About this experience
Delightful, multifaceted, inexhaustible French Riviera! Just a little drive away from the coast and you will find yourself in picturesque towns and villages, where Picasso and Chagall, Matisse and Renoir lived and created. You will encounter exquisite scents at the perfume factories of Grasse; traditions of olive oil production; a museum of French haute cuisine; an exhibition of contemporary art; the violet capital of the French Riviera, and much more.
What to expect
I have two programs for you to choose the most interesting option:
1st option: perfume capital Grasse, olive production in Opio, violet town Tourrettes-sur-Loup, and bohemian Mougins
City of scents
The tour will start with a visit to the town of Grasse, known for its perfume factories. You will learn the amazing history of the perfume art and discover why Grasse became the capital of perfume production. During a visit to one of the historical perfume factories like Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard, you will be introduced to the mystery of creating French natural scents and if desired, you can create your own scent. While in Grasse, we will also talk about Bunin, who spent many years here during the 'Grasse seasons'.
Olives, violets, and Picasso
You will visit a historic olive mill where olive oil and olive products are produced. Here you will learn about family production traditions, taste different types of olive oil and olive pastes, and uncover the local secret of longevity. After that, we will head to the picturesque violet capital of the French Riviera—Tourrettes-sur-Loup, which offers panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Everything here is violet, even the ice cream! And to conclude, you will visit Mougins, where Picasso spent his last years and passed away. In a local tiny museum, you can see rare photos from this part of the artist's biography. In a private museum, its owner, an English collector, exhibits classic works in dialogue with contemporary pieces. The city will also be interesting to you gastronomically: Mougins is known for its restaurants, as a culinary arts festival is held here every year.
2nd option: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Matisse's chapel in Vence, culinary art museum in Villeneuve-Loubet, Renoir's home in Cagnes-sur-Mer
Saint-Paul-de-Vence—local Montmartre
In this village located on a picturesque hill, Marc Chagall spent the last years of his life. During a walk, I will show you his grave, and in local galleries, you will see many engravings and prints based on his works. Near the legendary tavern 'Golden Dove' at the entrance to the village, we will talk about famous people who crossed its threshold. You will learn why General De Gaulle came here and what extraordinary result his visit brought. In the nearby park with a splendid view of the sea and mountains, you will admire some works from the private collection of contemporary art of the Maeght Foundation and realize that art is best perceived in contact with nature.
Haute cuisine and Matisse's stained glass
In Villeneuve-Loubet, you will visit a culinary art museum opened in the house of a man who became the founder of French haute gastronomy. I will tell you about this amazing master and how cooking turned into high-class art in the hands of this wizard. In the chapel in Vence, you will see Matisse's stained glass, considered his 'swan song'. This is the work he considered the best he had ever done in his life. Additionally, the program includes a visit to Renoir's home in Cagnes-sur-Mer, where the artist spent the last years of his life.
Additional options
The proposed programs can be supplemented by visiting other interesting places in the region. By extending the tour by 2 hours, you can add, for example:
- The mountain village of Gourdon, the 'eagle's nest' at an altitude of 700m, one of the most picturesque corners of France;
- The center of glassblowing production in Biot with the Fernand Léger Museum;
- The ceramics production center in Vallauris, which was a source of inspiration for Picasso;
- A confectionery factory with tasting in Pont-du-Loup.
Organizational details
- The tour takes place in my Renault Grand Scenic car.
- The cost of the extended individual program is available upon request.
Additional expenses
- Renoir's house-museum—6€, free for those under 26
- Culinary art museum in Villeneuve-Loubet—7€, free for children under 11
- Foundation of Contemporary Art in Saint-Paul-de-Vence—16€, free for children up to 10 years
- Matisse's chapel—7€
- Museum of Classical Art—14€, free for children under 10
- Perfume-making master class in Grasse: group—starting from 29€, individual master class—199€
