Beyond the beach. Villages where time stands still
A journey through scenic villages and timeless beauty
Beyond the beach. Villages where time stands still
A journey through scenic villages and timeless beauty
What the tour is about
Perfect for culture lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking unforgettable views and local experiences
All coastal towns look more or less the same. The sea on one side, a bunch of hotels, restaurants, and boutiques—some more expensive than others—on the other. So, if you’ve already checked off every recommendation from your hotel concierge, it’s time to venture out and see how normal people live. And maybe even find a restaurant where a bottle of wine doesn’t cost a hundred euros.
Still not convinced? Then consider this: right now, you’re standing by the sea. Beautiful? No doubt. But what if you take a few steps back—a few miles, to be exact? What if you see the whole picture?
Go — but why, really
1
Because you’ve done the beach, the boutiques, and the €20 cocktails—and now it’s time for France without the price tag
2
Because there’s a butcher in Tourrettes-sur-Loup who will make you question your entire relationship with supermarket ham
3
Because Gourdon has views that make your hotel balcony look like a fire escape
4
Because sometimes you need silence so perfect, a creaking chair sounds like a drum solo
5
Because walking fifty metres to see a waterfall counts as hiking if you squint—and you’ll feel virtuous about it all day
6
Because in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, even the ghosts are probably curating art exhibitions
Tour itinerary
Stop 1: Grasse - world's perfume capital
We set off on this tour from Nice, Cannes, or Villefranche. The drive to the first stop takes about forty minutes—just enough time to get acquainted and swap some local trivia. The road takes us into the mountains, so a few twists and turns are unavoidable. Nothing extreme, but if elevators make you queasy, it’s best to come prepared and grab a front seat. In any case, the abundance of stunning views means plenty of stops for photos and fresh air, so no extreme vestibular endurance tests are on the agenda.
We’ll begin, if you can believe it, in a proper town—Grasse.
The undisputed perfume capital of the world and the backdrop to Perfume: The Story of a Murderer—a deeply unsettling page-turner which, if you haven’t read it yet, you absolutely should before we set off. Brilliant stuff.
We’ll dive headfirst into the world of scent (without having to retrain as a perfumer), chat about why symbolism in art—particularly the religious sort—is more important than it sounds, and examine three Rubens paintings to decide which are the real deal and which are just very good copies. Prepare for some smug satisfaction if you get it right.
And while we’re at it, we’ll unravel what links Pauline Borghese, Maria de’ Medici, Ivan Bunin (yes, the Nobel one), Coco Chanel and Édith Piaf to this fragrant little corner of France. Turns out Grasse has been collecting fascinating names like other towns collect potholes.
Stop 2: Gourdon - the French Riviera penthouse balcony
No one knows exactly how many villages exist in France. Even INSEE (the National Institute of Statistics) struggles to keep track. Roughly 35,000, they estimate. But only 180 have made it into the official “Most Beautiful Villages of France” association. Not even 200. Gourdon is one of them.
Perched 760 meters above sea level, it offers an incredible panorama and air so crisp they could sell it in cans. Narrow streets wind through the village, while paragliders float below the scenic overlook. And then there’s the silence. The sound of a chair scraping the floor in a restaurant—something you’d never even notice in a city—here, it echoes like a gunshot.
Stop 3: Saut-du-Loup waterfalls
Alright, this one’s a bit of a cheat. But it’s a perfect opportunity to take a short walk—just fifty well-maintained meters from the road—and see what nature looks like around here. A little addition to your list of “So, what else is there besides the beach?”
Stop 4: Tourrettes-sur-Loup. A village around violets and views
Guess what used to be the main industry in this village? Violet farming. Not for decoration—for perfume. That business is mostly gone now, but the village remains. Just take a look at a picture. Not a “most beautiful” village, apparently. Didn’t make the top 180. But we’ll manage, right?
By the way, there’s a butcher’s shop here. You’ve never tasted ham like this in your life. And if you can’t eat ham? Well, then you’ve definitely never tasted ham like this. But don’t worry—there’s plenty else to try in the village.
Oh, and there’s a chapel in the village with some rather unusual frescoes. I love it. They say the artist painted local villagers into the scenes. But you’d have to stay a while to figure out who’s who. And we still need to stop by Saint-Paul.
Stop 5: Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Feel yourself an artist
What’s so special about Saint-Paul? It’s a tiny, fortress-walled village with an almost absurd number of art galleries per square meter.
This is where Marc Chagall lived—and died. You have to be a great artist for even the place where you find eternal rest to be this picturesque.
If, for some reason, late-period Chagall doesn’t speak to you, there’s always La Colombe d’Or. Just ask about the famous guests who’ve dined there over the years. You could spend weeks just reading up on them. Although, truth be told, the restaurant has long since fallen victim to its own popularity, there are many others in the village, no one will fall down thirsty.
Stop 6: If we decide to stay for dinner
Now, this bit depends on a few things. Mainly: have we grown fond enough of each other to stretch the day out a little longer over a proper meal? Here in the South of France, sharing dinner isn’t just about food—it’s a sign of genuine warmth and trust. A bit like letting someone borrow your dog or your favourite mug.
Then there’s the practical side—do we all have the time and energy to add a couple more (albeit utterly delightful) hours to the day? And, crucially, is our favourite restaurant actually open?
If we a lucky enough – Le Chat Noble. We’re not choosing this place just because it’s housed in a medieval abbey, complete with a real chapel, roaring fireplaces, and enough atmosphere to film a costume drama. Nor is it just because the chef happens to be a good friend. We’re choosing it because, objectively, it’s one of the finest restaurants on the Riviera.
The menu? Traditional, seasonal local fare—cooked with love, flair, and the sort of elegance that makes you wonder why you ever settled for a sad sandwich. Honestly, there’s no better way to end this beautiful day.
What's included
- Comfortable transportation, so you can just sit back and enjoy the views
- Guided tours – because wandering aimlessly can be fun, but knowing what you’re looking at is even better
- Time to explore on your own, get lost (but not too lost), and take photos that will make everyone else miserable
What's not
- Food and refreshments
- Entrance fees (if you find something that isn’t free)
- Tips for your charming driver/guide
Frequently asked questions
How Does Booking Work
We offer private trips and tours. We’re happy to hear any questions or requests you might have—that’s why one-click booking isn’t an option. Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll get in touch, introduce ourselves, discuss any preferences you have, and send you a payment link for a €50 deposit. As soon as the payment is received, we’ll secure the date and time for your tour. The remaining balance can be paid on the spot when we meett
What if there are more than seven of us
Why would that be a problem? We’ll gladly arrange transportation and everything else, of course, after discussing the details and pricing with you in advance
Can we do something special since we have specific interests
Of course! We’re not here to just rattle off a standard tour program. The main goal is to have an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Tell us what you have in mind, and if it’s at all possible, we’ll do our best to make it happen
And there you have it. A perfume town, three villages, a bit of nature, some waterfalls, and air so fresh it should be bottled. But the memories? They might last a lifetime 😎
