Excursions on the French Riviera in Russian. Tour operator in France, Switzerland, Italy and Mauritius In the footsteps of Russian history
Welcome to the travel company "LAZUR-BEREG"!
“The world is a book. And who did not travel through it - read only one page in it.
Augustin A.
ABOUT COMPANY
We are host travel company established in 2012 in France. Working in the tourist market of the Côte d'Azur and Provence for about 5 years, we have considerable experience in this field and are guided by honesty, decency and punctuality when working with clients.
We organize group (corporate) and individual excursions on Cote d'Azur and Provence, including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, as well as Marseille, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Verdon Gorge and others. Excursions in Nice in Russian include both visits to the main sights of the city and thematic excursions. Everyone will find something to their taste!
TOURS
There are many options for traveling along the Cote d'Azur, this wonderful land is so diverse and interesting. Thus, when ordering an individual trip, the guide draws up a route together with you, taking into account your interests and wishes. You will go only on the routes you want, visit the sights and memorials that you find interesting, and spend your time just the way you like it.
Do you like cultural recreation with visits to first-class museums, art galleries, exhibitions? Then we go to the very heart of the Côte d'Azur, its capital - seductive and cosmopolitan Nice. Do you want to enjoy picturesque alpine landscapes French Riviera, its beaches with silver sand and radiant cobalt sea? Then a resort holiday in luxurious cities like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Tropez is for you. If you are a lover ancient roman history, then your route is compiled through historical cities such as Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Nimes. Or maybe you wanted thrill, speed, adrenaline? Then we will offer you to combine the Cote d'Azur and ski resorts which are only two hours from the coast, such as Valberg or Isola 2000.
Very popular thematic excursions, for example, "Nice and Belle Epoque", "Monaco at night", "Medieval mountain villages of the Cote d'Azur", "Russian Nice" or "Wine and Gastronomic Tour".
RUSSIAN GUIDES
We know how to make your vacation unforgettable, full of amazing and bright emotions! After all, our team consists of French tourism specialists and Russian-speaking guides-drivers who know the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region very well. We cooperate only with highly qualified licensed guides who regularly conduct group and individual excursions around the Cote d'Azur and Provence - they know all the features and secrets of this beautiful region of France, they will answer all your questions and tell you what cannot be learned from guidebooks.
The ideas of the French and, say, the same Turks about a beach holiday diverge in the most radical way. Holidays on the coasts of France are holidays in resort towns with a rich history and a lot of attractions and entertainment. Often the sea is not the most important thing here. Resort towns consist of hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes, discos, casinos. Almost each has its own embankment separating the city and the sea, and between the embankment and the hotels there is a highway. Cote d'Azur - the famous southern region of France, stretching along mediterranean sea from Marseille to the border with Italy. The wonderful climate, picturesque nature, warm sea and luxurious hotels make it a favorite vacation spot for wealthy people. The Cote d'Azur is visited annually by 18 million tourists from all over the world.
Beach
To the west of Nice (Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez) go sandy beaches, in Nice itself and further towards Italy, they are pebbly. In Monaco - bulk sandy beaches. Unlike the Atlantic coast, the beaches on the Cote d'Azur are not very wide: 30-40 meters. All beaches are municipal. However, once every 4-5 years, part of the beaches is played at auction. Hotels or just rich people (those who are engaged in this business), having won the auction, receive a certain piece of the beach for rent. Entrance to it becomes paid (about 20 EUR per day). This price includes the use of a sunbed, umbrella, mattress and shower. Nearby free beaches have no equipment, but, as a rule, there are more people. All 4 * hotels provide their guests with a 50% discount on the use of a paid beach.
Tours
The Côte d'Azur is rich in attractions. The distances between the resort towns are small (from Nice to Cannes - 30 km, to Monaco - 10 km), and living in one city, you can see all the others. The fortified city of Saint-Paul-de-Vence (many art galleries and workshops are located here), the medieval town of Eze, Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice, pine groves in the vicinity of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, excursion for a day in " Marineland" ( waterslides, "sea waves", walks on the seabed among sharks, shows with dolphins and killer whales, a museum of the sea, "aquarium"). The Côte d'Azur borders the Ligurian coast of Italy. By renting a car, you can see Genoa, San Remo and other gems of the "Big Boot". Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a fortified town located on a rocky promontory between two valleys, in which, behind the walls of medieval facades, the workshops of artists and sculptors are located. Almost every house here has a souvenir shop, and every house has flowers. The Golden Dove Hotel, where many famous people stayed, has become a real museum thanks to the paintings of famous artists. Next to it is the Museum of Musical Instruments of 1750. On the outskirts of the city is the Maehta Foundation, a magnificent synthesis of works of art and exhibition space. The complex is surrounded by a pine grove, which houses moving sculptures. The outdoor pools of the complex are decorated with mosaics by Chagall (he is buried in the local cemetery) and Braque, and the Labyrinth located in it is decorated with sculpture and ceramics by Miro. The duration of the tour is 4 hours.
Resorts
Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Menton.
Transfers
In summer, high-speed TGV trains run from Paris to the Cote d'Azur 3-4 times a day with stops in each resort town. Travel time - 5-6 hours. On the TGV, you can buy tickets for the second class - air-conditioned cars and quite decent conditions. But if you order a night crossing (this is no longer a high-speed train), then, in order to avoid unpleasant impressions, it is better to buy first-class tickets.
Climate
Daily air temperature: January-March 6-15°C April-May 10-18°C June 15-23°C July-August 19-29°C September 18-27°C October 14-22°C November-December 7 -18°C
Hotels
The vast majority of hotels have air conditioning, but few have a pool. Since many resorts were built up in the 19th century, and pools were added to them much later, pools are often located on the roofs of hotels. In general, high quality hotels. The fewer stars, the smaller the area of the room, there are no large territories (city-type hotels).
PEDESTRIAN NICE
You will walk through the old town, visit the Provencal market on the famous Cours Soleil square, climb the Chateau hill, from where you will admire the panoramic view of the beauty of Nice. The tour will end with a visit to the famous Florian confectionery factory, where you can taste traditional Provencal sweets (navette cookies, calissons, madeleine cookies with orange fleur-de-lis, candied flowers and more).
Event days: Sunday
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: 15 €
SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN NICE
Miracle of the Côte d'Azur - Nice invites you to visit its most cherished corners: the Promenade des Anglais, the port, the Russian Church of St. Nicholas, Chateau Hill, Place Massena. From the height of the coastal hill of Chateau, where in the 4th century BC. the Greeks founded the settlement of Nicaea, an amazing panorama of the mountains, the Bay of Angels, villas and palaces, Monte Baron will open. The elegant port, the Genoese quarters of the old city, the magnificent villas of the Belle Epoque testify to the historical richness of the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes. The contrast between Piazza Garibaldi and the Promenade des Arts perfectly illustrates the rapid evolution of the city. On the Cimiez hill with its Roman baths and arenas - the Regina Hotel, the winter residence of Queen Victoria, the Matisse Museum in an 18th-century mansion. in an olive grove, a Franciscan monastery with gardens and a rose garden.
Event days: daily
Duration: 3 h
Cost: 39 €
GARDENS AND VILLAS COTE D'AZUR
The luxury of Venetian merchants, the enchanting gardens of Babylon will inspire a pearl Azure coast- a villa with 7 luxurious gardens of the extravagant Baroness Beatrice Rothschild - the daughter of a millionaire banker. From the cape of Cap Ferrat, where the villa is located, going down to the sea, we find ourselves in the enchanted medieval town - the fortress of Villefranche, which stretches like an amphitheater over the bay, the very one where the Russian squadron under the command of Count Alexei Orlov stood in the 18th century.
Next, a visit to the unique Greek Villa Kerylos, built in 1902-1908, impresses with its original layout, philosophy, wonderful works of art, magnificent gardens and views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alpes-Maritimes. By the way, in ancient Greek "kerilos" means a swallow, a messenger of good luck. Entrance tickets to the villas are included in the price.
Days: on request
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 68 €
FLOWERS AND WINES OF COTE D'AZUR
Grasse became the perfume capital of France. You will visit the Molinard perfume factory, as well as, if desired, a museum of perfumes and bottles. Next, Gourdon awaits you - an authentic Provencal village on a cliff over 700 meters high. Visiting her castle, you will plunge into medieval Provence. In the violet village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, every street is like an artistic picture. In Saint-Jean, where there is an ancient vineyard, you will plunge into the centuries-old traditions of Provence. The winemaker will conduct a tasting of the complex aromas of his wines for you and share the secrets of making wine in the cellar (Tasting is included in the price.)
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is located on a hill and is protected by 15th-century embankments. This Provencal gem is the second most visited village in France. The colorful view captivated famous artists such as Renoir, Chagall, Picasso, who came here to create. Narrow crooked streets, where benches and galleries stretch in a continuous series, envelop with their romantic atmosphere. Here, artists and sculptors put up for sale their works created under the impression of this extraordinary beauty around.
Event days: daily
Duration: 6 h
Cost: 68 €
CANNES - ANTIBES - JUAN-LES-PIN
The tour includes a visit to Cannes - the city of celebrities, luxury and the Palais des Festivals, known throughout the world for the annual Cannes Film Festival. An endless series of expensive boutiques and magnificent hotels in the style of the Belle Epoque, dazzling sand of beaches, luxurious yachts - this is the city of world movie stars, once an ordinary fishing village, and also the birthplace of the unforgettable Gerard Philippe. Further, our path lies along the amazing coast to Antibes, a city of the same age as Nice, through the resort of Juan-les-Pins with its casino, numerous boutiques and restaurants. An international jazz festival is held here in July every year. Cape d'Antibes, La Garoupe lighthouse - this is one of the most picturesque panoramas of the Côte d'Azur. The most luxurious villas, of course, are here ... A walk through the old town of Antibes awaits you: Fort Carré, huge yachts of billionaires near the embankment, a market with aromatic herbs of Provence, where locals make daily purchases. It is also possible to visit the Picasso Museum in the medieval castle (all days except Monday; not included in the price).
Days: on request
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 65 €
ANTIBES - CANNES - SAINT PAUL DE VENCE
The route runs along the seashore to Cannes. You will pass Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins, admire the Golfe Juan bay. In your free time in Cannes, you can stroll along the Croisette, see the Palais des Festivals, where an international film festival is held annually in May. Next, you will find Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where you will see the old city with fortified walls and stroll past numerous art galleries.
Event days: daily
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 60 €
ITALIAN AND MONACO MARKET
The Italian Riviera is called the Riviera of Flowers. Her cities are fragrant with floral aromas of lavender, rose, violet, jasmine. The last French port before the border, Menton, belonged to Italy until 1860. Here you can feel the mixture of two neighboring cultures in everything. The city of eternal spring, where a colorful lemon festival takes place every year, many exotic gardens. An hour of panoramic walk along the promenade from Nice and the Italian Riviera opens its doors to you: the authentic charm of Italian markets, a variety of local products and an incomparable atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely aromatic cappuccino on the terrace of one of the local cafes. After the lively markets in Sanremo or Ventimiglia, you can relax in the shade of the terrace on the coast and taste the Italian specialties of Giuseppe's (not included in the price). On the way from Italy, the Principality of Monaco awaits you. Visit the royal palace and the famous Monte Carlo quarter, home to the oldest casino. Part of the path of your journey will pass along the route of the Formula 1 track.
Days: Tuesday and Saturday
Duration: 8.5 h
Price: 83 €
MONACO - MONTE CARLO - EZ, half day
Driving along the road with a breathtaking panorama of wonderful bays and picturesque cliffs, you will find yourself in the Principality of Monaco - a state of luxurious villas and flowering gardens. A visit to the medieval quarters, the building of the Oceanographic Museum (14 €), the Prince's Palace (8 €) and the Cathedral on the rock of Monaco will tell you many interesting stories (1 hour of free time). And driving a little further along the famous Grand Prix track, you will discover the splendor and luxury of Monte Carlo, the realm of gambling! Casinos, Golden Mile boutiques, luxury hotels are works of art. The tour includes a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory in the village of Eze. Entrance fees to museums are not included in the price.
Event days: daily
Duration: 4-5 hours
Cost: 47 €
MONACO - MONTE CARLO - EZ, all day
Panoramic views of Nice and Villefranche. Stop in the medieval village of Eze hanging over the sea with private shops built right on the rock. Excursion to the Fragonard perfumery - the sophistication of the essences of Provence. Further, the Principality of Monaco is a state of luxurious villas and flowering gardens. Visiting the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier combined, the Prince's Palace (open from June to October - 8 €), the Oceanographic Museum (14 €), gardens. Free time for lunch on the streets of Old Monaco. Driving a little further, you will discover the splendor and luxury of Monte Carlo, the realm of gambling! Casinos, Golden Mile boutiques, luxury hotels are works of art.
A visit to the perfume factory is included in the price. Entrance fees to museums are not included in the price.
Event days: daily
Duration: 8-9 hours
Cost: 75 €
NIGHT MONACO AND MONTE CARLO
In the kaleidoscope of the rays of the setting sun, you will plunge into the special charm of the Riviera coast! With the onset of the evening, going on a date with Monte Carlo, you will see rocky and sea landscapes in a completely new way. You are greeted by a picturesque panorama of the sparkling lights of Monaco, the Prince's Palace and the Cathedral. On the hill of Monte Carlo on Casino Square, an extraordinary revival reigns: streams of illumination are reflected in luxurious limousines and fountains in front of the entrance to the Casino - the realm of gambling! The atmosphere of an eternal holiday is felt in the magnificent receptions of guests at the Hotel de Paris. And you involuntarily convey a thrill of excitement, a festive excitement of an unrelenting crowd in the very center of the city near the Café de Paris. Dinner at one of the restaurants of your choice, then maybe try your luck at the game... In any case, you will have an unforgettable experience on this bright, almost carnival evening. Entrance to the Casino (10 €) is not included in the price, entrance after 18 years.
Event days: daily
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: 45 €
THE WHOLE FRENCH RIVIERA
The most complete tour in one day! Leaving Nice on the road with a breathtaking panorama, you will see the "wonder of nature" - the bay of Villefranche. At the foot of the medieval town of Eze, you will have the opportunity to purchase the latest perfumes at factory prices by visiting the oldest perfume factory. In Monaco you will admire the building of the Oceanographic Museum (14 €), the Prince's Palace (8 €) and Cathedral, and find yourself in the fabulous world of Monte Carlo. Next, you will be welcomed by cozy Antibes - a city of antique dealers and book dealers, where the young Napoleon Bonaparte began his career as a governor, where Picasso worked, where Maupassant liked to moor his yacht "Dear Friend". The splendor of the largest yachts at the “Billionaires' Pier” against the backdrop of Fort Carré will not leave anyone indifferent. A walk along the Croisette with numerous boutiques, the famous Palais des Festivals and the Avenue of Stars - all this is Cannes, the city of luxury and cinema. The town of Juan les Pins is located on the shores of a beautiful bay, where, as in the early 20th century, the richest people in the world enjoy life. Extensive white sand beaches and nightlife make it especially popular with young people. Tickets are not included in the price.
Event days: daily
Duration: 9 h
Cost: 90 €
Côte d'Azur in Provence
As part of this tour, the most picturesque Provencal towns of the Cote d'Azur are visited: Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Gourdon, Tourret, Saint-Paul-de-Vence. You will see the port of Antibes with its magnificent yachts, the fortress walls of the city and the famous Cape d'Antibes. Cannes is famous for its annual film festival, sandy beaches and luxurious boutiques, as well as the old Suquet quarter. Grasse is an ancient center of the perfume industry with a perfume museum and a perfume factory, visit included in the price Gourdon - a medieval fortified settlement with a castle on a cliff 700 meters high, famous for its master glassblowers Tourrettes-sur-Loup - a city of violets, where every kind is good for a postcard Saint-Paul-de-Vence - a favorite a place of actors, artists and romantics thanks to the unique atmosphere of this place.
Event days: daily
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: 80 €
SAINT TROPEZ
Covered in the legends of Saint-Tropez until the 20th century. still remained a small fishing village until director Roger Vadim shot his film “And God Created Woman” with the charming Brigitte Bardot here in the 50s. It was then that crowds of tourists began to flock here, and Saint Tropez became the most fashionable resort on the Cote d'Azur. Approaching the city, pay attention to Port Grimaud, which is compared with Venice - canals, bridges, villas, sometimes real palaces on stilts and yachts, yachts, yachts ... The quiet town of Saint-Tropez in summer connects to the boiling rhythm of the Côte d'Azur. Stroll or shop along the luxury boutiques on the streets of the old port, enjoy the paintings of artists on the waterfront, climb up to the fortress for a panoramic view or visit the maritime museum. Highlight of Provencal life: the market on the famous Place de Lis (Tuesday and Saturday) is a concentration of flavors and aromas.
During the summer season, there is a boat crossing from Sainte-Maxime to Saint-Tropez. During the winter season, the entire tour is carried out by car.
Event days: daily
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: 135 €, on Tuesdays and Saturdays - 105 €. In the winter season - 10 € discount.
DINNER IN MONTE CARLO
Dinner on the terrace of the Bistroke restaurant, a stone's throw from Casino Square. This terrace overlooks part of the famous Formula 1 route. You will be offered a choice of gastronomic menus, including aperitif cocktail, appetizer, main course, dessert, half a bottle of wine, one beer or one soft drink, and coffee. After dinner, free time to visit the Casino, Opera and gardens. Entrance to the Casino (10 €) is not included in the price, entrance after 18 years.
Dress code: sneakers, shorts, slippers are prohibited.
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: 110 €
Best Places Cote d'Azur
During the tour, the first thing you will visit is the beautiful and cozy town of Eze, located on a rocky cliff and offering amazing panoramic views. Next - a visit to the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse.
Then you will go to the Principality of Monaco - a favorite vacation spot of the European elite, known for its numerous Monte Carlo casinos and the Monaco Grand Prix races. Here you will find: a visit to the Old Town, the Prince's Palace - the residence of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty, the Formula 1 track, etc.
Next on the agenda is Antibes. This small town on the Mediterranean coast is famous for its amazing nature, luxurious villas, magnificent sandy beaches. Only here - the most beautiful view of the Cote d'Azur.
No excursion along the southern coast of France is complete without the "star" Cannes - the city of magnificent palaces and the world's most important film festivals. Look forward to visiting the main attractions of this fashionable resort, including the Croisette, where world-famous actors have left their footprints.
The tour ends with a visit to Saint-Paul-de-Vence - a real pearl of the Cote d'Azur. The unique atmosphere of the city has always attracted the most famous painters here, such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Modigliani and many others. Saint-Paul is literally "adorned" with paintings by local artists and intricate sculptures, including the most famous of them - "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin.
Nice walk
During this tour, you will first visit Castle Hill, the place where Nice originated. From the top of the hill, which has turned into a beautiful park with exotic plants, offers a magnificent view of the Bay of Angels, the port and the Old Town.
Next, you will go to Cimiez - the monastery of the Franciscan order, look into the Marc Chagall Museum (entrance ticket is paid separately) or Henri Matisse (free of charge), and also see the Roman ruins of the 1st century. No walk in Nice is complete without a visit to the Russian Church. Built under Nicholas II, it is the largest Orthodox church outside of Russia.
At the end of this interesting excursion you will walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais and along Old Nice - the most exotic quarter of the city, in the center of which there is a flower market.
Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze
This tour invites you to first go to the cozy town of Eze, then to the Fragonard (Grace) perfumery, and then to Monaco, the famous principality in the very center of Europe, popular among playboys and the creative elite. You will see the Old Town and the Prince's Palace - the residence of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty, as well as visit the Formula 1 track and the famous casinos in Monte Carlo.
One day in Provence
This excursion will start on the coast of the Cote d'Azur, smoothly going deep into the continent - to Provence, where a special, truly romantic atmosphere reigns. First you will visit Antibes with luxurious villas and snow-white yachts. Next - Cannes with the famous Croisette and the Palais des Festivals. Then you will go to Grasse, famous for its perfume farms. After visiting the old part of Grasse and the Fragonard perfume house, you will go to the picturesque Provencal town of Gourdon, included in the list of the 100 most beautiful villages France. You will visit a castle built on top of a cliff with a delightful panorama of the coastline and stroll along the ancient winding streets of the village. The next stop is the picturesque village of Tourette, where every corner resembles a postcard. Finally - the magnificent Saint-Paul-de-Vence - a muse for many famous artists and a real "pearl" of Provence, most fully reflecting the spirit of this southern region.
Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Paul
You will have an exciting trip along the Cote d'Azur of France, with a visit to respectable Antibes, brilliant Cannes and charming Saint-Paul-de-Vence, on the streets of which many art galleries are hidden.
Antibes, Cannes and Grasse
The tour will start with a trip to Antibes, famous for its magnificent panoramas and excellent beaches. Then, moving along the coast, you will visit the main sights of Cannes, including the Croisette. And then - Grasse, the famous center of perfumery, where the action of the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind takes place.
Gourdon, Tourette and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
An amazing and vibrant tour will begin with a visit to Gourdon - an old Provencal town with unique architecture and breathtaking views of the Wolf Valley. Further, after crossing the picturesque Wolf Gorge, you will find yourself in the charming town of Tourettes. The tour ends with a visit to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, praised by artists.
The best places in Monaco and Eze
First you will visit the beautiful and cozy town of Eze with magnificent panoramic views of the coast and the perfume house Fagonar. Then head to the Principality of Monaco, where you will see all the main sights: the Old Town, the Cathedral, the Prince's Palace, the Museum of Oceanology (the ticket is paid separately), the Formula 1 track and, of course, Monte Carlo with its world-famous casinos and boutiques.
Italian market and Monaco
Your attention is invited to a fascinating trip to Italy, where you can visit the famous markets: San Remo, Bordighera and Ventimiglia. Further, through Menton and Roquebrune - Cap Martin, you will go to the Principality of Monaco and see the main attractions of this dwarf state: the Old Town, the Cathedral, the Prince's Palace - the residence of the ruling family, as well as Monte Carlo, famous for its magnificent gardens, luxurious hotels and the best casinos in Europe.
Night walk in Monaco
Needless to say, Monaco is truly irresistible at night, offering every guest to immerse themselves in the principality's nightlife, so beloved by the cream of society. You can stroll through the streets of the Old Town, dine in an excellent restaurant in Monte Carlo (price not included), and then visit the local casinos or just wander among the delightful gardens, decorated with hundreds of lights. You will depart back (to Nice) at 23:15.
Saint Tropez
You will have the chance to make an interesting trip to the city of Saint-Tropez. This is a favorite vacation spot of European bohemia, sung in the movie "And God Created Woman" with Brigitte Bardot. The tour will start from the port of Sainte-Maxime, from where you will be taken by ship to the very center of the city. You can wander through the picturesque streets, visit a real Provencal market or shop in local boutiques. You can also visit the fortress or the Museum of the Annunciation (the ticket is paid separately). During the low season (November to March), the trip to Saint-Tropez is by car.
The resorts of the Cote d'Azur of France are so numerous and multifaceted that every time you can discover new amazing places that will appeal to both adults and children. These are big cities, and small cozy villages, as well as numerous entertainments for children.
Nice
To get to know Nice, it is recommended to rent a car and use the services of a guide for 4 hours. The capital of the Cote d'Azur welcomes its guests with the elegant Promenade des Anglais, which carefully preserves memories of the era of the early 20th century. The famous Negresco hotel, palaces and palaces, luxurious villas are located here.
The old part of the city amazes tourists with its contrasts, and the Saleya flower market located here fills the streets with the scent of roses. On the hill of Cimiez rise the ancient arenas of the Roman Colosseum. And not far away is the residence of Regina Palace - a silent witness to the stay of Queen Victoria and the entire English aristocracy on the Riviera. Nice is famous for its museums; the Matisse house-museum, the Museum of Modern Art and Chagall open their doors to you.
Cannes
To visit Cannes, it is recommended to rent a car and use the services of a guide for 4 hours. Departure from Antibes, Nice, Monaco.
Cannes is the cradle of film festivals, seminars and congresses. It is recommended to see the Cannes Film Festival Palace, take a walk along the star alley with the handprints of the actors. The Croisette has collected the most luxurious hotels in Cannes - Martinez, Majestic and Carlton.
The ancient Suquet quarter is located next to the port of Cannes, from where a magnificent view of the Cannes Bay opens. By boat you can get to the Lerins Islands, which keep the terrible secret of the prisoner of the Iron Mask.
Monaco
The route from Nice to Monaco is considered one of the most picturesque in France - here you can see picturesque bays, seaside villages and steep banks.
Monaco is a principality, a small independent state. Thanks to the rapid development of the tourism and gambling business, it gained fame as an elite resort town in the second half of the 19th century.
The Prince's Palace is located in the old part of the city. The changing of the guard, which has become a tradition, takes place daily in front of it. Also here are the Jacques Cousteau Oceanarium Museum and the majestic Cathedral.
Antibes - Juan-les-Pins
Antibes - Juan-les-Pins is the 2nd largest city of the Alpes-Maritimes, which is located between Nice and Cannes and the European capital of such a musical direction as jazz. The real dawn in the life of the city began with the arrival of the Americans: they brought Coca-Cola, American cars, bikinis and Negro jazz. Since those wonderful times in Antibes - Juan-les-Pins from all over the world and the golden youth has come.
The center of the French Riviera is Cape d'Antibes. Antibes-Juan-les-Pins has 5 ports where the most beautiful yachts in the world moor.
Biotte and Vallauris - centers of handicrafts
Biot is a picturesque village among the mountains, located 30 kilometers from Nice at the top of a hill in the Brag valley. It is famous for its historical and architectural monuments and the 12th century arches that form Arkad Square in the center of the village.
Among other things, Biot is considered a city of glassblowers: it is known throughout the world for its unique bubble glassware. 8 glass-blowing workshops are open to visitors, where you can get acquainted with the art of processing fragile material. Glasses from Biot are considered special due to their blowing technique, they are used to create whole works of art.
Valoris is located 30 kilometers from Nice, its name translates as "ancient city on the sea." Since ancient times, this city has been known as the center of pottery. In 1946, Picasso settled here. In his Madura workshop, he created ceramic sculptures and painted jugs with unique motifs and ornaments.
The famous panel "War and Peace" is preserved today in the chapel of the Medieval castle of the town, in its halls there is the National Picasso Museum. Valoris gained international fame as a center of ceramic art thanks to Picasso. There are many pottery boutiques and workshops on the streets of Valoris, where you can find exclusive ceramic decor items.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Mougins - the charm of the Middle Ages
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming medieval village surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves, nestled in the hills on the outskirts of Nice. Largely due to its sophistication and charm, it has become a favorite meeting place for the bohemian public.
Mougins is a Provencal town of the Middle Ages. The old narrow streets are charming, and the city itself is located on the heights above the Bay of Cannes. Mougins has a huge number of art galleries that exhibit and sell exclusive paintings, as well as many souvenir shops that sell various scents of herbs, fruits and flowers.
waterfall road
To visit it is recommended to rent a car and use the services of a guide for 8 hours. Departure from Antibes, Nice, Monaco, Cannes. The Causeway of the Waterfalls is a mysterious path in the Alpes-Maritimes through the gorge of the river Lou, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of nature and waterfalls, sometimes up to 80 meters high.
The road here passes through a town called Vence, where the Matisse chapel is located, which was erected according to the drawings of the artist, and then through the medieval village of Tourettes-sur-Loup, which is known throughout the world for its tradition of making oil from violets. Further along the road we get to the highland town of Gourdon, which has preserved the Medieval castle of the Provencal count with a garden, which was built according to the project of the author of the Versailles Gardens - Le Nôtre.
famous villas
One of the most prestigious places is the magnificent cape of Cap Ferrat. There are private villas and palaces here, the most famous of which are the villa of Kerylos and Baroness Rothschild.
The wonderful villa of Baroness Rothschild was built in 1905. The owner of the villa has created a real paradise for herself. The estate is surrounded by 7 gardens, there are musical fountains that fill the alleys of the park with music.
Villa Kerylos was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century by lovers of Greek civilization, it was conceived as an ode to Greece. The main goal during construction was to convey exactly the details of architecture and sophisticated decoration, corresponding to ancient originals.
Mediterranean palette
Traces of artists' presence on the Cote d'Azur are visible everywhere. The town named Saint-Paul is a legendary place of rest and work of artists in the style of impressionism. In Nice, you should definitely visit the house-museum of Matisse and Chagall, as well as get acquainted with the Renoir villa in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer.
In the footsteps of Russian history
Russian love for the Cote d'Azur began in 1856, when the widow of Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna, visited it. Following her, all the blue blood of Europe was drawn to the resort.
The family of kings built 2 Orthodox churches in Nice: St. Nicholas Cathedral on Tsarevich Boulevard, a church on Longchamp Street. In the west of Nice, there is the Russian cemetery of Kokad, where Countess Apraksina, Princess Kochubey, General Yudenich are buried. In the French Riviera there were famous creative personalities, for example, Gogol, Chekhov, Tyutchev, Bunin.
Castles and fortresses of the Côte d'Azur
The entire territory of the Franco-Italian Riviera alternately belonged to Spain, France, Italy. Each country has tried to establish its position here by building castles and fortresses on the hills, forming the best protection in case of attack and a panoramic view.
The first conquerors of local tribes in the 1st century BC. became the Romans. In order to mark their victory, they erected a giant marble monument on the highest hill of the La Turbie coast and called it the Trophy of the Alps. Today, it rises above Monaco and is the oldest architectural monument.
The city of Antibes for a long time had military and strategic importance: it was the border between the Italian lands and the possessions of the French king. In order to ensure the protection of the port city, many fortresses were erected, including the Fort Kare, which has survived to this day.
Gardens and parks of the Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur in the south of France has a mild climate, which is why it is famous for its abundance of parks, gardens and greenery. One of the oldest city parks, Albert I, is located in the center of Nice. Having reached the Château Park, you can admire the views of the grottoes and waterfalls, as well as look at the Cote d'Azur from a bird's eye view.
The unique quarter of Cimiez is known for its chic rose garden and olive grove. Not far from Nice Airport is the Phoenix Park, which presents the flora and fauna of 5 continents of the world.
In Monaco, you can visit a garden with exotic plants and a panoramic view of the surroundings. On the shore of a small lake is the charming rose garden of Princess Grace.
Italy
The Italian Riviera is called the Riviera of Flowers. All its cities are fragrant with various flower aromas.
Menton is the last French port that belonged to Italy until 1860. Here, the atmosphere of mixing 2 cultures is in the air. Every year in February Menton hosts a citrus festival.
Ventimiglia is the first border town in Italy, which is located on the Fiumo River. The musical capital of Italy is the city of San Remo. Every spring, the world-famous song festival takes place here, and in the summer - a jazz festival.
Saint Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a world famous resort. This city is the most fashionable place on the Cote d'Azur. World celebrities have a rest here and also build their villas. Provencal flavor, sandy clean beaches, pine trees, excellent service provided in every hotel are the hallmarks of this city.
The most famous place is its embankment: artists put up their paintings for sale here, and everything is one whole - the sea, white stones and the sun, plus bright creations look very impressive. In addition to the port and beaches, Saint-Tropez offers walks in fashionable establishments, shops and craft workshops.
It is here that the world-famous Butterfly House is located, where more than 20 thousand specimens of these wonderful insects are presented. This collection is one of the largest in Europe.
Saint-Tropez itself is surrounded by several small but picturesque villages, which are also worth a visit. The first is Saint Maxime, a resort on the coast, which is famous for discos, restaurants and beaches. The second, Cogolin, is a handicraft center where every villager creates something with his own hands. The third, Port Grimaud (Grimaud) is a marina in the Gulf of St. Tropez, with a capacity of several thousand yachts. It is always compared to Venice.
Provence
Provence is a great place for those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy nature. Here the warm sea, sandy beaches, fine wines, aromas from a mixture of vineyards, pines and olive groves.
Provence presents a variety of landscapes: vineyards, bays with bright turquoise water, pine trees and olive groves. Civilizations intertwine in Provence, it is rich in history, there are many attractions here. The hospitable and sunny lands of Provence have always attracted famous and talented people.
Marseille and the Isle of If
Marseille is the second largest city in France, and it is also one of the largest and oldest ports in the Mediterranean. It was founded by the Greeks 26 centuries ago. The history of this city was embodied in stone. Special buildings of the Greek period are replaced by Romanesque architecture, strict Gothic smoothly turns into Baroque and monumental classicism.
Iridescent, noisy, colorful markets and fairs are an integral part of Marseille. Here you can buy food, fish, flowers. After a walk through the Old Town, which is its heart, you can take a boat to the Isle of If and visit the castle, which is famous for the fact that the world-famous Count of Monte Cristo languished there.
For lunch, you can try the famous Marseille fish soup under the intricate name bouillabaisse. The second half of the day is devoted to a sightseeing tour of the city and a visit to the Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral, from the height of which a gorgeous panorama of the whole city and the sea opens up.
Toulon and Sage Valley
Sage Valley Suview is an old estate located in the heart of the Bandol region, which is famous for its wines. For more than a thousand years, a large amount of sage has been growing on this land. A tasting of one of the most famous Provencal wines Bandol awaits you.
After lunch, the program includes a visit to Toulon. Toulon is the most beautiful bay in Europe. For those who wish - a boat trip along the waters of Toulon Bay.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is the sweetest city that has been cultural center Provence. It was founded by the Romans in the second century BC on the site where there were thermal springs.
The Church of the Holy Savior is one of the main attractions of the city. This unique structure is built on a Roman foundation and combines three architectural styles: Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. Aix en Provence is the arena for performances by Mirabeau, the birthplace of Cezanne and the favorite place of Stendhal and Zola.
Popular Cars on the French Riviera
A unique offer is to explore the Cote d'Azur on collectible cars. On these cars, the Rolling Stones made walks along the famous Cape Cape, and the Cadillac Limousine is a participant in the romantic dates of Marilyn Monroe and President Kennedy.
Today, these cars are not only a whim of stars or celebrities: you yourself can feel like a star, drive along the Croisette or take a walk around the Principality of Monaco, choose a romantic tour to Provence with a tasting of fine wines, or take a ride with the breeze along Cape Millionaires and visit the famous villa Rothschild.
For those who are interested, full list car models, with full technical characteristics of each and photos. Increased rates are valid on national holidays and during the time period from 20.00 to 00.00. The cost of a guide for 4 or 8 hours is added to the cost of car rental, depending on the chosen route of the walk.
Other entertainment
1. Frejus Zoological Park - built like an African safari, animals live in spacious enclosures. Here you can see 130 species of different birds, animals, fish and reptiles.
2. St. Margaret's Island - it was on it that the royal fort was built in the Middle Ages, which later turned into a prison. It was here that on April 20, 1687, the prisoner of the Iron Mask, who had spent 11 years on the island, was taken into custody. No one still knows the identity of this man. The tour includes visiting the parks and alleys of the island, as well as the chamber of the iron mask.
3. The grottoes of Saint Césaire and Beaume Obscure are located 35 kilometers from Nice in the village of the De Thiers valley. The depth of the grottoes is about 50 meters, the walls are painted in red-brown color due to the high concentration of iron. Grottoes are the realm of stalagmites and stalactites of the most mysterious forms. The temperature inside is only 15 degrees, it is recommended to bring clothes with you.
4. Astrorama Park is located at an altitude of 650 m above sea level. Here everyone is welcome to learn more about the secrets of the planets and outer space. You can also participate in the launch of a mini-rocket and visit the planetarium.
5. Museum of the prehistoric period, located on the territory of the park-reserve Verdon. This is a unique opportunity for children to get acquainted with the primitive world. In its halls you can see objects of the prehistoric period that were found during excavations. And voluminous dioramas will immerse you in a real journey into the past.
6. A walk in the prehistoric grotto of Bom Bon for those who wish to feel the real conditions of life and life of ancient people. To this day, excavations are underway in the grotto.
7. Helicopter training flights for extreme sports enthusiasts are held at the Cannes-Mandelieu airfield. You will be offered to learn how to fly a helicopter and fly over the Cote d'Azur.
8. Creating your own perfume at the Provencal villa Habanita, which is adjacent to the Molinard perfume factory, which has preserved the manual method of perfume production to this day. Under the guidance of a perfumer, you can mix your favorite essential oils and create your own unique fragrance.
9. Journey to the Valley of Wonders - Mercantour National Park, which is a natural heritage of Europe. This is a unique valley surrounded by glaciers, offering views of lakes, flora and fauna.
Thematic routes
1. To the origins of Mediterranean cuisine. The program includes a visit to the Alziari olive mill, a visit to a real farm and a cheese factory, and a wine tasting at the Château de Crema.
2. Wine tasting of Provence in the small town of Puget-Théniers, and then a visit to a farm specializing in the production of cheese.
3. Provencal farm Courmette, located on the mountain plateau of the Alps. The price of the visit includes lunch prepared by the owners of the farm. Next, visit the village of Gourdon, which is called the Eagle's Nest.
Azure Switzerland is a real journey through the Alps: the road goes along the Vesubie River, and then we are greeted by the Alpine town of Saint-Martin Vesubie, surrounded by mountains and forests. Rising to the heights of the mountains, you find yourself at the sanctuary of the Madonna de Fenestra - this is an ancient place of pilgrimage. Next on the program is a visit to a local cheese factory.