The Riviera's Scents … from Nice to Grasse
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
The Riviera’s Scents … From Nice to Grasse Half-day excursion to Nice & Half-day excursion to Grasse This day-trip will enchant all of your senses: In Nice, you will explore the lively, typical market with its colorful and tasty products, and in Grasse you will discover the old town and learn about the world’s capital of perfumes. From Nice to Grasse 9:00 am : Meet your guide-driver and enjoy a panoramic tour of Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. In this natural, rocky setting, the sun highlights the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre- colored houses. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace that is built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town . The old town’s soul and history are reflected in the narrow streets and alleys that curve, in an irregular fashion, among old buildings and red-tiled roofs. The streets, with names that evoke ancient guilds, such as “goldsmith” or “bankers,” are full of boutiques and shoppers. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets . There are scores of stands, and you will find everything from professional merchants with their well-displayed wares to farmers that offer their fresh produce and live fowl on folding tables. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea. Give your taste buds a new experience and enjoy some socca with a glass of wine. Socca is a local specialty made from chickpea flour, and a trip to Nice would not be complete without having tasted it! Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant. We suggest the restaurant “Le Safari.” It is in a prime location on the Cours Saleya with a lovely view of the market stalls. The menu is diversified, with local specialties, pasta, seafood, meat and pizza. In the afternoon, continue on to Grasse to see the old city and the museums . You can discover the old city on your own just by walking about the shaded streets and enjoying the architectural treasures as you come across them. You will be delighted by the charm of the old squares, the outdoor markets, the fountains and the winding streets. Grasse is the foremost city in the world for perfumes . It produces over two-thirds of France's natural aromas (for perfume and food flavorings). The industry’s turnover is more than 600 million euros per year. Grasse's particular microclimate encouraged the flower farming industry. It is warm and far enough inland to be sheltered from the salty air. The Moors brought jasmine, a key ingredient to many perfumes, to the South of France in the 16th century. Grasse harvests twenty-seven tons of jasmine each year . You will find perfume museums and factories to visit, such as Molinard. For a long time, Molinard worked with Baccarat and René Lalique, who widely contributed to the House's reputation for the sober, yet elegant, scent bottles of their first "soliflore" perfumes (jasmine, rose, and violet). You can visit the soap room and the distillery . Through the window, you will see the packaging team. They still label and prepare the pumps and lids by hand. It is surprising to think that such a famous house, that exports worldwide, still makes its products manually . Molinard knew how to conquer international markets by preserving traditional manufacturing. You can also admire this ancient oil mill which, in 1900, was transformed in order to crush hard raw materials such as rosewood, sandalwood or certain flower roots. The showroom, relating the history of Provence , will impress you. It is an optical and olfactory pleasure to visit, with a splendid furniture collection (XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries) and lovely, delicate fragrances that float in the air. Total Price Total Price: from 785 € NB: Please note that some sites mentioned in the itinerary might not be available every day or throughout the year. Please check with our Production Managers This price includes ° Deluxe minivan which can carry up to 6 passengers ° Professional English speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments ° Découvertes fees ° 24 hour assistance available during your stay ° All taxes This price does not include ° Entrance fees ° Tips ° Lunch or dinner Découvertes can also provide: ° Pre-payment of all entrance fees to museums and other sites ° Lunch reservations .