Private Experiences and Tours in the Cote D’Azur

While the Cote d’Azur is technically part of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, we highlight it separately given its unique geography and cache! There is no official geographic boundary for the Cote d’Azur (also known as the French Riviera), but it is usually considered to be from Cassis or Toulon on the west to Menton at the France–Italy border in the east. You will find the famous Cotes de Provence rose wine in this region, the well-respected Bandol appellation with its famous reds, and Cassis, where white wine is king. While it’s best known for its glamorous resort areas, the Cote d’Azur offers many charming villages and delicious local cuisine.

We are very excited to share the start of the exclusive and authentic experiences that we’ve uncovered in the Cote d’Azur for your clients! Stay tuned for more to come! Below are some examples that we can include in their custom-designed vacation itinerary!   

cooking classes

Pasta Making Nicois Style
Did you know that Nice has historical ties to Italy? And the Italian influence in Nice carries on today...in both the architecture and food. Learn how to make fresh pasta with sauces that exude a Nicois flare…such as pistou (Nice’s version of a pesto sauce that is made with garlic, basil and olive oil, and emmental cheese instead of parmigiano). Or ravioli made with chard (instead of spinach). And if gnocchi is your pasta of choice, try some green gnocchi (made with chard) that is served with pistou.
3 hours
All year

FOODIE TOUR

Foodie Walking Tour and Visit to Monastery Vineyard  
Tour an indoor food market and taste unique delicacies from the area. Take a ferry to an island where 21 monks live at the monastery that has made high-quality wines since the middle ages and liqueurs for the last 150 years. Taste the wines that were served to heads of state at the G20 summit and to the Jury at the International Film Festival in Cannes. Enjoy lunch on the island as well as a tour of the fortified tower.
Full day
Best months, March - November

PERFUME

Scent of a Woman…or Man!
Known as one of the world’s perfect locations to grow fragrant flowers, Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. Enjoy a private visit at France’s oldest perfumerie (dating back to 1747), and work with an expert parfumeur (also called a “nose”) to create your very own scent. Not only are Grasse flowers used for perfumes, they have long been a part of the human diet too. At a local shop of culinary delights, you will try a variety of preserves, jams, syrups and sweets made with flowers.
4 hours
All year

Where Do the Perfume Giants Get Their Flowers?
Visit Grasse and enjoy a private tour of the city’s own flower garden with the lead gardener. See various flowers and plants used to make fragrances and learn the scent creation process, which was recently recognized by UNESCO. Enjoy a private lunch in the garden. 

For a very special treat, travel to a private garden that is the exclusive supplier of roses for Christian Dior perfumes! You will meet the owner and learn about the evolution of Grasse and area farms as they work to meet the growing demand for prized flowers of this area. 
4-5 hours, including lunch

WINE

Cotes de Provence Appellation
This is the largest wine appellation in Provence. Visit an award-winning vineyard with its delicious wines and breathtaking views of the Med.

Bandol Appellation
Along the southern coastline, the Bandol appellation produces premium reds that are full-bodied with strong tannins. Like many French appellations, small, family-owned vineyards are produce amazing wines! Visit their caves and taste their nectars, or spend more time with a gourmet lunch and an extensive tasting with the wine maker.

The Masters’ Love for the Cote D’Azur 
Learn about three famous painters while they lived in the Cote D’Azur. See where Picasso, Chagall and Matisse lived and worked in Antibes, St-Paul-de-Vence and Vence…and see examples of their work. Take in the beautiful scenery in each of these villages, from medieval architecture to the French Riviera coastline, from cobbled stone roads to charming fountains.
Full day
Year round
FYI: Not available days of museums are closed