After picking up your rental car, you settle into centrally located accommodation in Nice. With your base in the heart of the city, you have the opportunity to explore at your own pace. You can visit the Greek quarter, where Nice’s origins date back to its founding by Greeks from Massalia in 350 BCE. In the Cimiez neighborhood, you encounter Roman remains including an amphitheater and arena, as well as the Excelsior Régina Palace, once frequented by Queen Victoria, and the Musée Matisse, which houses works by the renowned expressionist painter Henri Matisse.

As you continue through Nice, you may stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, see the lively Port Lympia, wander the colorful streets of the Vieille Ville, and admire the ornate St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral. At the end of the day, you return to your accommodation in Nice.

Nice’s layered history is visible in its architecture, from ancient ruins to Belle Époque palaces, reflecting centuries of cultural influence.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo

In the morning, you join a gourmet discovery walk through the colorful old city of Nice. Led by a local guide, Marion, you explore lesser-known streets and visit vibrant shops. During the walk, you sample a variety of sweet and savory dishes that are emblematic of Nice’s culinary heritage. As you taste local specialties, you learn about the history and gastronomy of the city. The walking tour lasts between three and three and a half hours and is shared with other participants.

After your morning in Nice, you drive toward your next place of stay near Antibes and Biot, located on the Western French Riviera. This region offers a range of independent excursions and visits. In Antibes, you can explore the historic ramparts and medieval village, stroll through the Provencal market, and wander the flower-filled neighborhood of Le Safranier. You may choose to dine on Cours Masséna, known for its covered market. In Cannes, the famous Promenade de La Croisette features grand palaces and a charming old town with Provençal character.

At the end of the day, you stay at your accommodation near Antibes.

Nice’s old town is known for its narrow lanes and vibrant markets, reflecting its Italian and French influences over the centuries.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Mas Saint Julien Bed and Breakfast

Today you have the flexibility to drive and follow the Picasso route, exploring museums and art sites connected to Picasso and other artists throughout the region. This self-guided journey allows you to discover several villages known for their cultural heritage.

You can visit the Picasso National Museum in Vallauris, where the artist’s “War & Peace” murals have been displayed in the chapel of the Vallauris castle since 1959. The setting enhances the universal and sacred themes of the artworks, which represent Picasso’s final major political composition.

In Antibes, the Picasso Museum is located in the Château Grimaldi. During his stay there in 1946, Picasso created numerous paintings, drawings, and ceramics. The museum also features works by Nicolas de Staël and a collection of modern art, highlighting artists from major twentieth-century movements.

You may also explore the Museum of Photography in Mougins, situated in the village center. This museum focuses on photography and artist portraits, especially those by founder André Villers, who photographed Picasso extensively over the years.

At the end of the day, you return to your accommodation near Antibes.

Picasso’s time on the Côte d’Azur inspired some of his most significant late works, and the region remains a hub for artists and art lovers alike.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Mas Saint Julien Bed and Breakfast

This morning, you travel to Grasse, recognized as the world capital of perfume. Here, you experience the region’s perfume industry firsthand by visiting a perfumery and participating in a creative workshop. Inside the renowned Galimard perfumery, you select your own scent notes and craft a personalized perfume using a specially designed organ. Your unique formula is registered by Galimard, allowing you to reorder your perfume from home. The workshop lasts approximately two and a half hours and is a shared activity with other participants. During your time in Grasse, you also walk through the historic center with a guide.

The surrounding area is known for its picturesque hilltop villages such as Gourdon and Saint Paul de Vence. These villages offer a close connection to Provençal culture and cuisine, including specialties like Provencal stew, aioli, anchoïade, local herbs, garlic, basil, olive oil, truffles, figs, honey, and regional wines. You have the option to enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard near Saint Paul de Vence.

Later in the day, you end your experience with a walk through the old town of Antibes.

Grasse’s perfume tradition dates back to the sixteenth century, when local tanneries began producing scented gloves, eventually giving rise to a thriving perfume industry that continues today.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Mas Saint Julien Bed and Breakfast

Today is a free day as you transition to your third destination along the self-drive route. You have the flexibility to enjoy the beaches and stroll along the Mediterranean shoreline at your own pace.

With your rental car, you can explore further west along the French Riviera, visiting renowned coastal destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Port-Grimaud, and Sainte-Maxime. For lunch, you might choose to dine at the edge of the marina in Saint-Tropez.

You have the opportunity to discover the medieval village of Grimaud, which overlooks the bay of Saint-Tropez. You may also explore Port-Grimaud, often referred to as the Provençal Venice due to its network of canals.

Later in the day, you can take a scenic drive along lesser-known routes to the wild coastline near Cavalaire-sur-Mer. You might pause in the small village of Ramatuelle before reaching the secluded beaches of Escalet.

The French Riviera has long attracted artists, writers, and travelers with its blend of historic villages and Mediterranean scenery, making it a classic destination for leisurely exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: VILLA MERCEDES

You may choose to rest at your accommodation or explore the region today, as there are numerous opportunities for discovery. Le Lavandou, a seaside Provençal village known for its mild climate, is an inviting destination for visitors year-round. The village is ideally situated between Hyères les Palmiers and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

In Le Lavandou, you can engage in water sports, go hiking, or enjoy the lively nightlife. The area is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, including Aiguebelle and Saint Clair. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter local events such as the Corso Fleuri in March or New Year’s Eve celebrations in July.

Nearby, Bormes Les Mimosas offers a tranquil setting and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the region. Its old village is a highlight for those interested in picturesque Provençal towns, with narrow streets and floral displays. The village hosts events celebrating mimosas, such as Mimosalia in January and a flower carnival in February.

If you wish to experience inland Provence, you can drive to Pierrefeu du Var, where shaded terraces, fountains, and an organic market create a welcoming atmosphere. The village is also known for its night of rosé wine. Further inland, the village of Collobrières is home to the Verne Charterhouse, built in 1170, which stands in the Massif des Maures mountains. Collobrières is renowned for its annual chestnut festival and offers a network of hiking trails.

Le Lavandou and its neighboring villages exemplify the diversity of Provence, from coastal beaches to historic mountain settlements shaped by centuries of tradition.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: VILLA MERCEDES

Today you set out by boat from Hyères to explore the Îles d'Or, a group of islands off the Mediterranean coast. Your journey takes you into the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected maritime zone known for its diverse marine life, including the chance to observe cetaceans if conditions allow. A public boat transports you to Porquerolles Island, with round-trip tickets available for purchase on site.

Once on Porquerolles, you have time to walk and discover the island’s landscapes and wildlife. Walking routes are available, ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, and are suitable for all visitors. You can relax at Notre Dame beach, recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, and enjoy leisure time by the sea.

Alternatively, you may choose to visit Port Cros Island, which is designated as a National Park due to its well-preserved natural environment. Here, you have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters along an underwater trail that reveals the area’s rich marine biodiversity. Boat shuttles to Port Cros operate year-round from Port Saint-Pierre in Hyères, with parking available nearby.

After your island excursion, you return to Hyères seaport, collect your car, and head back to your accommodation for the night.

The Îles d'Or are celebrated for their unspoiled nature, and Port Cros became France’s first marine national park in 1963, helping to protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: VILLA MERCEDES

Today you drive toward Bandol, a seaside resort known for its relaxed atmosphere, extensive beaches, vibrant shopping areas, and lively seafront restaurants and bars. Bandol is also recognized for its rosé and red wines and is sheltered from the strong Mistral wind that sometimes sweeps through Provence. The area offers numerous options for excursions if you wish to explore beyond the beach.

You may visit La Cadière d'Azur, a classic Provençal hilltop village featuring medieval houses, cobbled streets, and narrow alleyways adorned with flowers. This village overlooks vineyards and offers distant views of the Mediterranean Sea. To the north, you find the rugged Sainte Baume mountain ridge, and nearby is the picturesque village of Le Castellet, perched on another hill.

Continuing your journey, you travel along the Route des Crêtes, a scenic route between La Ciotat and Cassis. This drive offers panoramic views of Provence’s dramatic landscapes, including Cassis, the Soubeyran coastal cliffs, and Cap Canaille—a striking 1,293-foot-high red-ochre rock formation, the tallest sea cliff in France.

From this vantage point, you can see the Calanques stretching along the coast toward Marseille, as well as scattered islands and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in the background. At the end of the day, you arrive at your accommodation in Marseille.

The Route des Crêtes is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and is a favorite among travelers seeking to experience the varied geography of the Provence coastline.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: La Villa D'Orient

This morning, you depart from Pointe Rouge near your accommodation in Marseille and board a small vessel with 8 to 12 seats for a half-day cruise. The excursion takes you into Calanques National Park, a protected area established in 2012 that covers 21,000 acres between Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat. The park is known for its unique ecosystem and dramatic limestone formations.

Within minutes, you enter the park and begin to see the striking sea cliffs and secluded coves that define the Calanques. The boat tour, which lasts about three hours and is shared with other participants, offers opportunities to swim using provided fins, masks, and snorkels. The water in the inlets varies in color from deep blue to milky turquoise and clear crystalline shades as you approach the shore.

During the cruise, you have access to soft drinks and wetsuits. An underwater camera may be available, although availability is not guaranteed due to maintenance. Throughout the trip, you hear interesting anecdotes about the coastline and have time to relax and enjoy leisure activities in beautiful locations along the route.

After the cruise, you return to your accommodation in Marseille.

Calanques National Park is one of Europe’s few peri-urban national parks, balancing conservation with access to outdoor recreation for locals and visitors alike.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: La Villa D'Orient

Today you have the entire day to explore Marseille on your own. With no set schedule or guided activities, you can choose how to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, historic sites, and coastal settings at your own pace.

Whether you decide to visit museums, stroll through local markets, relax along the Old Port, or discover Marseille’s architectural landmarks, the day is yours for independent discovery. You return to your accommodation at the end of the day.

Marseille is France’s oldest major city, founded by Greek settlers around 600 BCE, and its port has shaped the city’s multicultural identity for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: La Villa D'Orient

On your final day, you follow your scheduled flight time and drive to Marseille-Provence Airport to return your rental car. This marks the conclusion of your journey along the Mediterranean coast of southern France.

Aéroport Marseille-Provence serves as a major gateway to the region, connecting Provence and the Riviera with destinations across Europe and beyond.

Meals: Breakfast