The picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is not far from Nice, was an important Mediterranean port even in Medieval times. The town played an important strategic role for a long time, as the fort bears witness to today - although nowadays it is a museum exhibiting works by Picasso and Miró, as well as artists from the region. Sights worth seeing in the "free city", which did not levy taxes in the 13th century, include the 'Rue Obscure', the covered street that runs below the houses of the old town, and the port chapel of St-Pierre built in the 14th century and redesigned in 1957 by multi-talented artist Jean Cocteau.

Tips for excursions

Nice, Eze and Monaco

In Nice the tour takes you past the Franciscan monastery, the gardens and the Roman arena, as well as the Parc Impérial to the monument to Queen Victoria. After a break with an opportunity to stroll on the palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais the trip continues to the village of Eze in the Valley of the 420 m high mountain summit, the time to explore the narrow alleyways of the town. The trip then goes on to Monaco to the new Romanesque cathedral from the 19th-century and to the Prince's Palace, taking in the roads used for the Grand Prix. Free time in Monte Carlo.

The French Riviera at its best

A trip through the city of Nice, home to the rich and famous, to the Festival Palace in Cannes, location of the International Film Festival. Free time to stroll along the Croisette, the sea promenade of Cannes. The trip goes on to Grasse. Guided tour of the perfume factory Fragonnard. After lunch it's off to the medieval village of St. Paul-de-Vence with its art galleries and handicrafts workshops.

Monaco and Monte Carlo

Trip along the Middle Corniche to the cliffs of Monaco with an opportunity to view the vaulted corridors and exterior facade of the prince's palace and to stroll on Palace Square. Visit to Monaco Cathedral, the last resting place of Princess Gracia Patricia of Monaco. The trip continues by coach on the roads used for the Grand Prix, to the casino. Entry fee not included; appropriate clothing is obligatory.