Coastal villas, Medieval Town of Eze and the Secrets of Perfumery

Right after leaving Nice, you'll drive up to the majestic hill of Mont Boron. Here, you'll discover a 15th-century stronghold that once guarded the Bay of Villefranche. The stunning views over the bay, the village, and the surrounding hills will leave you breathless for a moment. On the opposite side of Mont Boron, you'll experience the panoramic vista of Nice itself and much more, as if seen from a bird's-eye view—an unforgettable encounter with the major city of the French Riviera.

Our tour continues with a visit to the observation deck at Mont Alban Fortress, where your guide will provide insights into the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Bay of Angels. You'll be treated to magnificent views of the coastline. To the east lie Cap Ferrat, Cap d'Ail, Cape Bordighera, and Mount Dog's Head. To the west lies the Bay of Angels. Don't forget to capture photos of this unforgettable location.

Our next stop takes us to Eze Village, a medieval town perched on a rocky hill that still resonates with memories from the Roman Empire. Positioned like an eagle's nest at nearly 430 meters above sea level, Eze Village transports visitors back to the 13th century and beyond. Its narrow, picturesque streets, facades concealed by Mediterranean vegetation, and medieval architecture make Eze Village one of the most captivating destinations in France. The splendid views from its exotic gardens atop the hill ensure a visit you'll always remember. This inspiring place left a mark on Friedrich Nietzsche, the influential German philosopher of the 19th century, who lived in Eze and profoundly influenced Western philosophy.

This medieval village is encircled by robust defensive walls, cliffs, and houses seemingly hewn from the rock itself. Reminiscent of medieval times, Eze offers magnificent views of the sea, the French Riviera, and even Corsica.

When in Eze Village, don't miss the chance to visit the renowned French cosmetic manufacturer, Fragonard. Discover how perfumes are made, learn about the "nose" behind them, and more on a free guided tour available in English and other languages. The opportunity to purchase fragrances at factory prices adds to the excitement of your visit.

Just a 10-minute drive away lies Cap Ferrat, a paradise peninsula where celebrities and the wealthy own properties. Nestled in this picturesque setting is our next stop, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This Italian-style palace was commissioned in 1905 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. Accompanied by a personal guide and an excellent audio guide, you'll embark on a captivating journey through the villa's halls, where you can admire a rare collection of nearly 5,000 works of art, including mosaics, Flemish tapestries, porcelain, and furniture.

Surrounding the villa are luxurious gardens

The villa's nine gardens showcase diverse styles: French, Florentine, Spanish, tropical, stone, Japanese, Provençal... During the summer months, live orchestral performances and panoramic views of the Bay of Beaulieu will undoubtedly leave you enchanted. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild stands as a gem of French heritage, a luxurious Venetian-style palace revered and preserved by the Academy of Fine Arts.

Our next stop, just a short distance away, brings us to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and its remarkable time capsule: Villa Kerylos. Constructed in 1902 on a site reminiscent of the Aegean coast, the villa was meticulously designed by archaeologist Theodor Reinach, a devoted scholar of ancient Greek culture. This villa meticulously recreates life during the Greek Empire and its civilization, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Greek nobility. Inside, you'll discover original artifacts alongside meticulously crafted replicas of furniture, frescoes, and classical Greek statues in the Antique Gallery located beneath the villa. Today, Villa Kerylos is overseen by the Institute de France.

At the conclusion of our tour, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. As we make our way back to Nice, our route will gracefully trace the coastline along the lower ridge, passing by the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, offering scenic views of the sea.