Provence Hilltop Villages Tour Shore Excursion from Monaco
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Discover Cannes and the iconic Croisette Boulevard
- ✓Tour Grasse, the world capital of perfume
- ✓Explore the storybook village of Saint Paul de Vence
- ✓Stroll medieval streets in perched Gourdon
- ✓Witness stunning Provençal landscapes along the Loup River
Description
Make the most of your time ashore on a private French Riviera shore excursion from Monaco. Meet your private guide at the cruise terminal and travel comfortably through Provençal countryside on an itinerary planned around your ship’s schedule.
Explore Cannes and the palm-lined Croisette, then continue to Gourdon, a medieval village perched above the Loup River valley with sweeping views. Stroll Saint-Paul-de-Vence, known for its galleries, stone lanes and artistic heritage, before visiting Grasse, France’s historic perfume capital, for a perfume-factory tour.
This private Monaco cruise shore excursion combines Riviera glamour, panoramic scenery, art and local craftsmanship, with return to your ship at the end of the day.
Private Monaco Shore Excursion Through the French Riviera
Set out from Monaco on a private shore excursion created for cruise travelers who wish to explore the French Riviera beyond the port. Travel through the Provençal countryside with an expert private guide, enjoying a personalized journey that brings together celebrated coastal settings, historic hilltop villages, art, and local craftsmanship. The itinerary is arranged to include return to your ship at the end of the excursion.
Cannes and the Croisette
Discover Cannes, a landmark of the French Riviera known for its elegant waterfront setting. Stroll or admire the palm-lined Croisette, where grand hotels, boutiques, and Mediterranean views reflect the city’s glamorous seaside character. Your guide provides context on Cannes and its place among the Riviera’s most recognizable destinations.
Gourdon and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Continue through scenic countryside to Gourdon, a medieval village perched high above the Loup River valley. Its historic lanes and panoramic position offer a striking contrast to the coast. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, wander among stone houses, galleries, and artisan boutiques in a village long associated with artists including Picasso and Matisse.
Grasse and French Perfume Heritage
Visit Grasse, France’s historic perfume capital, for a behind-the-scenes perfume-factory tour. Learn about the region’s fragrance-making traditions before browsing local creations, confectionery shops, and colourful market displays. This experience adds an authentic local dimension to your private French Riviera tour from Monaco.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Private transportation from Monaco Cruise Port
- ✓Guided visit to a Grasse perfume factory
- ✓Free time to explore villages and local boutiques
- ✓Scenic drive through Provence landscapes
- ✓Knowledgeable local guide
- ✗Meals and drinks (lunch)
- ✗Personal travel insurance, expenses
- ✗Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Hilltop villages of Provence Private Shore Excursion from Monaco
- 1
Monaco Cruise Terminal – Private Shore Excursion Pickup
Meet your private guide at the Monaco cruise terminal and depart in a comfortable private vehicle for a day in the Provençal hinterland. Your shore excursion combines historic hilltop villages, artistic heritage, perfume traditions, and scenic countryside before returning to the port.
- 2
Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Art, Ramparts, and Stone Lanes
Discover Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a historic hilltop village of stone façades, galleries, small squares, ramparts, guard walkways, and cannons. Walk between the Royal Gate and Southern Gate and explore a setting associated with artists including Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and Renoir.
- 3
Grasse – The World Capital of Perfume
Visit Grasse, set on a slope at the foot of the Alps and known as the world capital of perfume. Tour a perfume factory to follow the fragrance-making process from raw materials to finished scents, with roses, jasmine, and bitter orange blossom among the flowers grown in the surrounding countryside.
- 4
Gourdon – Above the Loup River Valley
Explore Gourdon, a medieval village perched on a rocky spur above the Loup River. Browse its small shops and discover the renowned Florian traditional confectionery workshop. Enjoy time for personal discovery and lunch at your own expense.
- 5
Gorges du Loup – Provençal Canyon Scenery
Travel through the Gorges du Loup, following the Loup River through a striking canyon landscape. The drive reveals peaceful countryside and viewpoints across the Provençal hinterland.
- 6
Tourrettes-sur-Loup – The Village of Violets
Stop in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, a hilltop village set between two valleys. Known as the “village of violets,” it features stone houses, flower-decked lanes, narrow streets, and artisan boutiques presenting local arts and crafts.
- 7
Monaco Cruise Terminal – Return to Your Ship
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This is a private shore excursion from Monaco for cruise travelers.
- An expert private guide accompanies you throughout the excursion.
- The itinerary includes the Croisette in Cannes.
- The tour includes a perfume-factory visit in Grasse.
- Expect time to explore historic lanes, galleries, and artisan boutiques.
Know Before You Go
- Meet your private guide at the Monaco cruise terminal.
- The route travels through the Provençal countryside.
- Gourdon is a medieval village above the Loup River valley.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence features stone lanes, galleries, and boutiques.
- Grasse is known as France’s historic perfume capital.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
| 2 participants minimum - Total price | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €1,300.00 | €1,170.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €435.00 | €390.00 |
| 4 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €325.00 | €293.00 |
| 5 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €260.00 | €234.00 |
| 6 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €220.00 | €195.00 |
| 7 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €185.00 | €167.00 |
| 8 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €165.00 | €146.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Refund Policy: You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund. All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
All private shore excursions must clearly specify the name of the ship and the local port of call. Ophorus will not be held responsible if the wrong port of call has been notified during reservation process. Each customer has to check that he or she has the appropriate documents for their journey; a passport (with visa if necessary) or a valid ID card.
No refund will be granted in case of lack or loss of ID documents. Eating, drinking and smoking on board the minivans is strictly forbidden (law of September, 17th, 1977). All passengers are insured during the excursions while in the vans. The responsibility of Ophorus is limited to our insurance contract clauses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Additional Information
This experience is well suited to cruise passengers calling at Monaco who want to explore beyond the port on a private shore excursion. It is an appealing choice for private groups interested in French Riviera culture, artistic heritage, hilltop villages, perfume-making traditions, and Mediterranean scenery. Photography lovers will appreciate the Croisette in Cannes, the panoramic setting of Gourdon, and the stone lanes of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, while travelers drawn to local craftsmanship can enjoy the perfume-factory visit and artisan boutiques in Grasse and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Voucher Information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Group Information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: https://ophorus.com/contact-us