Private tour: the most beautiful medieval villages, full day – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

EXPERIENCE

Start your tour by visiting Grasse, listed in November 2018 on the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” adopted by “UNESCO”, for its know-how linked to the perfume industry.
Stroll through the old streets of Grasse known for the workshops of the tannery industry in the Middle Ages.
Then treat yourself to a visit to the historic “FRAGONARD” factory, one of the 60 companies that manufacture fragrances and essences, to understand the process of changing flowers into perfume.
The rare flowers of the Pays de Grasse (lavender, myrtle, jasmine, rose, wild orange blossom, mimosa) make Grasse the world capital of perfume.
After this fragrant break, head for this small village “GOURDON” perched at 758 meters, between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, discover this medieval fortress and its beautiful castle built in the 8th century by the SARAZINS.
Discern the strategic advantages, (the control of all “the valley of the wolf”, the Mediterranean coast and the access to the Alps), to understand the fight for the control of this fortress, between the medieval powers until the German armies during the World War II.

After this dizzying session in the heart of the “Gourdon” eagle’s nest, let’s head to Tourrettes sur Loup; Provencal and medieval village.
Explore the: (lanes, vaults, stairs, porches, lintels, etc.) of this medieval village and discover how the houses are built up to the edge of the ravines used as ramparts to protect the village from enemy invasions, (Germanic tributes , Huns, Sarazins, Savoy, the Grimaldi, Count of Provence…).
Visit the Saint-Grégoire churches built in the 12th century.
Admire and photograph “the violet”, the emblematic flower and symbol of this village.
Once in Saint Paul de Vence, travel in the footsteps of the great artists of the 20th century; Painters, writers, sculptors, poets, who have made this village a high place of pilgrimage for artistic creativity, because the setting is idyllic!
Take advantage of the position of Saint Paul de Vence high on a rocky outcrop located between the Alps and the Mediterranean, to take great photos.
The vocation of this village as a military fortress fueled the greed of the medieval Provençal and Italian powers to control this village.
Discover and walk on the ramparts that protect this fortress, erected under the order of King François 1er.
The “la colombe d’or” inn is an emblematic hotel restaurant, it houses masterpieces by artists such as: Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Modigliani, Braque, Fernand Léger, marc Chagall
Explore this flowery village which has become one of the high places of tourism, especially for its numerous art galleries. Wander the alleys; Admire the carved stone houses.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit FRAGONARD museum factory of fragrance.
Enjoy an ice cream made from the “violet” flower in Tourettes sur Loup.
discover dozens of art galleries.in Saint Paul de Vence.
enjoy panoramic views og gourdon and valey of loup

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