea just sticks with you — or maybe it was just being able to share it with a handful of strangers who didn’t feel like strangers by the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monaco and French Riviera Highlights

• Meet guide at cruise port
• Stop for photos and optional climb in Eze
• Visit Fragonard perfume factory (pass by)
• Drive through La Turbie village
• Explore Monaco old town, Royal Palace exterior, Cathedral visit, Casino Square photos, Monte Carlo Grand Prix circuit drive

Top questions

How many people are on this small group tour from Cannes?

The tour has a maximum of 8 people per group.

Is cruise port pickup included?

Yes, pickup at Cannes cruise port is included in your booking.

How long do we spend in Eze?

You have around 30 minutes to explore Eze during the tour.

Do we go inside any attractions in Monaco?

You visit inside Monaco Cathedral; other sites like the Prince's Palace are exterior visits only.

Is there time to visit Casino Square in Monte Carlo?

Yes, there is a quick stop at Casino Square for photos and to see the gardens outside.

Does this tour guarantee return before my cruise departs?

The shore excursion guarantees you'll be returned to your cruise ship on time.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap if needed.

Is public transportation available near pickup/drop-off points?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby if needed before or after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cannes cruise port with a local guide leading your small group (never more than 8 guests), all transport between stops including Eze village, entry into Fragonard perfume factory, scenic drives through La Turbie and Monaco with photo stops at key sights like Casino Square and guaranteed return to your ship before departure time.