The Riviera Hillsides Experience is based in the scenic foothills behind the famous French Riviera, just west of Nice and Cannes
The hills above the French Riviera offer a contrasting, authentic experience compared to the glamorous beaches. The region is dotted with villages, olive groves, and Mediterranean gardens, sharing similarities with Provence. It has a unique micro-climate that supports diverse plant life and is the heart of the perfume industry. Artists have long been drawn to the area’s vibrant light and colors. Just 10 miles from the coast, visitors can explore picturesque villages, farmers’ markets, and traditional café squares, staying in a welcoming, family-owned hotel near Grasse.
This week includes a variety of special activities and experiences unique to this area:
- We spend the day in the enchanting town of Grasse, the world’s perfume capital. We enjoy an immersive visit, learning the history of the artisanal and now international perfume industry dating back to the 1700s. We’ll also meet a “niche perfumer” making contemporary scents.
- Visits several hilltop “pre-Alpes” villages, including St Paul de Vence, Mougins, and Valbonne. The highest village, Tourettes sur Loup, is the capital of violet flower production, offering farmers and craft markets, tiny French boutiques, and cobbled lanes.
- We will visit lush gardens featuring Mediterranean plants such as roses, mimosas, and fig trees. We will also visit local flower fields produced by perfume-maker families since 1740. We hope to include a tour of a very special “Jardin remarkable.”
- A day trip with an art theme, exploring the hillsides through the eyes of famous painters. Such as Matisse, Picasso and Chagall. We visit several diverse sites such as Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire near Vence, the Musée Fernand Léger near Biot, the photography museum in Vallauris, and outdoor installations at Fondation Maeght in St Paul de Vence.
- An excursion to the coast and a cruise to one of Cannes’ offshore islands. Like Ile St Honorat, which has an inhabited monastery. We enjoy a relaxing guided walk, taste the monks’ wines in the olive groves, and relax over a picnic lunch.
- Memorable meals of local specialties in various settings, including picnics, bistrot lunches, and a gastronomic dinner.
- It is time to relax and explore on your own. As always with our all-women groups, a unique camaraderie and spirit is an important part of the week.
