EXCURSIONS
There are many beautiful places in the world... And I can say for sure that France and this particular region is one of them as it hosts different gorgeous landscapes, history and artisanal savoir-faire. Excursions will be offered daily. You can chose to explore at your own pace (map and meeting point provided) or join the activities listed. I try to give as many options as possible so we all have a great time, depending on our centers of interest! I will bring you to famous spots of the Azurean coast and also -and mainly- less known places, away from the crowds but none the less beautiful and enjoyable. Note that each beach town we will go to has public and private beaches (private means comfortable sun beds, restaurant and cocktail service for an entrance fee of 25-30 euros) so there is always that option if that is what you are looking for. We will have 2 vans with drivers during the retreat so you do not have to worry about transportation which is included in the price of excursions. If you do not wish to join the excursions, there is a pool at the house and hiking paths starting from the back of the garden. Note that this schedule is subject to slight changes depending on weather conditions and as I finalize it closer to the date. A detailed schedule with the classes will be sent after booking.
NICE AND VILLEFRANCHE
$35
-Tour of Nice city center (old town, main squares, Promenade des anglais, port of Nice - 1h)
-Hike on the Sentier du Littoral (by the sea) from Nice to Villefranche with swimming spots (1h30-2hours hike with an additional hour for swimming stops)
- Visit of the town or beach time in Villefranche sur Mer
If you do not wish to do the hike, the drivers can drop you off in Villefranche.
Nice feels like home to me even though I am not from there. The old town and its narrow streets are full of charm and history, and when we reach the promenade des anglais after exiting the Cours Saleya the color of the Mediterranean sea is mind blowing. The hike from Nice to Villefranche is again a wonderful trek with gorgeous views and we will have the opportunity to take a dip in the sea along the way. Finally, Villefranche is a colorful village nestled between Nice and Cap Ferrat, with pastel houses, narrow lanes and a relaxed almost- secret charm.
FLAVORS, HISTORY AND NATURE AROUND US
$25
PART ONE $20
-Perched village of Gourdon
-Visit of the Confiserie Florian
-Short hike and swim in the Loup River
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PART TWO $25
-Visit of the Medieval village of Tourettes sur Loup
-Tour of a vineyard with wine tasting
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This excursion can be done in half if you would like some down time at the house. Confiserie Florian is the delicate, artisanal transformation of the fruit and flowers of the region into delicious treats. We will visit the factory and end our tour with a tasting of their products. Right behind the factory, there is a hiking path that will bring us to the Loup river, enjoy the view on the Pre-Alpes and refresh in the water. We will then head to Tourettes sur Loup, a picturesque medieval hilltop village and finish our day with a wine tasting before returning home.
CANNES AND THE LERINS ISLANDS $25
-Free time in Cannes (shopping, beach...)
OR
-Sainte Marguerite Island Extra $25 (for the ferry ride)
-Saint Honorat Island
Cannes is well-known for the infamous film festival in May! It has a city vibe and is great if you would like to do some shopping, or stroll on the boulevard de la croisette. You can also visit the historical neighborhood of Le Suquet. Otherwise, we will take a 15min ferry ride to the Lerins Island of Sainte Marguerite : Sainte Marguerite is a serene Mediterranean Island part of the Lerins archipelago. It is covered with Pine trees and eucalyptus forest, rocky coves and crystal clear waters. The island is famous for the Fort Royal, built in the 17th century, this forteress once held the mysterious "man in the iron mask" prisoner. Sainte Marguerite also has an underwater eco-museum, a set of 6 underwater sculptures designed to help the ecosystem and raise awareness of marine protection. I am also looking into renting some kayaks which would allow us to visit the Island of Saint Honorat, a Monastic Island with vineyards and Olive oil production. ​​
ANTIBES AND CAP D'ANTIBES
$30
Free time in Antibes (beach, shopping, visit of the Picasso Museum...)
OR
-Panoramic walk by the sea with stop at Plage de l'anse de l'argent faux (45min walk)
-Visit of the villa Eilenroc and its gardens
-Free time in Antibes old town
Antibes is a beautiful beach town full of history, enclosed by 16th century fortified walls. The center of the old town hosts the Picasso Museum and many artisanal shops (ready for ice-cream?). A bit further down -15min drive- is the Cap d'Antibes with another portion of the sentier du Littoral, panoramic views and inlets to swim. There we will find the Villa Eilenroc, an elegant neo classical mansion built in 1867 by Charles Garnier the architect of the Garnier Opera in Paris. The villa's pristine white facade, refined proportions and belle-epoque aura reflect the glamour of the French Rivera golden ages. Surrounded by 11 hectares of landscapes parkland the estate is a celebration of Mediterranean and exotic nature.
GRASSE AND MANDELIEU
$30
-Outdoors Market day in Chateauneuf-Grasse
-Visit of the Perfume Museum in Grasse (or free time in Grasse)
-Beach time in the Plage du Chateau in Mandelieu and/ or visit of the small castle and its gardens
An outdoors market of local producers is a "must-do" in France, that unfortunately we skipped last year! but we won't this time... We will then head to Grasse, the capital of perfume with a guided tour of the Historic Fragonnard Perfume Museum, if you haven't done so already. Grasse is a charming town so we will take the time to stroll its charming streets and I am also looking into bringing you to a lavender field. Finally we will end our day in Mandelieu, on a beach with a small castle where you can just swim and relax or take a walk along the coast , visit the castle and its gardens.
THEOULE SUR MER
$25
-Free time in Theoule
OR
- Kayaking with a guide around the Esterel with swimming spots, inlets, coves...Extra $50
OR
-Privatized catamaran with swimming stop and paddle boards extra $100 -minimum 12 participants
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The Esterel Massif is a rugged coastal mountain range in Southern France known for its distinctive red, volcanic rock formations, which contrast beautifully with the blue Mediterranean Sea. The area features a wild coastline with coves, rocky beaches and is a protected (Natura 2000) natural site.