West Coast and Country Side full day Tour

The West Coast and Country Side full day Tour offers an engaging exploration of the South of France, departing from Nice for a comprehensive nine-hour journey. Priced at $199 per person, this tour takes visitors through iconic spots like Cannes, known for its luxurious lifestyle and film festival, and Antibes, with its stunning marina and historic fortifications. The tour also ventures into the countryside, stopping at the hilltop village of Gourdon for panoramic views and the artist-filled streets of Saint-Paul de Vence.

This experience is ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of city glamour, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. The tour’s highlights include visits to famous beaches, prestigious towns, and picturesque villages, all guided by multilingual experts. While the itinerary promises a rich taste of the region’s highlights, it also involves a tight schedule that may limit time in each place, something to consider for visitors wanting a more leisurely pace.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $199 and lasts 9 hours, making it a full-day experience.
• Major Stops: It includes visits to Cannes, Antibes, Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup, and Saint-Paul de Vence.
• Highlights: Tour highlights include famous beaches, luxury shopping districts, breathtaking panoramic views, and artistic villages.
• Expert Guides: The guides are multilingual (Spanish, English, French), providing informative commentary at each stop.
• Flexible Pickup: Optional pickup from your accommodation or meeting points in Nice helps tailor the experience.
• Includes: The tour covers driver/guide, parking, gasoline, and toll fees; meals and museum entries are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting from Nice and Crossing the French Riviera

This tour departs from Nice between 8:15 and 9:00 AM, setting the stage for a full day of exploration. The departure time is flexible, and pickup options allow guests to be collected from their accommodations or meet at designated points, simplifying logistics for travelers.

The first stop is Antibes, renowned for its luxurious marina and historic ramparts, where a 45-minute stop allows for photos and a brief exploration of the town. This stop offers views of the Bay of Angels from the fortification walls, giving a taste of the region’s maritime charm.

Visiting Cannes: The Film Festival Capital

Next, Cannes makes an appearance, with a 1-hour visit that showcases the town’s prestigious hotels, designer boutiques, and golden sandy beaches. Known as the Beverly Hills of France, Cannes’s stylish atmosphere is palpable, especially around the Promenade de la Croisette. The guided tour provides insights into the town’s famous film festival, making it clear why this is a must-see stop.

Exploring the Perfume Capital, Grasse

The trip continues to Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, where visitors can see the Fragonard perfume factory or explore the Old Town. With approximately one hour allocated, travelers have time to see the perfumeries or enjoy some local shopping. The town’s fragrant streets and historic charm offer a sensory experience that speaks to the region’s artistic spirit.

Breathtaking Panoramas from Gourdon

From Grasse, the journey takes travelers to Gourdon, perched high above the Alps. Here, a one-hour stop allows for breathtaking views over the mountains and the surrounding landscape. The village itself offers spectacular scenery, making it a highlight for photography and sightseeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tourettes-sur-Loup: The Village of Violets

A quick 5-minute stop at Tourettes-sur-Loup provides photo opportunities in this charming village, known for its violet cultivation. This picturesque stop offers a glimpse into the local flower-growing traditions and the village’s quaint streets.

Artistic Flair in Saint-Paul de Vence

The tour concludes with a one-hour visit to Saint-Paul de Vence, a town famous for its artists and painters. Here, visitors can explore art shops, walk along ramparts, and admire the colorful villas and fragrant hillsides. The town’s artistic atmosphere and scenic views make it a fitting finale for the day.

Practical Details and Flexibility

The entire 9-hour experience includes driver/guide, parking, gasoline, and toll fees. The not included items are meals and drinks, as well as museum entrance fees, giving travelers flexibility in how they spend their time and budget.

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and French, with small or private groups offering a more personalized experience. The full day is designed for those who want to see a broad selection of the region’s highlights without feeling rushed, though some reviews note that limited time may restrict in-depth visits.

Pacing and Experience Quality

While the itinerary promises a full and varied day, the tight schedule means stops are relatively short, often around an hour. This allows travelers to see many sites but may not be ideal for those seeking more leisurely exploration or time to dwell in each location.

The guide’s expertise and multilingual explanations are praised, especially for their helpfulness and safety focus. However, some reviews note that rescheduling or cancellations can occur if minimum numbers are not met, so flexibility is advised.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour

This tour suits active travelers who want a rundown of the French Riviera in one day. It offers excellent value for the price, with highlights that include beaches, villages, and panoramic views, all led by knowledgeable guides. Visitors interested in art, luxury towns, and scenic landscapes will find this experience particularly satisfying.

Final Thoughts on the West Coast and Country Side Tour

This full-day excursion from Nice provides an efficient way to see the most iconic spots of the French Riviera. It balances cultural, scenic, and historic highlights in a single package, making it a solid choice for those with limited time or a desire to familiarize themselves quickly with the region.

The tight schedule is a trade-off for the opportunity to visit multiple towns and get a taste of Provence’s atmosphere. While some may wish for more time in specific locations, the expert guidance and well-organized stops help ensure an enjoyable and informative experience.

This tour is especially suited for first-time visitors or those who want a structured overview that hits many of the region’s highlights in one day. If you prefer more relaxed visits or deeper exploration, you might consider a more specialized or longer tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $199 per person, covering transportation, guide services, parking, gasoline, and toll fees.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting from Nice in the morning and returning in the early evening.

Are there options for pickup?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation or a designated meeting point in Nice is available, making logistics easier.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup, and Saint-Paul de Vence, with some stops lasting about an hour.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour from Smartour Riviera offers a practical, well-organized way to enjoy the highlights of the French Riviera in a single day, ideal for those eager to see a lot with the guidance of experienced guides.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby