The hilltop villages are among the treasures of the French Riviera. Clinging to the rocks, they overlook the sea or the gorges and hide charming lanes. Getting there is demanding, however: hairpin roads, car parks that fill quickly, parking far from the gates. A day with a chauffeur lets you discover them one after another, entirely free of constraints.
Èze, the eagle’s nest facing the sea
Perched above the Mediterranean, Èze offers one of the most famous panoramas on the Riviera. Its exotic garden, at the summit, overlooks the coast as far as Cap Ferrat. The medieval lanes are home to galleries and artisan shops. The village is explored on foot: your chauffeur drops you at the foot and waits for you. See our page private chauffeur Nice – Èze.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the artists’ village
Ramparts, art galleries, the pétanque square: Saint-Paul-de-Vence has inspired many painters. Nearby, the Fondation Maeght presents a leading collection of modern art. The village is very busy in season: being dropped at the entrance saves you looking for a space.
Gourdon, a balcony over the Gorges du Loup
Higher up in the Grasse hinterland, Gourdon overlooks the Gorges du Loup. On a clear day, the view reaches the sea. The small, unspoilt village can be explored in an hour. The winding road leading to it is best savoured from the back seat.
Planning your itinerary
These three villages lie in different directions around Nice. A well-organised day lets you link them, with breaks for lunch and photographs. Here are a few ideas:
- By the sea : Èze in the morning, then Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- For art lovers : Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Vence, with a stop at the Fondation Maeght.
- For nature lovers : Gourdon, the Gorges du Loup and Grasse.
For the perfume option, read our article Grasse and its perfume houses with a chauffeur.
Why a chauffeur for this day
- The hairpin bends : you enjoy the scenery without concentrating on the road.
- Parking : drop-off and pick-up as close as possible to the village gates.
- The pace : you stay longer wherever you are enjoying yourself.
- Lunch : a glass of local wine without worrying about the drive back.
The right option: the hourly booking
Your chauffeur stays with you for the agreed duration, accompanies you from one village to the next and adapts the programme to your wishes. See our page chauffeur at your disposal.
Which vehicle?
A Mercedes E-Class for a couple, an S-Class for an exceptional day, a V-Class for a family or friends.
Advice from our chauffeurs
- Set off early in summer to enjoy the villages before the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the lanes are cobbled and steep.
- Check the opening hours of museums and gardens.
Your questions answered
Can we visit all three villages in a single day?
It is possible with a well-organised programme and an early start. To fully enjoy each village, many visitors choose two.
Does the chauffeur act as a guide?
Your chauffeur knows the region well and can advise you, but does not replace a qualified tour guide. A guide can be booked in addition.
Where do we start from?
From Nice, Cannes, Antibes or Monaco: pick-up is at your hotel or villa.
Out of season, the hilltop villages reveal another side: quiet lanes, soft light, artists’ studios more accessible. Spring and autumn are ideal times for this excursion.
Book your day in the hilltop villages
From the sea views of Èze to the gorges of Gourdon, a single day is enough to fall under their spell. Leave the road to us. Book your chauffeur for the day.
A day in the hilltop villages? Write to us on WhatsApp or call +41 76 764 36 05: we confirm the vehicle and the price before departure.
Also worth reading: private excursions with chauffeur.