Fragrances of French Riviera
Discover Grasse, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Gourdon and an ancient perfumery
- WITH
- Sylvie | about the guide
In the heart of Provence, the small city of Grasse shines with its worldwide reputation in the field of perfumery. Classified city of art by the French National Monuments centre and declared World Capital of perfume, this old medieval town has for centuries, flowers of exceptional quality and a unique expertise in their transformation. You will start this exclusive day by visiting the famous Molinard perfume factory dating back from 1849, creator of the Habanita perfume in 1921. Then, your guide will take you to the medieval streets of the Old City of Grasse. You will discover the imposing cathedral with its paintings from Rubens and its 13th century watch tower. Through wining streets, you will admire the herbs market and its former basins where locals used to rinse tanned leather. Many rich private mansions adorn the main streets of the city. You will learn the history of 500 years of middle ages in the South of France, and learn how Grasse became so famous worldwide. In the medieval streets of Grasse, many lovely restaurants offering local food will attract you and you will be able to enjoy sampling the local fresh vegetables in a famous salad Nicoise in a sunny terrace, relaxing and soaking up the charming atmosphere, as all the French do at lunch time. After that your guide will drive you to the medieval village Tourrettes-sur-Loup, known as a “town of violets”. Stroll in the narrow streets, admire the architecture and feel the south atmosphere! You will finish your tour in another charming town called Gourdon that offers magnificent unique panoramic views. Next, your guide will drive you to your hotel.
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Nice - French Riviera
France -
8 hrs
DURATION -
8
MAX. No. ON TOUR
TOUR DETAILS
- keywords :
- Molinard, perfume, Grasse, old town, medieval
- transport :
- Private minivan
- ACTIVITY LEVEL :
- Light
- ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED :
- yes
- Kid friendly :
- Children are welcome
- LANGUAGES:
- Français/French (native), Anglais/English (fluent)
- MAX. No. OF PEOPLE :
- 8
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Hotel pickup and drop-off - Private transport during the tour - private professional guide service - Visit of Molinard perfume factory in Grasse
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks and snacks during the tour - Entrance fees if applicable
ITINERARY
Your day will start with a visit of the famous Molinard perfume factory dating back from 1849 where you will discover all the secrets of the perfume making process. You will continue with a walking in the oldest part of Grasse. Following your guide through the tiny medieval streets, you will discover some beautiful sites such as the emblematic Cathedral, the herbs market and many historic buildings. As you stroll, your guide will talk to you about the history of Grasse and how the little city became renowned for its perfumes. You will also admire the panoramic views over the green countryside. At midday, you will be able to savor some of the specialties of the delicious Niçoise cuisine, taking a break in one of the many little restaurants around. Then, you will visit Tourrettes sur Loup, a medieval artisan’s village famous for the culture of violet flowers. After a walk in the tiny streets of this mediterranean village you will drive to another beautiful town called Gourdon. This village offers incredible panoramic views and is also famous for its castle with its gardens designed by André Le Notre, the principal gardener of King Louis XIV who designed as well the park of the Palace of Versailles. Afterwards, your guide will bring you back to your hotel.
WHERE AND WHEN?
- MEET-UP LOCATION:
- Your hotel
- END OF TOUR LOCATION:
- Your hotel
about
your guide
Sylvie
Cagnes sur Mer
- languages :
- Français/French, Anglais/English
30 years ago, at the end of my studies, I got my national guide-lecturer card and moved in the most beautiful region of France, the French Riviera, in order to fully experience this exciting profession. Curious little mouse, I love discovering secrets and unique places where only locals go. Over the years I gained a lot of contacts and exclusive addresses I wanted to share : after 15 years of experience and guided tours, I decided to specialize in the high tourist range and I created my own association, Alpine guides Interpreters, with a small dynamic team of qualified and multilingual local guides with a perfect knowledge of their region. Today, we offer quality tours, in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian in the French and Italian Riviera from Saint Tropez to San Remo via Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Nice and many other splendid Riviera's cities. We love to organize themed tours in inaccessible places and sites to the general public to provide a unique view of the Riviera and its contrasts. With us, enjoy local cuisine in a gastronomic route to Nice, Cannes or Monaco; visit the Riviera and its beautiful coasts by boat; or explore the medieval villages such as Saint Paul de Vence, Eze, off the beaten tracks...
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