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Bespoke Journeys

A Postcard Perfect Week in the French Riviera

With this tried and true itinerary, experience the best of Riviera living while balancing 5 to 7 luxurious days of sunshine and relaxation with dreamy day trips to the most picturesque, postcard perfect spots on the Côte d'Azur.

Discover the beauty of the French Riviera on a weeklong trip to this slice of Mediterranean paradise. (Photography by Megan Partridge)Discover the beauty of the French Riviera on a weeklong trip to this slice of Mediterranean paradise. (Photography by Megan Partridge)
Discover the beauty of the French Riviera on a weeklong trip to this slice of Mediterranean paradise. (Photography by Megan Partridge)

Your Journey Begins: Find Your Riviera Haven

Your bespoke journey begins with the selection of your private haven in the beautiful Côte d'Azur, around which your custom itinerary will be built. When you’re seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday in the French Riviera, our travel experts recommend skipping the bustle of Nice or Cannes proper, and instead making your home base a private villa or vacation rental in a quieter Côte d'Azur town such as picturesque Mougins – a hidden gem just 10 minutes from Cannes and our trip designers’ top pick. Other choice stays include charming holiday homes nestled in the hillsides around Valbonne, or perched overlooking the sea near Villefranche-sur-mer in the heart of the Riviera.

Wander the streets of Mougins, a storybook village home to some of the Riviera's best chefs and artists. (Photography by Jason Paez)Wander the streets of Mougins, a storybook village home to some of the Riviera's best chefs and artists. (Photography by Jason Paez)
Wander the streets of Mougins, a storybook village home to some of the Riviera's best chefs and artists. (Photography by Jason Paez)

A Sense of Arrival: Discover the Magic of Mougins

Upon arrival at Nice (NCE), get whisked away to your haven in the Riviera via private transfer service. You can also pick up a car rental if that’s your preference for getting around. It’s a quick and easy ride to your private villa, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your local hosts and a dreamy French kitchen pre-stocked with delightful delicacies.

Now, it’s time to settle into the Riviera holiday of your dreams. To get acclimated with the area, wander through town and bask in the serenity and beauty of Mougins – a charming medieval French village perched on the hills just above Cannes. A hidden gem situated in the heart of the Côte d'Azur, Mougins is a breezy 30 minute drive from Nice and just 10 minutes from the glamour of Cannes. The village’s impressive culinary history makes for delicious gourmet dining adventures, and its quaint pedestrian-only streets are lined with chic boutiques and artists studios, inviting serendipitous discoveries. Beloved by artists and designers from around the world, most notably famous artist-in-residence Pablo Picasso, Mougins is a haven of tranquility and charm in the French Riviera.

After a relaxed exploration of the historic storybook village you’ll call home while on holiday, return to your haven for an indulgent first taste of France, with a bespoke gourmet dinner prepared in-villa by your private chef for the evening.

Explore the enchanting medieval village of Èze and the ornate details of the gardens of Villa Ephrussi. (Photography by Jason Paez)Explore the enchanting medieval village of Èze and the ornate details of the gardens of Villa Ephrussi. (Photography by Jason Paez)
Explore the enchanting medieval village of Èze and the ornate details of the gardens of Villa Ephrussi. (Photography by Jason Paez)

Soak in the Sights of Èze & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Take a day trip to beautiful Èze for a walking tour of the medieval hilltop village and enjoy a scenic lunch with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea at the famous Chèvre d’Or estate. Next, drive 20 minutes to spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent private gardens and ornate interiors of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, followed by dinner in Nice or on the Cap Ferrat peninsula. As an alternative, you could choose instead to head to glamorous Monaco for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. We suggest hiring a private driver for the day so you don’t need to worry about having a delicious glass of wine or cocktail with lunch.

    Bask in the Mediterranean sun with an afternoon at an iconic Riviera beach club. (Photography by Megan Partridge)Bask in the Mediterranean sun with an afternoon at an iconic Riviera beach club. (Photography by Megan Partridge)
    Bask in the Mediterranean sun with an afternoon at an iconic Riviera beach club. (Photography by Megan Partridge)

    Recharge with a Day at the Beach

    After an action-packed day of sightseeing, recharge with a leisurely beach club day. Take a luxurious private boat transfer from the Cannes marina to lunch at the stylish La Guérite beach club (our concierge can secure your VIP reservations at one of the best tables by the water). Once you've had your fill of fresh seafood, crisp rosé, and yacht watching, take a gentle hike up from the beach club to the 17th century royal fortress on Île Sainte-Marguerite famed to have once held the “Man in the Iron Mask.”

    Upon return to Cannes, take a stroll on the Boulevard de la Croisette at sunset and then head back home to Mougins for a delectable late night dinner at one of the multiple top notch gourmet restaurants dotting the village. Delight in award-winning Provençal fare on the charming terrace of L'Amandier de Mougins or dine in the heart of the village square at La Place de Mougins for a celebration of seasonal ingredients with creative flair.

    Discover the secrets of perfumery in beautiful Grasse, home to world-renowned artisanal fragrance houses. (Courtesy of Fragonard Parfumeur)Discover the secrets of perfumery in beautiful Grasse, home to world-renowned artisanal fragrance houses. (Courtesy of Fragonard Parfumeur)
    Discover the secrets of perfumery in beautiful Grasse, home to world-renowned artisanal fragrance houses. (Courtesy of Fragonard Parfumeur)

    Visit the Flower Fields & Storied Perfumeries of Grasse

    Refreshed and ready to embark on another adventure, travel north 20 minutes to Grasse, known for its beloved perfumeries and flowers. Wander around the enchanting city and walk the 300 stone steps, soaking in the stunning scenery, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings. You’ll come across the sunny yellow facade of Fragonard, founded in 1926 and one of the three world-renowned perfumeries that hold court in Grasse, alongside Galimard and Molinard.

    Take a free guided tour of the fragrance house (available in several languages, including English) to learn about the origins of perfumery in Grasse, how fragrances are made from the harvest, and the distillation and bottling processes. You’ll have an opportunity to shop in Fragonard’s lovely boutique and pick up perfect fragrant gifts of jasmine, rose, tuberose, and lavender for friends and family back home.

    If you’re interested in crafting your own custom fragrance, Galimard’s Le Studio des Fragrances offers a two-hour workshop where you’ll have access to over 127 notes and can choose the top notes, heart notes, and base notes for your one-of-a-kind scent. The studio keeps your unique formula on file for at least a year, so you can order more and reminisce about happy times in the Côte d'Azur.

    Relax on the idyllic grounds of your own private villa, tucked away in heart of the French Riviera. Featured Haven No. 578624Relax on the idyllic grounds of your own private villa, tucked away in heart of the French Riviera. Featured Haven No. 578624
    Relax on the idyllic grounds of your own private villa, tucked away in heart of the French Riviera. Featured Haven No. 578624

    Wind Down with a Pétanque & Pool Day

    Savor your last moments in the French Riviera with a relaxing day in and around the villa. Enjoy sweet and savory crepes for breakfast while overlooking your stunning private view. Play a leisurely game of pétanque or tennis and cool off with a dip in the pool. Indulge in a double scoop of rose and lavender ice cream while perusing quaint boutiques in the village for special souvenirs.

    On your final evening, partake in a local wine tasting at home and gather together by the fire pit with a cheese plate and glass of rosé, as the sun sets in watercolor hues over the hills of Grasse and your holiday in the Côte d'Azur winds down to a most delightful finish.

    Ready to Explore the Côte d'Azur?

    Get in touch now to begin planning your next journey.

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