Villefranche Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Nice, Saint-Paul de Vence and Cannes

Your time in port in Villefranche-sur-Mer will be well-spent on this private shore excursion to the French Riviera’s best towns. On this eight-hour private tour, you’ll drive along the spectacular Lower Corniche road between Villefranche and Nice, admiring the ancient villages and modern marinas that line the Mediterranean coast as you go.

In Nice, immerse yourself in the town’s history on Place Garibaldi in the Old Town, and marvel at the modern New Town as you stroll along Promenade des Arts, home to the Modern Art Museum, Sosno's library and the Acropolis exhibition center. You’ll also visit the colorful flower market in Cours Saleya.

Your day trip continues through the picture-postcard countryside of Provence to the second-most visited village in France, Saint-Paul de Vence. With its cobblestone lanes and trendy art galleries, it’s easy to see why the town is so popular. You’ll have about an hour here to explore this former haunt of the Impressionist painters.

Next, head back to the coast and drive through Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed in 1815. You’ll make your way to Cannes, the city of festivals, fireworks and film stars. Stop at the Film Festival Palace to see celebrity prints. There will be time to look around the shops and stroll along the sandy beaches. You will also see the famous Croisette Boulevard, which stretches along the beachfront and is home to exclusive shops and hotels.

You’ll be driven back to the Villefranche port in time to re-board your cruise ship.