The Cote D’Azur, France - Worth Driving For!

by Stephanie Rogers-Julian

In May we flew into Nice, rented a car and spent a week exploring the lyrical Côte d’Azur. Historically, artists have loved this area for its limpid light and vibrant colours. Although wealth and conspicuous glamour are the hallmark of this corner of Provence, in sublime weather, we explored the less trampled hinterland. From vantage points in elevated villages, it was possible to glimpse the dramatic Mediterranean shoreline and reap the rewards of exploring the quieter roads.

Our route, and the Concierge Tom Tom*, took us not just through the physical landscape of this corner of Provence but also provided a satisfying exposure to its gourmet and traditional cuisine, market towns, architectural pleasures, history and landscapes that have inspired the best loved of French artists.

The first stop was at the fortified and fabled village of Saint Paul de Vence where we indulged in a Provencal feast at the unassuming, La Colombe D’Or. It satisfied the palate and the eye: the walls are hung with paintings by Picasso, Klee and Miró.

From there we drove via the centuries old market town of Vence where Matisse left his magic touch on a modest, blue-tiled, sand-coloured chapel. The exterior belies the explosion of colour inside. Next stop was Grasse to visit the Musée de la Parfumerie that deals with 3000 years of perfume history and the evening’s destination was Mosutiers-Sainte-Marie, another elevated village steeped in the scent of lavender, and dotted with olive trees. We celebrated a wondrous view of the setting sun with an excessively good Ducasse-inspired meal.

It was less than a 2 hour drive back to Mougins, a medieval village set amongst pine, olive and cypress trees, with a panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes and filled with carefully restored houses. In its narrow and ancient streets we were able to walk off the excess of the some previous meals.

Finally, we returned to our starting point to take in museums dedicated to Chagall and Matisse.

Nowhere in the week took us further than 2 hours from Nice, but a destination technically no more than 30 minutes from our starting point, easily took a whole day in the living. To enjoy this itinerary does not require a different inn each night: a villa is an equally ideal base for a similar tour.

*Concierge Tom Toms are available to the clients of Concierge Traveller visiting Europe. Concierge client Warwick S. commented “Persistent, consistent and dogmatic but it allowed us to enjoy the scenery instead of having our eyes glued to a road map and road signs.”

For further details on a self drive holiday in Europe contact your Advisor 1800 047 047 or email enquiriesct@conciergetraveller.com.au

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