From Cannes or Nice | French Riviera Day Trip Driving a vintage car

Discover the French Riviera in Style: A Detailed Look at the Vintage Car Day Trip

If you’re considering a way to add a touch of elegance and adventure to your trip along the French Riviera, this vintage car day tour from Cannes or Nice could be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s a mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and a chance to drive (or be driven in) a classic vehicle—what’s not to love?

What really stands out is how this experience combines the thrill of driving a vintage car with the relaxed pace of exploring some of Provence’s most enchanting spots. Plus, it’s designed for small groups, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. On the flip side, the schedule is somewhat fixed, so if you’re after a highly flexible or longer experience, this might not be your best fit.

This tour seems perfect for those who love scenic drives, appreciate vintage cars, and want a manageable yet memorable day exploring the Côte d’Azur’s highlights. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a stylish way to see the sights, this could add a wonderful layer to your trip.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenic Route: Drive through iconic spots on the French Riviera with stunning views along the way.
• Flexible Experience: Options to drive or be driven, depending on your comfort with manual cars and valid EU driver’s licenses.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Includes Local Highlights: Stops in Grasse, Saint-Paul de Vence, and Antibes offer plenty of photo opportunities and leisurely exploration.
• Taste of Provence: Enjoy lunch at a traditional French brasserie, adding authentic flavors to your day.
• Weather Considerations: Equipped with a roof and heating, so you’re covered for rain or chillier days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the French Riviera Vintage Car Tour

Introduction to the Experience

This 6-hour day trip offers a chance to explore the French Riviera from a unique vantage point—behind the wheel of a vintage car or as a passenger, soaking in the sights, scents, and sounds of Provence. Starting from Cannes or Nice, the experience is designed to be relaxed yet engaging, blending scenic driving with charming stops.

One thing we love about this type of tour is the opportunity to see the Côte d’Azur from a different perspective. Unlike typical bus tours, this offers a more immersive and personal feel. Plus, the chance to drive a classic car adds a fun, nostalgic element. The reviews highlight how the small group setting and friendly guides make it a memorable experience, with travelers enjoying the scenic roads and picturesque towns.

A potential consideration is the fixed schedule—starts and stops are organized, so if you’re someone craving total flexibility, keep that in mind. Also, while the vehicle comes with a roof and heating, weather can still impact the day, so packing sunscreen, hats, or scarves is recommended.

This tour suits travelers who want a balance of adventure and leisure, especially those with an appreciation for classic cars, beautiful landscapes, and authentic Provence towns.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: Cannes or Nice

You’ll begin your journey either from Cannes or Nice, depending on your booking. The scenic drive kicks off with anticipation, heading toward your first stop.

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First Stop: Grasse (Photo Stop and Visit)

The first major stop is in Grasse, famously known as the perfume capital of the world. Here, you’ll get about two hours to explore the historic center and take in the aromatic scents that define this town. The highlight is the visit to the town itself—strolling its quaint streets, admiring the traditional architecture, and perhaps popping into a perfume shop.

Travelers often comment on how the scents and atmosphere here make this a sensory-rich experience. One review mentions visiting the center and discovering the scents of Provence—a true highlight.

Second Stop: Saint-Paul de Vence (Photo, Walk, and Lunch)

Next, you’ll head to Saint-Paul de Vence, a hilltop village with cobbled streets and an artistic vibe. This is another two-hour stop, perfect for photos, wandering the narrow streets, and soaking in the panoramic views.

Lunchtime is here, and the tour stops at a traditional French brasserie. The meal offers a taste of authentic local cuisine, adding to the overall enjoyment. Many reviews highlight how the combination of sightseeing and good food makes this a well-rounded experience.

Third Stop: Antibes (Break, Photo, and Visit)

Your journey continues with a visit to Antibes, known for its charming streets and vibrant markets. Here, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The three-hour stop allows for a leisurely visit, which travelers generally find rewarding.

Scenic Return to Cannes

The final leg of the trip is a scenic drive back along the coast, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the views or reflect on your day behind the wheel or as a passenger.

Vehicle Details and Comfort

The cars are equipped with soft tops or hard tops, making them suitable in different weather conditions. If rain or bad weather is forecasted, don’t worry—heating and roof options keep you comfortable.

Driving and Comfort

You can choose to drive if you hold a valid EU driver’s license and feel comfortable driving a manual car. Otherwise, the guides will do the driving for you, making it accessible even for those less confident behind the wheel.

Group Size and Flexibility

Limited to six participants, this small-group setup ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere. Multiple vehicles are available to accommodate friends or couples traveling together.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Car rental (with optional driving)
• Tour guide
• Fuel and taxes

Not Included:

• Hotel pickup or drop-off
• Lunch (which is enjoyed at the local brasserie)
• Gratuities (if you wish to tip your guide, it’s appreciated but not obligatory)

This makes the tour quite transparent in terms of costs. It’s a straightforward experience—what you see is what you get, with no hidden fees.

Real Traveler Feedback

A review from Syahir encapsulates the experience well:
“Great experience. The trip was great & smooth. I had a wonderful experience with my tour guide, Lorenzo. He was friendly and always made sure I was comfortable and well taken care of.”

This highlights the importance of having a knowledgeable and friendly guide, which seems to be a consistent theme. Participants particularly appreciate the mixture of sightseeing, good company, and the scenic drives.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, considering the inclusion of a vintage car, a guided experience, and multiple scenic stops, it offers a good value for a day of stylish touring. The small group and personalized approach elevate the experience beyond typical bus tours, making it suitable for those who want a special day out without breaking the bank.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy a blend of sightseeing and driving, especially if you’re a fan of vintage cars or Provence’s towns. It’s ideal for those who prefer smaller groups for a more intimate experience, and it suits people comfortable with driving or happy to be passengers. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with authentic touches, this tour delivers in spades.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking to see the French Riviera from a fresh angle—on scenic roads in a classic car—this tour offers a charming and memorable way to do it. The stops in Grasse, Saint-Paul de Vence, and Antibes give you a taste of Provence’s beauty, history, and flavors, all wrapped into a compact six-hour package.

The small group size and the option to drive or be driven mean you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and flexibility during your day. The experience is well-suited for travelers who want a bit more style and substance than a typical sightseeing bus, especially if you love nostalgic vehicles and scenic drives.

While weather considerations and fixed schedules are points to keep in mind, the overall experience seems to deliver on beautiful views, friendly guides, and a sense of adventure. For lovers of the Côte d’Azur who want to add a dash of elegance to their trip, this vintage car tour could be just the thing.

FAQ

Can I drive the vintage car myself?
Yes, if you have a valid EU driver’s license and are comfortable driving a manual car, you can choose to drive during the tour. Otherwise, the guides will handle the driving for you.

What should I bring?
Just pack comfortable shoes, and consider bringing sunscreen, a scarf, or a hat to stay comfortable in the sun. The vehicles are equipped with heating and roofs, so weather won’t be a big issue.

How long are the stops at each town?
Stops vary from about two hours in Grasse and Saint-Paul de Vence to three hours in Antibes, giving you plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The tour provides a stop at a traditional French brasserie where you can enjoy some authentic local cuisine.

Is this tour suitable for families?
This experience is more suited for adults, especially those comfortable with driving or interested in vintage cars. It’s not specifically tailored for children, but families with older kids who enjoy scenic drives and sightseeing may find it enjoyable.

What if it rains?
The cars are equipped with soft tops or hard tops, and they have heating, so you’ll stay comfortable. However, it’s always good to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

How many people can join?
The tour is limited to 6 participants per vehicle, ensuring a small-group experience that feels personal and relaxed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Embarking on this vintage car tour is a wonderful way to experience the French Riviera with a touch of elegance and adventure. Whether you’re behind the wheel or along for the ride, it’s a memorable day that combines scenic beauty with a dash of nostalgia.

You can check availability for your dates here: