Picture Perfect: Inspired Art and Gardens of the Cote d'Azur

18th June, 2009

The stunning climate of the Riviera and Cote d'Azur is not a myth. Shielded by the Alps from inland wind, with the sultry Mediterranean lapping its shores and warming the breezes, the Riviera feels practically tropical and has been successfully gardened for thousands of years. Temperatures are mild all year round, and rainfall is rare. Blue waters meet a blue sky, the evening air is perfumed with jasmine, mimosa and lavender, and the apricot-gold sunsets are a perfect backdrop to the parasol pines along the coast. Tracing the footsteps of Renoir, Matisse and Picasso, and luxuriating in old-style Riviera glamour, our programme will show what makes this timeless coast irresistible.

We have devised this personally guided programme for a party of six or more guests with private luxury transport and based on shared twin rooms. Single and deluxe accommodation supplements available on request.

Highlights include...

Transportation throughout by private air conditioned coach
Accommodation at the luxury hotel Cantemerle in St. Paul de Vence overlooking this magnificent coastline with a backdrop of breathtaking mountains
A leisurely visit to the home and gardens of the late Pierre Auguste Renoir, near Cagnes-sur-Mer and the Musee de Picasso
Visits to the fragrant perfume flower groves of the ancient town of Grasse, the private garden of Villa Fort France, the acclaimed perfumier, Fragonard and the factory of La Fabrique des Fleurs, a private tour of the rose and lavender fields of Le Domaine de Manon and the gorgeous water gardens of the Villa Noailles
Visit the breathtaking Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Cap Ferrat, the delightful harbourside village of Beaulieu sur Mer and the ancient fortified mountain village of Eze, where we will tour the Jardin Exotique
Dine at the award winning and highly acclaimed Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, which affords breathtaking views across to Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu sur Mer and Monte Carlo, to the Italian coast beyond
A free day at leisure, perhaps to explore the wonderful flower market in the old town of Nice, the Cours Saleya , a light brunch, café au lait or a Pastis to watch the world go by, perhaps followed by a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or lunch at one of the beach clubs. Perhaps a visit to the Parc Floral de Nice - the largest greenhouse in Europe, featuring tropical and sub-tropical zones and amazing butterflies, the Botanical Garden or the Matisse Museum and Chagall Gallery
View the Chapel of the Rosary of the Dominican Sisters of Vence begun by Matisse in 1948 and visit the Villa 'La Reve' which was home to Henri Matisse
Perhaps take lunch in St. Paul de Vence at the legendary La Colombe d'Or - unfussy, with a dining room filled with Picassos, Matisses and Calders, this is where artists who could not pay their bills gave paintings for the walls and designed much of the crockery and chairs!
Visit the Foundation Maeght and Sculpture Garden at La Colle sur Loup - the village of art and antiques, where shady gardens are dotted with sculptures, a reflecting pool, water fountains and terraces
Drive through the violet fields of Tourettes sur Loup and visit Chateau de Gourdon, a 12th Century castle in this medieval hillside village. The stunning Chateau houses a fascinating Art Deco Museum, an Italian garden, Apothecaries Garden and beautiful terraces
We will visit the famous 18 hectare gardens of the Hanbury Villa at La Mortola and the French home of Major Lawrence Johnson, creator of Hidcote, who developed La Serre de la Madone in 1924
Enjoy a farewell dinner at the world famous 'Les Senteurs' restaurant at the Chateau du Domain St Martin before departing via Nice Airport. For those who would like to extend their stay, arrangements and suggestions can be made for further forays into Monaco, Provence - perhaps taking in the works of Cezanne and Manet in Aix en Provence, and the Carmargue or gardens of Italy or perhaps a special tailor made programme of Paris.

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