Day 1 on the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages

Welcome to the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages! Upon arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon by getting acquainted with Eze, located 1,400 feet above sea (the highest seaside village in France), the village is famous for offering astonishing views, and the entire village itself is pedestrianized. Here you`ll find tiny charming stone streets overgrown with vines and secret little alleyways. The village has been built as a fortified stronghold during the medieval period and the beautiful architecture reflects that. Make sure to stop in the gardens of the Chèvre d`Or , which have been established in the ruins of a medieval castle. The semi-tropical gardens are superb and the views across the village rooftops and the coast are exceptional. You will also want to drop in on the Fragonard or Galimard perfume outlets to watch the production process and shop the fragrant collections.

As night approaches wind down your day with dinner overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at one of the many lovely restaurants. Then take a leisurely stroll through the galleries, perfumeries, boutiques, and artisans` shops.

Day 2 on the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages

Start the day off early in the picturesque mountain town of St Paul deVence one of the oldest medieval towns in the French Riviera. Inside the walls of the old town lay cobbled streets lined with galleries and tourist shops. From the encircling ramparts you will get panoramic views of the lush countryside below. Located outside the walled town in the woods along the Cagnes road, the Foundation Maeghtgallery, with its world-class contemporary-art collection with works from a some of the world`s finest artists (one of the principal attractions here).

Just a 10-minute ride from St-Paul, visit the historic village of Vence, offering numerous interesting sights and monuments. The setting here is buzzing with daily markets, terrace cafes, and numerous boutiques. Inside the stoned wall circle of old town appears as it did hundreds of years ago. Wander past the Clémenceau, with its ocher-color Hôtel-de-Ville (Town Hall), to Place du Frêne, with its ancient ash tree planted in the 16th-century.

Make your last stop of the day in the scenic village of La Colle-sur-Loup. Here you will enjoy the beauty of the town’s natural environment of oaks, olive trees and pines, lemon trees and perfume flowers. Wander through the historic center of town with narrow alleyways and shady squares, a lovely area to finish your day with a relaxing dinner.

Day 3 on the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages

Wake up early and head to the beautiful tiny village of Opio, perched on a low hill overlooking the golf courses and farmlands on the plains. During your visit here make sure to visit the 15th-century olive oil mil, one of the few such mills still operating in the region.

As afternoon approaches, make your way over to the quaint medieval town of Grasse to one of the welcoming café terraces for lunch. The town is the renowned capital of the world`s perfume industry since the 16th-century. Visit the perfume museum, perfume factories and perfume shops and discover the fascinating historic town with its beautiful streets and winding staircases packed with charming boutiques, fountains, shady squares and vaulted passageways.

Make your way to the medieval village of Mougins for a fabulous dinner to wind down your day, this town is known for its cuisine. The town boasts the finest dining on the Cote d`Azur, several restaurants here have received the popularMichelin stars and several more are just VERY excellent. Here you will also find art galleries, fine handicrafts shops and an excellent Photography Museum. One of the most attractive aspects of Mougins village is the trees that grow through the restaurant terraces in the main square.

Additional Days on the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages

Should you be able to spend additional days on the French Riviera in the Hilltop towns and villages and embark on the medieval adventure in Peillon. This town is a true getaway from the tourists. No cars are allowed in Peillon so you will need to park at the entrance of the village. The town does not offer the typical souvenir shops, just a few hotels and restaurants outside the village.The stone houses here seem as though they are built into the rock, lining the narrow streets. Spend the day touring the medieval buildings.

Your Last Day on the French Riviera Hill Towns and Villages

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home.