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Itinerary in the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
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Tourrettes sur Loup, Gorges du Loup, Gourdon :
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Turn right when leaving Saint-Paul and head first for Vence and Tourettes sur Loup : visit the mediaeval village, numerous art galleries and artisans.
After the visit, follow the signs to Pont du Loup and Gorges du Loup, an established circuit will enable you to see the Gorges, you will across the Grasse mountains and stop at the Courmes waterfall, at the Saut du Loup and at the Demoiselles waterfall. Next follow the signs to Gourdon : another high-perched mediaeval village affording a marvellous panorama of the Loup valley and the Riviera, visit the castle, the XIVcentury church and the various artisans (perfume manufacturers, soaps, crystal). After Gourdon, finish your visit by returning to Grasse, the perfume capital. Visit the perfumery museum, the Fragonard museum (art exhibition) and the various perfumeries whose guided tours will enable you to discover how perfume is made.
Leave Saint-Paul and follow the signs to Cagnes, and then Haut de Cagnes, the old village. Visit the castle museum, built in 1309 by Rainier Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco and Admiral de France. Visit the Renoir museum where 10 original canvasses are on show.
Take the coast road to Antibes and after Villeneuve-Loubet follow the signs to Biot, visit the village with its many boutiques but don't forget to visit the glass manufactories just outside of the village. Several glass factories enable you to see how glass is manufactured of wich the most famous is the "Verrerie de Biot", which has an exhibition of unique objects. You may also visit the Fernand Léger Museum (paintings, tapestries and mosaics). Finish your circuit by continuing on to Antibes, where you should start by visiting the old town and ramparts with the Picasso Museum inside the Châteaux Grimaldi, including numerous works of art inspired by Mediterranean mythology. Visit the Cap d'Antibes with its fabulous private properties and lush vegetation.
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Vallauris, Cannes, Mougins
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As you leave Saint-Paul, follow the signs to Cagnes and then Antibes / Golf Juan and Vallauris. When you arrive in Vallauris you will discover that the town consists largely of pottery. You should visit the Jean Marais gallery of sculpture and pottery and to perfect your knowledge, a visit to Vallauris' pottery museum should not be missed ; of particular interest is the exhibition of Picassoís ceramics.
Leaving Vallauris, follow the signs to Cannes, where you should begin your visit by walking or driving along the world famous Croisette lined with palm trees, fabulous apartment blocks and luxury hotels such as the Carlton, the Martinez and the Majestic. At the far end of the Croisette, you will come to the "Palais des Festivals" which host the International Film Festival as well as numerous other festivals such as MIPCOM, MIP TV and MIDEM and welcomes celebrities from all over the world . Behind the Palais des Festivals, you will find the harbour of Cannes and the embarkation point for the Lérins Islands. Across to the other side of the Croisette you will find yourself in the old town known as Le Suquet, where the Forville market is held each day. Here you will find typical provençal products and numerous restaurants offering provençal specialities. If you wish to visit the Lérins Islands, there are regular crossings from the port to both islands, that is to say the Sainte-Marguerite, the larger and the busier island thanks to its beaches and restaurants as well as an old fortress and various nature walks and the Saint-Honorat island. This island is still fairly untouched as it is and has always been inhabited by a monastery, earning their living from cultivation and breeding. Their are various nature walks to be enjoyed. When you return from the islands, you should finish your visit of Cannes by walking along the rue díAntibes where all the best shops are to be found. Next head north to Mougins, a small provencal village inhabited by numerous celebrities and where you can dine in some of the regionís best restaurants. You can choose between Roger Vergéís Moulin de Mougins, the Amandier, La Ferme de Mougins, Le Bistrot de Mougins and many others where you can try local and gastronomic specialities. Golfers should also pay a visit to the Golfs de Cannes et Mougins, some of the Côte díAzurís most prestigious golf courses where the professionals can regularly be seen practising.
Out of Saint-Paul, follow the signs to Cagnes and the highway A8 towards Nice to exit at "Promenade des Anglais" (exit n° 50).
You will arrive in Nice, starting your visit by the famous sea side road "Promenade des Anglais", longing "La Baie des Anges", lined up with palm-trees and historic buildings from the XIX century, such as the Negresco Hotel, Westminster Hotel and other residences. The "Promenade des Anglais", which commences at the Nice International Airport and finishes at the bottom of the old castle, nowadays very much appreciated for its park and the spectacular view to the "Baie des Anges" and the town of Nice on one side, the harbour and hinterland of Nice with its montains on the other side. At the bottom of the Nice castle is situated the old town, with its narrow alleys and typical boutiques. You also will find special regional product, both from decoration to culinary products, as well as the typical market, taking place every day (except Mondays) at the "Cours Saleya", with its famous Marché aux Fleurs (flower market), exposing all cultivated flowers of the region. Restaurants have taken place in the ancient fishermen-houses, giving you the opportunity to discover the typical Nicosia dishes. Afterwards you can stroll through the little alleys, full of provençal odour, aiming towards the Saint-François Place, where the Fishermen sell their fishing every morning. You will pass in front of the Sainte Réparate Cathedral built in 1650 and dedicated to the patron of Nice, who at the age of 15, has been martyrized in Asia. A baroque styled church, the façade composes multiple colours and inside the same decoration has been set up. Afterwards follow the direction Place Garibaldi, with its ochre buildings and in its centre the statue of Grimaldi, principal of the Italian Revolution in 1860 and great friend of France. He served in the French Army in 1870. The Place Garibaldi is the limit between the old town and the modern centre of Nice.
Take next direction La Place Masséna, the most important place, being named after the second most illustrious man of Nice after Garibaldi. Majestic and remarkable by its architecture relevant the Italian architecture with its red coloured buildings, its arcades, and in its centre a fountain decorated with four bronze horses. On both sides of La Place Masséna, de numerous gardens and fountains make up a surface very much appreciated by idlers.
North, starts the avenue Jean Médecin, main commercial street of Nice, which serves numerous quarters and separate the south of the town from the north.
On the museum side you have a enormous choice because Nice has inspired and inspired still the artistic world; this is the reason why you can visit the museums and monuments of all eras, from the prehistory shown at the Musée de Terra Amata, to modern art, as shown at Musée d'Art Contemporain passing on to the numerous other famous tourist attraction, such as the Chagall Museum in Cimiez, where you will find also the Matisse Museum, the Arenas of Cimiez and its Monastry constructed during the Roman Empire, the Chéret Museum, the Masséna Museum, Museum of "Art Naïf "Jakovsky, the Russian Church, the Museum of Natural History, Acropolis, a congress centre, the art palace, the Parc Phúnix, a floral park, composed of five different climates and its corresponding vegetation, le Parc des Miniatures, a true promenade through the history of the Côte d'Azur on a reduced scale.
For shopping, in Nice and at its periphery you will find several commercial centres: Nice Etoile, in the centre of Nice, associates some 80 boutiques; near the airport in Saint-Laurent du Var, Cap 3000, compoundes 200 boutiques and in Nice St. Isidor the Forum Lingostière, the most recent commercial centre.
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Villefranche, Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu, Monaco
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From Saint-Paul, follow the signs for Cagnes until you reach the coast, then head towards Nice and cross the ìPromenade des Anglaisî. If you continue along the seaside you will come to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a fishing village known for its natural harbor, where cruise ships often drop anchor. You can admire the harbor from the road before moving along to Cap Ferrat, also known as ìMillionairesí Capeî because of its sumptuous dwellings. Make a stop at the Villa Ephrusi de Rothschild, where a guide will show you around this splendid villa; its architecture was inspired by the great Renaissance residences of Venice, Florence and Ravenna.
After touring around this cape, you will go through Beaulieu with its grand hotels. Stop there to visit the Villa Kérylos, which is an exact replica of a Greek palace with mosaics, furniture and frescoes. After Beaulieu you will come to other seaside resorts such as Eze-sur-Mer and Cap díAil before reaching the Principality of Monaco, with its many tourist sites. At the entrance to Monaco, you will see on your right the Fontvieille district, which is in fact entirely constructed over the ocean. The Louis II stadium and the Princess Grace rose garden are located in this area. After the tunnel, follow the signs indicating ìMonaco Ville, Muséeî and you will arrive at the Rocher de Monaco, the heart of the Principality. The seat of the Monaco government, the Princeís Palace, schools and the main museums and gardens are found in this area. A visit to Monaco would not be complete without a trip to: - The Princeís Palace: visits (authorized from June through October) include the Italian Gallery, Louis XV Salon, Throne Room, Court of Honor, Palatine Chapel and Saint Maryís Tower. - The Palace Square: this square, adorned with cannons cast under Louis XIV, provides an exceptional panoramic view of the port of Monté Carlo and Fontvieille. Every day at precisely 11:55 a.m. visitors can see the changing of the guard (the Garde des Carabiniers, in full uniform) at the entrance to the Palace. - The Cathedral: constructed in 1875 of white stone from the nearby town of La Turbie, this Roman-Byzantine edifice contains the sepultures of past Princes and Princesses, including that of Princess Grace. - The Oceanography Museum: this masterpiece of monumental architecture has a grandiose facade built 85 meters straight above the sea. In the museumís imposing halls, visitors can see remarkable collections of marine fauna collected by Prince Albert 1st, his models of ship-laboratories, many specimens of marine animals (stuffed and mounted or skeletons), etc. - The Wax Museum (history of the princes): located in one of the most picturesque streets of old town Monaco, this museum presents scenes of important moments in the history of the Grimaldi dynasty, from the end of the 12th century until the present. After visiting the Rock of Monaco, go back down to Monté Carlo, another part of the Principality, where most Monegasques live. Since there is very little land, dwellings tend to be tall. Begin your visit by going up the Grand Prix, which will take you to the Casino and its gardens: magnificent flower beds harmoniously disposed on impeccably manicured lawns, pools embellished by papyrus and water lilies, all sloping gently upwards to the cityís main business arteries and creating a view admired by visitors from around the world. The Casino was built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris opera house. The Casinoís atrium, with its marble floors and 28 Ionic onyx columns, opens into the Salle Garnier, decorated entirely in red and gold, with a profusion of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. For over a century the stage of the Salle Garnier has hosted international lyrical productions, prestigious concerts and exceptional ballets.As for the Casinoís gambling areas, the many rooms are decorated with stained glass, allegorical paintings and bronze light fixtures. All American and European games can be found there: slot machines, roulette, craps, blackjack, etc. After visiting the Casino, take a tour around Monté Carlo. The magnificent palaces, villas and elegant shops blend into a very enticing landscape. Donít leave without seeing the Musée des Poupées et Automates díAutrefois, a fine collection of dolls and automatons, with dolls displayed in settings constructed to their scale. Museum visitors can take a stroll through the last century in an atmosphere carefully created with furniture, dishes and a multitude of everyday objects. In addition, this collection is displayed in an ideal setting: a splendid villa (with rose garden) built in the last century by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Casino. You can leave Monaco by the ìMoyenne Cornicheî. Head towards the Exotic Gardens, where you can stop to admire a view of the entire Principality along with the many species of green plants and cacti, for this garden includes 7000 varieties of plants.
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A few ideas during your stay
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The Maeght Foundation: Open all year round from 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 6 pm; 200 works of art, demonstrating evolution in art during the 20th century.
SAINT-PAUL'S History Museum : Open from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. Chagalls' tomb stone on the left hand side in the village's cemetery.
Matisse Chapel (Chapelle du Rosaire): Open to visitors on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. (Usually closed in November).
Mess on Sunday at 10 am.
Renoir Museum: Open from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm, except Tuesdays. (Usually closed from 15th to 30th November).
Formerly August Renoir's family home and atelier, now converted into a museum containing 10 of the impressionist's most famous works.
Visit of the famous glass blowing manufactory, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Fernand LEGER Museum: Open from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5.30 pm, except Tuesdays.
Picasso Museum inside the Grimaldi Castle in the center of Antibes. Open from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm, except Mondays and bank holidays.
Visit of the old town and the "Cours Saleya" with its Flower Market from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm, and on Monday the Antique Market.
Chagall Museum in Cimiez: Open from 10 am to 12.30 noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm, except Tuesdays and bank holidays. 17 major works and 39 gouaches. Archaeological Museum and site in Cimiez (Roman vestige), 160 avenue des Arènes à Nice, open from 10 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Complimentary visit. History and Art Museum: Palais Masséna, 35 Promenade des Anglais. Local collection of ceramics, sculptures, silverware and porcelaine etc. Open from 10 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm, except Mondays. Matisse Museum: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez. Open from 10 am to 5 pm (until 6 pm during summer)
Perfumery Museum: Open from 10 am to 7 pm, except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Oceanographic Museum: Open daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm. Exhibition of 3000 fishes, 90 aquariums, Mediterranean dolphin an whales; marine film projecting.
Exotic Gardens: Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. 7000 varieties of exotic plants. Casino: Open daily from noon to 5 am. Cathedral: Built in 1875 in white stone, accommodates Princess Graceí s tombstone. National Museum: Antique dolls and puppets; a fabulous collection displayed against a charming and graceful decor. Open daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm (except bank holidays and Grand Prix).
Villa Kerylos: An identical reconstruction of an antique Greek Palace.
Open from 10.30 am to 12.30 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm. Closed from 1st to 20th December and bank holidays.
Villa and gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild: Art collections, theme gardens and panoramic view. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (Week-ends from 12 noon to 6 pm and bank holidays from 11 am to 6 pm, Wintertime from 2 pm to 6 pm).
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