📍 France

CÔTE D'AZUR SECRETS: PERCHED VILLAGES AND MOUNTAIN AIR

Stone villages clinging to slopes, valleys carpeted with wildflowers, dizzying panoramas, quiet squares fragrant with thyme. Riviera backcountry, far from the crowds.

≈ 10
Days
242
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Leave the coast and reach the hinterland. Wander Mougins. Discover Grasse perfume workshops. Tour Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Admire Alpes-Maritimes perched villages. The hinterland reveals a more secret Provence.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Mougins

medieval stone spirals upward

Mougins - Photo 1Mougins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the village of Mougins and its spiral streets.
2
Discovery of art galleries and the André Villers photography museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Participation in the gastronomic festival 'Les Étoiles de Mougins' (if September period).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 73 km
Travel time: 1h27
2
Day

Grasse

perfume heritage narrow alleys

Grasse - Photo 1Grasse - Photo 2Grasse - Photo 3Grasse - Photo 4Grasse - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Fragonard perfumery and perfume creation workshop.
2
Discovery of the International Perfume Museum.
3
Stroll through the old town and its Saturday morning market.
🎯

Activities

→
Participation in an olfactory workshop in a local perfumery.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 13min
3
Day

Thorenc

forest crossroads alpine meadows

Thorenc - Photo 1Thorenc - Photo 2Thorenc - Photo 3Thorenc - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the biological reserve of the Monts d'Azur and wildlife observation.
🎯

Activities

→
Safari on foot or by carriage to approach bison, horses and deer in semi-freedom.
4
Day

Gourdon

eagle-perch village boundless vistas

Gourdon - Photo 1Gourdon - Photo 2Gourdon - Photo 3Gourdon - Photo 4Gourdon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the perched village of Gourdon, classified among the most beautiful in France.
2
Hiking on the Paradise circuit connecting Gourdon to Bar-sur-Loup.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of the panorama over the Côte d'Azur and the Esterel massif.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 13min
5
Day

Tourrettes Sur Loup

artisan village violet fragrance

Tourrettes Sur Loup - Photo 1Tourrettes Sur Loup - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, nicknamed the City of Violets.
2
Visit to the Bastide aux Violettes, museum dedicated to violet cultivation.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of violet-based specialties: ice cream, candies or crystallized flowers.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 9min
6
Day

Saint Paul De Vence

golden ridge village stone embrace

Saint Paul De Vence - Photo 1Saint Paul De Vence - Photo 2Saint Paul De Vence - Photo 3Saint Paul De Vence - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Walk through the flowered alleys and ramparts of the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
2
Visit to the Maeght Foundation and its collection of modern and contemporary art.
🎯

Activities

→
Free discovery of art galleries and artists' workshops in the village.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 9min
7
Day

Saint Jeannet

eagles nest alpine panoramas

Saint Jeannet - Photo 1Saint Jeannet - Photo 2Saint Jeannet - Photo 3Saint Jeannet - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the perched village of Saint-Jeannet and its typical cobblestone streets.
2
Hike to the Baou de Saint-Jeannet offering a panorama over the Côte d'Azur.
🎯

Activities

→
Purchase of artisanal ravioli at Raviolis des Baous, local specialty to take away.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 10min
8
Day

Saint Martin Vesubie

mountain refuge river serenity

Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 1Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 2Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 3Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 4Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 5Saint Martin Vesubie - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Alpha park to observe European wolves in semi-freedom.
2
Walk in the village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie and discovery of its mountain architecture.
🎯

Activities

→
Participation in the 'Keeper for a day' workshop (by reservation) at Alpha park.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 42min
9
Day

Tende

alpine peaks meet italian border

Tende - Photo 1Tende - Photo 2Tende - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Journey aboard the Train des Merveilles connecting Nice to Tende.
2
Visit to the Musée des Merveilles dedicated to prehistoric rock engravings.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided hike in the Vallée des Merveilles to observe rock engravings.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1h48
10
Day

Nice

belle époque palm-lined coast

Nice - Photo 1Nice - Photo 2Nice - Photo 3Nice - Photo 4Nice - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 10

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.