The French Riviera and The French Alps in one Day

Key Points

• Private group experience with a dedicated driver/guide for personalized attention
• Travel from the coast to the mountains in a single day, covering iconic locations
• Visit Menton, known as the pearl of France, and enjoy free time for sightseeing and lunch
• Explore medieval villages of Sospel and Eze, including an exotic garden and breathtaking views
• All transportation and pickup included, with flexible booking and full cancellation options

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the French Riviera and Alps in One Day

This 9-hour private tour offers a rare opportunity to see both the famous French Riviera and the majestic French Alps in a single day. Priced at $1,510 per group (up to 8 people), it combines scenic drives, charming villages, and panoramic vistas, making it ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive snapshot of this stunning region. The tour departs from Nice, with pickup included, and features a private driver/guide providing personalized insights.

While the full day covers a lot of ground, it’s designed to balance sightseeing with relaxed exploration. The experience is especially suited for those eager to experience both seaside glamour and mountain tranquility without multiple day trips. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, so planning for a break at one of the stops is recommended.

Cross the French Riviera from Sea to Mountain

The journey begins with a short drive to L’Escarène, a quaint village where visitors have time to visit the cathedral, enjoy a coffee, and admire views of the famous Viaduct built in 1928. This stop sets the tone for the day, combining scenic beauty with local charm. From there, the route takes you along the Col de Braus, a winding mountain pass that resembles a snake, leading to higher elevations.

This mountainous stretch highlights the tour’s core appeal: the seamless transition from coastal landscapes to alpine scenery. The drive features many opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery, especially as you ascend into the French Alps, showcasing the region’s diverse terrain.

Exploring Medieval Sospel with Its Old Bridge

Arriving in Sospel, the guide offers free time to explore its medieval streets and visit the Old Bridge, built in 1823. This small town exudes history and authenticity, with its well-preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The highlight here is the Roman Catholic Saint Michel Cathedral, built in 1641, which visitors can admire for its architecture and historical significance.

Sospel’s charm lies in its historic ambiance, providing a glimpse into the region’s past. The leisurely visit allows for photos, wandering the streets, or simply soaking in the quiet mountain atmosphere before heading onward.

Admiring Menton: The Pearl of France

Next, the tour guides you to Menton, a colorful coastal town near Italy known for its lemons and vibrant buildings. Recognized as the pearl of France, Menton offers stunning waterfront views and charming streets. The guide allocates free time here for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing by the sea.

Lunch is also available during this stop, although the cost is not included, giving flexibility to choose from the many cafes and restaurants. Menton’s lively atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it a favorite part of the day, especially for those interested in photography or leisurely strolling.

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Visiting the Exotic Garden of Eze

The ascent continues to the medieval village of Eze, perched high above the coast. Eze is famed for its exotic garden, which sits at the summit and offers breathtaking views of the Rade de Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. The tour includes a visit to this beautiful garden, where lush plants and panoramic vistas combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Eze’s winding streets, stone architecture, and scenic outlooks make it a highlight. The exotic garden is a perfect spot for taking in the scenery and reflecting on the day’s journey from sea to mountain.

The Route Through Scenic Villages and Mountain Roads

The drive between stops is along mountain roads that look like a snake, winding through the terrain and offering spectacular views. The route from Sospel to Menton, then onward to Eze, showcases the diverse landscapes of this region, from lush greenery to rugged cliffs. The private driver/guide ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, sharing insights about the area’s geography and history along the way.

This part of the experience emphasizes the scenic beauty and geographical variety of the French region, making the journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Practicalities: Logistics, Group Size, and Flexibility

This private tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Nice, making transportation hassle-free. The group size is limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The duration is approximately 9 hours, with flexibility in starting times based on availability.

Booking is flexible with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, adding convenience for planning your trip.

What’s Not Included: Food and Additional Expenses

While transportation, guide services, and pickup are included, food and drinks are not part of the package. Visitors should plan for their own lunch during the stop in Menton or Eze. This allows for choosing dining options to suit personal tastes and budgets, whether casual or more upscale.

This setup offers freedom but requires some planning for meals. The stops themselves are scenic, with cafes and restaurants available along the coast, in Menton, and in Eze.

How This Tour Differs from Other Riviera Excursions

Unlike typical half-day excursions focused solely on the coast or a single village, this full-day private experience combines mountains and seaside in one seamless trip. The inclusion of mountain villages like Sospel, the exotic garden of Eze, and Menton’s colorful streets makes it stand out.

On top of that, the private guide and vehicle enhance comfort and flexibility, providing tailored commentary and the ability to customize timings slightly if needed. The cost reflects the exclusivity and personalized service, appropriate for those looking for an in-depth, well-rounded introduction to this region.

Final Thoughts on the French Riviera and Alps Day Tour

This 9-hour journey offers a rare chance to see the diverse beauty of southern France—from the sparkling sea to the towering Alps—all in a single day. The private guide ensures a personalized experience, and the stops at Menton, Eze, and Sospel provide a mix of coastal charm and mountain history.

While lunch is not included, the flexibility to choose your own meal enhances the experience’s versatility. The scenic drives and panoramic vistas are the highlights, especially at the exotic garden of Eze and the mountain roads with sweeping views.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, private exploration without the need for multiple days, especially if they appreciate stunning scenery and authentic villages. The price reflects the personalized service, making it a worthwhile option for travelers seeking a tailored day trip through the French Riviera and Alps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Since the tour is private and lasts 9 hours, it can be suitable for families, but travelers should consider the pace and the driving involved.

How flexible are the pickup times?
The tour timings depend on availability, with options to reserve now and pay later, and pickups are included from your accommodation in Nice.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring villages and the exotic garden, along with sun protection and a camera for the scenic views.

Can I customize the stops or duration at each location?
Being a private tour, the guide can potentially accommodate slight adjustments, but the itinerary covers the main highlights as described.

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