Cote d'Azur : Excursions

Towns & Markets

Nice - the beautiful city of Nice is the capital of the Côte d'Azur. Visit the Matisse Museum, take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais or discover the picturesque old town with its narrow streets and alleyways.
Cannes - nothing can detract from the aura of glamour that surrounds the resort of Cannes - the venue of the Film Festival in May. Stroll along palm lined Boulevard de la Croisette or savour the view of the Riviera from La Californie Observatory. Wander into the attractive old town.
Fréjus - formerly a seaport. Fréjus noted for its Roman remains, has the oldest amphitheatre in Gaul – now restored and used for concerts and bullfights.
St Raphaël - the area where wealthy Romans came for air and relaxation. It has an excellent sandy beach.
Monaco - the Principality of Monaco with its fairytale pink royal palace, covers just 8 square miles. Visit Monte Carlo, famous for its casino. Admire the old town of Monaco, and marvel at the opulence of the yachts in the Port.
St Tropez - the fashionable resort with its harbour and yachting marina are a huge attraction for the rich and famous. Visit the Annonciade Museum (early 20th Century paintings).
Perched Villages - set on high plateaux, these villages still bear witness to the ancient provencal way of life. Visit Eze, with its exotic gardens, or St Paul de Vence - a town devoted to art and close by the Foundation Maeght, a world class museum of modern art complete with sculpture garden.

Markets

Explore some of the colourful Provencal markets. General markets take place daily (except Monday) in most towns including Grasse, Menton, Antibes and Nice.

Special Interests & Crafts

Perfume Creation - Grasse is the world capital of the perfume industry - visit Molinard Perfumerie or the Fragonard Perfume Museum. Groups can even make their own perfume on a visit to the Galimard perfume factory. 
Confectionery - visit the Confiserie du Vieux Nice for a guided tour. See how their unique chocolates and sweets are produced and also have a free taste!
Vallauris - is a picturesque small town famous for its pottery. See traditional potters at work. Picasso had a studio here.
Biot - has many artisan craft shops and glass blowing is practiced here.

Art Galleries & Museums

Marc Chagall Museum - Nice.
Musée Cocteau - at Menton features examples of Cocteau's work. The Chapelle St Pierre at Villefranche was decorated by the artist.
Musée Fernand Léger - at Biot.
Musée Matisse - at Nice and the Chapelle du Rosaire outside Vence - a chapel designed and decorated by Matisse.
Picasso - visit the Musée 'La Guerre et la Paix' at Vallauris and the Musée Picasso at the Château Grimaldi in Antibes.
Renoir - Renoir's studio at Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Leisure

Marineland - the first marine zoo in Europe, is situated a short distance from the town of Antibes.
Aquasplash - Large water leisure park. Seasonal opening. Mid June - mid Sep.