This drive also provided a satisfying exposure to the gourmet and traditional cuisine, market towns, architectural pleasures, history and landscapes of the Côte d’Azur that have inspired the best loved of French artists.

Nowhere in the week takes you further than two hours from Nice, but a destination technically no more than 30 minutes from your starting point, can easily take a whole day to explore.  To enjoy this itinerary does not require a different inn each night: a villa is an equally ideal base.

Suggested Itinerary:

Days 1-3: Nice – St Paul de Vence or Vence
On arrival either stay a night in Nice or drive 20 minutes into the hinterland to St Paul de Vence. This fortified and fabled village is where you can indulge in a Provencal feast at an unassuming but fantastical inn. It satisfies the palate and the eye: the walls are hung with paintings by Picasso, Klee and Miró.

Day 4-5: St Paul de Vence to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Drive via the centuries old market town of Vence where Matisse left his magic touch on a modest, blue-tiled, sand-coloured chapel. The exterior belies the explosion of colour inside.  Next stop is Grasse to visit the Muséede la Parfumerie that deals with 3000 years of perfume history and the evening’s destination is Mosutiers-Sainte-Marie, another elevated village steeped in the scent of lavender, and dotted with olive trees. Celebrate a wondrous view of the setting sun with an excessively good Ducasse-inspired meal.

Day 6 Moustiers-Sainte-marie to Mougins
It is less than a 2 hour drive to Mougins, a medieval village set amongst pine, olive and cypress trees, with a panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes and filled of carefully restored houses. In its narrow and ancient streets you can to walk off the excess of the some previous nights’ meals.

Day 7: Mougins to Nice
You return to your starting point to take in the museums dedicated to Chagall and Matisse or the old part of Nice at the harbour front.

Suggested Inclusions:

• 7 nights preferred accommodation - Inns, hotels, B & B’s or a villa
• Daily breakfast
• 8 days car hire in a vehicle of your choice