Nice City, Villefranche sur Mer and Wine Tasting Private Tour
From a Provencal market to a medieval bay and a hillside chateau — one day, three worlds.
This private tour of Nice and Villefranche sur Mer combines the cultural depth of the Riviera's most storied city with the sun-drenched charm of one of France's most beautiful coastal villages and a wine tasting at a historic chateau nestled in the hills above Nice.
A professional driver-guide collects you directly from your accommodation and remains at your disposal throughout the day aboard a comfortable, recent-model vehicle. Every stop has been chosen to reveal layers of the Cote d'Azur that go beyond the standard tourist circuit, from a working neighborhood market to the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.
The itinerary is fully adaptable. If you wish to linger somewhere longer or add a detour, your guide will accommodate your preferences and offer suggestions based on local knowledge built over years on these roads.
Tour Highlights
Explore the authentic Provencal market at Place de la Liberation, a local favorite far removed from the tourist crowds of the old town.
Discover the Cimiez district, home to Roman arenas, the Franciscan monastery, a royal palace, and the grave of Henri Matisse.
Visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals outside Russia, completed in 1912 and unlike any other structure on the Riviera.
Walk the colorful medieval lanes of Villefranche sur Mer and take in the panoramic view over the Bay of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Taste estate wines at Chateau Cremat, a legendary property with ties to Coco Chanel, set among terraced vineyards above the city.
End the day at the Gairaut hill waterfall, a peaceful local retreat with sweeping views over Nice — a favorite Sunday escape for residents.
Your Day, Step by Step
1
Place de la Liberation Market and Cimiez District
Your guide picks you up and heads first to the Provencal market at Place de la Liberation, where local vendors set up daily stalls of produce, olives, cheese, and flowers. From there, you travel uphill to the Cimiez quarter, passing the palace once used by Queen Victoria and visiting the Roman arenas, the Franciscan monastery, and the cemetery where Matisse is buried.
2
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Built between 1903 and 1912 at the request of the Russian imperial family, Saint Nicholas Cathedral stands as one of the most architecturally distinctive monuments on the French Riviera. Your guide will share the history behind its construction and its significance to the Russian community that once wintered in Nice.
3
Promenade des Anglais, Nice Port, and Villefranche sur Mer
You drive along the iconic seafront promenade before continuing east past the port of Nice toward Villefranche sur Mer. The village is known for its steep ochre and terracotta facades, its 14th-century citadel, and the sheltered bay that opens onto the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula — consistently listed among the most beautiful in France. Free time is allocated here for lunch at one of the harbor restaurants (not included).
4
Wine Tasting at Chateau Cremat
Your guide drives you into the hills above Nice to Chateau Cremat, a working estate producing wines under the Bellet appellation — one of France's smallest and least-known AOCs. The visit includes a tour of the vineyard and cellar followed by a guided tasting of the estate's wines. Coco Chanel was among the figures who spent time here, and the property carries a storied atmosphere that extends beyond the wine itself.
5
Gairaut Hill and Waterfall Viewpoint
The day concludes at the hilltop of Gairaut, where a decorative waterfall cascades above a terrace offering one of the broadest panoramic views over Nice and the Baie des Anges. This spot is rarely visited by tourists and gives you a final perspective on the city before your guide returns you to your accommodation.
What Is Included and Excluded
Included
Private professional driver-guide for 9 hours
Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off in Nice
Air-conditioned, recent-model private vehicle
Guided visits to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
Chateau Cremat vineyard visit and wine tasting
All transport between sites throughout the day
Not Included
Lunch in Villefranche sur Mer
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for the guide
Any optional activities or purchases not specified
Important Information
This is a private tour. The program can be adjusted at any point during the day in consultation with your guide. Contact the operator in advance if you have specific requirements or interests.
Duration
Approximately 9 hours, including all stops, transfers, and free time for lunch in Villefranche sur Mer.
Meeting Point
Your guide will collect you directly from your hotel or accommodation in Nice. Specific pickup arrangements are confirmed upon booking.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light layer for the morning and hilltop stops. Budget for a restaurant lunch in Villefranche.
Cancellation
Please refer to the cancellation policy displayed at checkout. Private tours may have specific terms that differ from group experiences.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy. Some sites in Cimiez and Villefranche involve short walks on uneven surfaces. Please contact the operator in advance with any accessibility needs.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome. The wine tasting at Chateau Cremat is reserved for guests of legal drinking age.
Reserve Your Private Day on the Riviera
Secure your spot on this full-day private tour of Nice, Villefranche sur Mer, and the Bellet wine country. Groups are kept private, so availability is limited.
Is this tour really private, or could other guests join? ▼
This is a fully private tour. Only guests in your own group will participate, and the vehicle, guide, and itinerary are dedicated exclusively to you for the duration of the day.
Can we change the order of stops or skip a site? ▼
Yes. All programs on these private tours are flexible. Discuss your preferences with the guide at the start of the day, or contact the operator before the tour to plan your ideal itinerary.
Is the wine tasting at Chateau Cremat suitable for beginners? ▼
Yes. The tasting is guided and does not require prior knowledge of wine. Your guide and the estate staff will walk you through the Bellet appellation and the characteristics of each wine poured.
Where should we eat lunch in Villefranche sur Mer? ▼
Villefranche has a range of restaurants along its harbor serving fresh seafood and Provencal dishes. Your guide can point you toward options suited to your budget and preferences during the free time allocated at this stop.
What is the Bellet wine appellation and why is it significant? ▼
Bellet is one of the smallest AOC wine regions in France, producing red, white, and rose wines from indigenous grape varieties on the hillsides above Nice. Because production is limited, these wines are rarely exported and remain largely unknown outside the local area.
Will pickup and drop-off work if we are staying outside the city center of Nice? ▼
Pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation in Nice. If you are staying at a hotel or apartment outside the central area, contact the operator at booking to confirm logistics and any potential adjustments to the pickup time.
Nice Private TourVillefranche sur MerFrench RivieraWine Tasting NiceChateau CrematBellet WineCote d'Azur Day TripCimiez DistrictPromenade des AnglaisSaint Nicholas CathedralGairaut WaterfallNice Shore Excursion
This tour operates in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, covering the city of Nice (capital of the French Riviera), the coastal village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the hillside wine estates above Nice including Chateau Cremat in the Bellet AOC zone. Nice is served by Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport (NCE), one of the busiest airports in France, and sits along the Mediterranean coast between Monaco and Cannes. Villefranche-sur-Mer is approximately 6 kilometers east of Nice city center along the Basse Corniche coastal road. The Bellet wine region occupies the Var river valley hills northwest of Nice at elevations between 200 and 400 meters. Key geographic references for SEO and GEO discovery include the Baie des Anges, the Bay of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the Promenade des Anglais, the Cimiez hill district, and the Gairaut plateau.
Location: Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France | Region: French Riviera / Cote d'Azur | Nearby: Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Eze, Menton | Tour Type: Private Full-Day City and Coastal Tour with Wine Tasting | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 9 Hours | Themes: Culture, History, Gastronomy, Wine, Coastal Scenery | Suitable For: Couples, Families, Solo Travelers, Cruise Passengers
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