Backcountry of the French Riviera: 3 Villages in a Day

Alexandra is here again to share her explorations, photos and videos of the French Riviera. Knowing how to plan the timing of a trip is always a quandary for me as I don’t want to miss anything but I also want to see as many places as I can. Alexandra outlines how to see three lovely villages in the Côte d’Azur in an afternoon!

Backcountry of the French Riviera – If you want to spend the perfect afternoon in the South of France, here’s the guide on how to do it!

There’s more to the French Riviera than just a beautiful coast line. The backcountry of the Côte d’Azur will amaze you with picturesque villages, medieval history and breathtaking views. I selected the top 3 villages to visit, and best of all: It can all be done in one afternoon!

I recommend taking this trip with a car or rental bus. The drive through the backcountry will lead you along narrow streets over hills and gorges. That itself is a great (and sometimes scary!) experience. If you rely on public transportation, I am going to suggest the best connections with public buses as well.

Grasse

The first stop is the perfume capital of the world: Grasse. You can visit one of the factories in which you get to go on a “perfume tour” as well as buy the scent of your choice. Factory guides usually speak multiple languages in order to sell well. If you don’t like to wear perfume, you will for sure find a gift for your mom.

The scent of perfume will still stick with you when driving through the village towards your next stop.

Taking in the view through the bus window

Gourdon

After another short drive, you will get to one of the most beautiful “villages perchés” (village perched on top of a relief): Gourdon. It is a small authentic medieval town and a short stay of 30 or 45 minutes should be enough. There’s no way around enjoying the exceptional panoramic view from the main square. You get to admire the green Loup Valley, and on a bright day you can see as far as the island of Corsica.

When continuing your trip to the next village you will pass by the village perché of Tourrettes-sur-Loup and the beautiful Gorges du Loup at the foot of Gourdon. 

The lovely waterfall Cascade de Courmes is a special natural site that will surprise you on your way.

Photo by LaurPhil is licensed under CC BY 2.0

St-Paul-de-Vence

The major artistic center of the 19th century might still be the most famous village of France to this day. As another village perché it looks like a nest built on top of a hill. It attracted artists such as Marc Chagall, whose grave can also be visited in the local cemetery.

Today St. Paul is home to many art galleries and museums. You can stroll along the narrow paths of the village, surrounded by impressive medieval fortifications which are still intact.

Many little shops offering cute local handicrafts are inviting you in. But attention: They do not want you to take photos (especially of pretty soaps).

If you buy food or drinks in the village, don’t be surprised to pay a bit more than expected. On the other hand, you can’t put a price on enjoying your ice cream in beautiful medieval surroundings like these.

Getting to the Backcountry of the French Riviera with No Car

After this trip of breathtaking views, picturesque villages and fragrant perfumes you will feel filled with lasting impressions.

If you don’t have the chance to go by car, I recommend the low-budget option from Cannes or Nice. You won’t be able to do the exact same tour but seeing just one of these beautiful villages will be worth it! You can take Bus TAM 600 from Cannes to Grasse for a single ticket fare. If you’re staying in Nice, I recommend Bus TAM 400 to St. Paul de Vence, or a longer ride with Bus TAM 500 from Nice to Grasse (1h20’). Either way, the public bus is cheap and serves the purpose if you want to get around.

The backcountry of the Côte d’Azur is a great destination for an invaluable French adventure. When walking through the legendary villages perchés you get to experience history from a modern perspective. This will be an afternoon well spent!

For travel videos of the Côte d’Azur subscribe to my Youtube channel!

…..more posts on the Riviera