West Coast and Country Side full day Tour

Discover the Charm of the French Riviera and Countryside: A Practical Review of the West Coast and Country Side Full Day Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, chances are you’ve read about the stunning beaches, glamorous cities, and picturesque villages. But with so many options, it can be tricky to choose a tour that truly captures the essence of this region without feeling rushed or superficial. We’ve looked into the West Coast and Country Side Full Day Tour offered by Smartour Riviera, and here’s the honest scoop to help you decide if it’s a good fit.

This tour promises to bring you a taste of both the glitz of Cannes and the serenity of Provençal villages, all in just over nine hours. What’s appealing about it? First, the opportunity to see key highlights like Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and Cannes’ La Croisette. Second, the chance to explore the charming backcountry, from the stunning views of Gourdon to the artist-filled streets of Saint-Paul de Vence. That said, a possible downside is that with so many stops packed into a single day, you might find yourself wishing for more time in each location.

This kind of tour works best if you’re after a broad overview and enjoy a mix of sightseeing, scenery, and cultural spots. It’s suited for travelers who want to maximize their day without the hassle of planning individual visits. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a leisurely, in-depth experience at each site, this might feel a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Broad Regional Spectrum: Covers both coast and countryside highlights in one day.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides make the experience more engaging and informative.
• Scenic Views: Expect breathtaking landscapes from Gourdon and other scenic stops.
• Time-Pressed: With numerous locations, some may feel hurried, especially in busy seasons.
• Value for Money: At $199, it’s a decent price considering the number of sites visited.
• Suitable for Explorers: Perfect for those wanting a taste of everything rather than a deep dive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The tour begins in Nice around 8:15 to 9:00 AM, giving you a flexible window for pickup or meeting the guide. The early start is typical for full-day excursions, aiming to maximize sightseeing while daylight lasts. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, so expect to be on the move for most of the day. The convenience of pickup and drop-off options — including accommodations — is a nice touch, especially if you prefer to skip the hassle of public transport or trying to find meeting points.

Transport and Group Size

While specific details about the vehicle aren’t given, the use of a driver/guide who handles parking, tolls, and gasoline suggests a comfortable coach or minivan. The options for private or small groups add a layer of flexibility, making the experience more intimate and personalized compared to large bus tours.

The Highlights Breakdown

Antibes (Approx. 45 minutes)

Your journey kicks off with a visit to Antibes, a city famous for its glamorous marina and historic fortifications. The highlight here is the view over the Bay of Angels from the city’s walls — a scene that’s perfect for photos. Some travelers appreciate the free time to explore or shop, although others wish there was more time to really soak in the charm of this spot.

Cannes (Approx. 1 hour)

Next stop: Cannes, often called the “Beverly Hills of France.” This city is best known for its film festival, but it’s also packed with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and golden sandy beaches. The guided tour offers an overview of its glamorous vibe, but some reviewers mention feeling like they didn’t get enough time to wander independently. Still, the scenic drive along La Croisette gives a taste of that high-end Riviera lifestyle.

Gourdon (Approx. 1 hour)

From the coast, the tour heads inland to Gourdon, a hilltop village with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Alps. This is a favorite for many visitors, who love the chance to see the countryside from above. Expect to see stunning vistas that seem to stretch forever, making it a perfect spot for photos and a breather from the busier seaside towns.

Grasse — The Perfume Capital (Approx. 1 hour)

Then, it’s on to Grasse, renowned worldwide for its perfume industry. Visiting the Fragonard perfume factory offers insight into the art of fragrance-making, and exploring the old town reveals charming streets and scent-filled shops. If you’re into sensory experiences or just want to see how perfume is crafted, this stop hits the mark.

Gourdon, a Second Visit?

It seems the itinerary might include another stop at Gourdon, or perhaps a different scenic viewpoint — the description suggests multiple perspectives on the area. The repeat visit indicates the importance of capturing different views or exploring more deeply.

Tourettes-sur-Loup (Quick Photo Stop)

A brief stop in Tourettes-sur-Loup provides a quick chance to snap photos in the “city of violets” — a nickname that hints at the town’s floral charm. Five minutes isn’t much, but it’s enough to get a sense of the quaint atmosphere.

Saint-Paul de Vence (Approx. 1 hour)

Your final main stop is Saint-Paul de Vence, a village famous for its artist community. Walking along its ramparts, you’ll enjoy sweeping views and perhaps peek into artist shops. As one reviewer mentioned, the colors of the villas and the fragrances of the hills make this place special, especially if you enjoy artsy, scenic spots.

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What You’ll Actually Do

Expect a mix of guided tours, free time, scenic drives, and photo opportunities. The guide is praised for being friendly and helpful, with many reviews lauding the knowledgeable explanations. Some mention that the guide speaks both English and Spanish, which is helpful if you’re bilingual or traveling with a Spanish speaker.

Food and Additional Costs

The tour price doesn’t include meals or drinks, so plan on bringing snacks or grabbing lunch on your own — some stops have shops or cafes, but time may be limited. Entrance fees to museums or perfume factories are also not included, so if you’re keen to visit specific attractions, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

The Value Proposition

At $199 per person, this full-day tour offers a rundown of the French Riviera and nearby villages. Considering transportation, guide expertise, tolls, and parking are included, it’s a fair deal for the number of sights covered. Some travelers, like Jon from the UK, feel that it’s “worth every penny,” especially with spectacular locations and a knowledgeable guide. But keep in mind, the experience is quite packed — if you prefer to savor each place slowly, this might be too rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you’re looking for a broad, efficient way to see the highlights of the region in one day. It suits travelers who enjoy scenic views, small towns, and cultural sights, and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s also great for those who aren’t keen on the hassle of planning individual visits and prefer to have a guide handle logistics.

However, if you’re after more time in each location or a relaxed pace, you might find this tour a little hurried. It’s also less suited for travelers seeking deep historical insights or museum visits, since those are not specifically included.

FAQs About the West Coast and Country Side Full Day Tour

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the description doesn’t specify, the stops are mainly scenic villages and viewpoints, so it could work for families with older children who enjoy sightseeing. Keep in mind the full-day length and bus travel.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak English?
The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so if you’re bilingual, you’ll find it easier. Otherwise, the group size and the guide’s explanations should still make it manageable.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the driver/guide, parking, toll fees, gasoline, and pickup/drop-off. Meals, drinks, and entrance fees are not included.

How long do we stay at each stop?
Most stops range from around 45 minutes to an hour, with some brief photo stops. It’s enough to get a taste but not deep exploration.

Is the transportation comfortable?
While specific details aren’t provided, the inclusion of pickup, drop-off, and parking suggests a comfortable vehicle suitable for sightseeing.

What if the tour is canceled or rescheduled?
The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Keep your plans flexible and have a backup option just in case.

Final Thoughts

The West Coast and Country Side full day Tour from Nice offers a solid way to experience a variety of the French Riviera’s most iconic sights and charming villages. It’s a good option if you prefer a guided, all-in-one experience that takes the stress out of planning. The scenic views, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to check off many must-see spots make it appealing, especially if you’re short on time.

On the flip side, remember that the busy schedule might limit how deeply you can explore each place. If you’re someone who loves lingering over a cafe or wants to explore a site thoroughly, you might find this tour a bit quick. Still, for a first-timer eager to see the highlights, it’s a practical, efficient choice.

Ultimately, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and convenience — fitting for travelers wanting to get a broad sense of the French Riviera’s magic in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: