Full day tour Medieval Villages Grasse Gourdon Tourettes St Paul

Nice , France

Full day tour Medieval Villages Grasse Gourdon Tourettes St Paul

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About this experience

This is not a tour where you spend most of your time driving in traffic jams! It's not a chase like many other tours. I built the tour to avoid this problem, you will have enough time to enjoy each spot with the help and instructions of a professional guide.

Treat yourself to a trip to the Middle Ages! Discover the most beautiful Provencal medieval villages, a cultural and architectural wealth!

Grasse, Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Visit the historic FRAGONARD museum factory of fragrance in Grasse.
Discover Grasse : It's saracens tower and it's unbelievable cathedral.
Admire panoramic views of gourdon and valey of loup.
Enjoy an ice cream made from the "violet" flower in Tourettes sur Loup.
Discover dozens of art galleries in Saint Paul de Vence.

Available options

Guided tour: the most beautiful medieval villages, full day.

Pickup included

What's included

knowledgeable guide with university degree

Detailed itinerary

Driving to our first experience: Grace Village.
Start your tour by visiting Grasse, listed in November 2018 on the list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" adopted by "UNESCO", for its know-how linked to the perfume industry.
Stroll through the old streets of Grasse known for the workshops of the tannery industry in the Middle Ages.
Then treat yourself to a visit to the historic "FRAGONARD" factory, one of the 60 companies that manufacture fragrances and essences, to understand the process of changing flowers into perfume.
The rare flowers of the Pays de Grasse (lavender, myrtle, jasmine, rose, wild orange blossom, mimosa) make Grasse the world capital of perfume.

Stop 2

After this fragrant break, head for this small village "GOURDON" perched at 758 meters, between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, discover this medieval fortress and its beautiful castle built in the 8th century by the SARAZINS.
Discern the strategic advantages, (the control of all "the valley of the wolf", the Mediterranean coast and the access to the Alps), to understand the fight for the control of this fortress, between the medieval powers until the German armies during the World War II.

Stop 3

After this dizzying session in the heart of the "Gourdon" eagle's nest, let's head to Tourrettes sur Loup; Provencal and medieval village.
Explore the: (lanes, vaults, stairs, porches, lintels, etc.) of this medieval village and discover how the houses are built up to the edge of the ravines used as ramparts to protect the village from enemy invasions, (Germanic tributes , Huns, Sarazins, Savoy, the Grimaldi, Count of Provence…).
Visit the Saint-Grégoire churches built in the 12th century.
Admire and photograph "the violet", the emblematic flower and symbol of this village.

Stop 4

Once in Saint Paul de Vence, travel in the footsteps of the great artists of the 20th century; Painters, writers, sculptors, poets, who have made this village a high place of pilgrimage for artistic creativity, because the setting is idyllic!
Take advantage of the position of Saint Paul de Vence high on a rocky outcrop located between the Alps and the Mediterranean, to take great photos.
The vocation of this village as a military fortress fueled the greed of the medieval Provençal and Italian powers to control this village.
Discover and walk on the ramparts that protect this fortress, erected under the order of King François 1er.
The "la colombe d'or" inn is an emblematic hotel restaurant, it houses masterpieces by artists such as: Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Modigliani, Braque, Fernand Léger, marc Chagall
Explore this flowery village which has become one of the high places of tourism, especially for its numerous art galleries. Wander the alleys; Admire the carved stone houses.
Back home.

What's not included

TIP

Coffee and/or Tea

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

123 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

100 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pick-up and drop-off included at the locations indicated in Nice for shared tours. For addresses outside Nice, pick-ups and drop-offs are only possible with private tours.

The tour time is 8 hours, including driving time.

If you are a group of more than 8 people, contact us for a 30-seat bus.

Meeting point

stand in front of the office de tourisme (located next to Nice Ville train station), the guide will ask you for the reservation name.

About Nice

Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is renowned for its pebble beaches, vibrant markets, and charming old town. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastal views, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that perfectly blends relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Promenade des Anglais

This iconic seaside promenade stretches along the Baie des Anges and is a must-visit for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.

Beach/Walk 1-2 hours Free

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with markets, churches, and restaurants. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

Historical/Cultural Half day Free to explore

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

This hill offers panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean. It's a great spot for a picnic or a romantic walk.

Historical/Nature 1-2 hours Free

Musée Matisse

This museum is dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, one of Nice's most famous residents. It's a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Musée Marc Chagall

This museum is dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, another famous artist who lived in Nice. It's a great place to learn about his life and work.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salade Niçoise

A classic Niçoise salad made with tuna, olives, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and eggs

Socca

A thin, crispy chickpea pancake, a popular street food in Nice.

Snack Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free

Pissaladière

A Niçoise tart made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood

Ratatouille

A traditional Provençal stew made with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mont Boron Scuba diving in the Mediterranean Beach lounging Picnicking in Castle Hill Visiting museums Exploring the Old Town Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and sunny skies. The beaches are crowded, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nice is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep your belongings secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport • 6.5 km from city center

By train

Nice Ville

By bus

Nice Airport, Nice Ville Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is modern, efficient, and a great way to get around Nice. It operates from early morning to late evening.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Nice (Old Town) Cimiez Liberation Mont Boron

Day trips

Monaco

20 km • Half day to full day

Monaco is a glamorous city-state known for its luxury shopping, casinos, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.

Cannes

30 km • Half day to full day

Cannes is a glamorous seaside town known for its luxury shopping, beaches, and the famous Cannes Film Festival. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.

Èze

15 km • Half day

Èze is a charming medieval village perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It's known for its narrow streets, stunning views, and the famous Exotic Garden.

Festivals

Nice Carnival • February Nice Jazz Festival • July Fête de la Musique • June 21

Pro tips

Visit the Cours Saleya Market in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and flowers
Take a day trip to Èze for stunning views and a charming medieval village
Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops
Try the local specialties, like socca and pan bagnat, at the street food stalls
Visit the museums in Cimiez, like the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, for a dose of culture