Saint-Paul de Vence Wine Tour HD Trip from Nice (private)
About this activity
Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of celebrated artists
- Enjoy a Provence wine tasting session at a local winery
- English speaking guides, local experts of Provence
Full description
Today, meet your English speaking tour guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable premium air-conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way to delightful Saint Paul de Vence. Visit the village then head towards the Bellet wine region that is located close to Nice. Participate in a wine tasting session to find out about the local wines produced here.
02:00 PM - Meet your Guide at your Accommodation in Nice City Centre
- Discover the beautiful village of Saint Paul de Vence - Scenic drive through the Provence wine region & vineyards - Taste Provence red & white wines in a family owned winery
06:00 PM - Drop off at your accommodation in Nice
Saint Paul de Vence is one of the numerous perched villages that are located in the Provence hinterland mountain range. Sheltered behind its ramparts and filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes it is a popular destination of the French Riviera. The village of St-Paul dates back to the 11th century and it has kept its ramparts, guard’s way, canons and other such features.much to the delight of its visitors.
The village is also very famous because of the large number of celebrities, painters or film producers who have come to appreciate the local light, the calm, the sea and peacefulness of the area. The beautiful landscapes surrounding St-Paul having inspired many an artist and an enclave of art galleries and museums can be found around the quaint cobbled streets. Picasso, Matisse, Chagall or Renoir are just but a few of those that have come to take advantage of this small paradise on earth to devote some time for their art work.
On this small group tour from Nice, you will have time to explore this unique village and stroll through the narrow and picturesque streets from the Royale Gate to the Southern Gate to discover magnificent stone facades from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Provence wine tour in the Bellet Appellation
After the visit of St Paul de Vence, reach the Bellet wine region close to Nice. Located between 200 and 300m above sea level, on the slopes of the last foothills of the Alps, the Bellet appellation covers around 650 ha, 50h of which are in production. The vineyard is entirely located on the territory of the municipality of Nice, which is unique in France.
It enjoys a great amount of sunshine (2700 hours per year), beneficial rains (838 mm per year) and a microclimate due to the altitude and the winds (Mistral and Tramontane) blowing almost continuously in the Var valley.
The vines are rooted in narrow planks called “Restanques”, made up of rolled pebbles, mixed with a clear compact sand (“Poudingue”). These excellent conditions combined favor the expression and full maturity of the grapes in the harmony of the different wines of Nice.
There are only 10 wineries that still make wines today. They are certified or in the process of conversion to organic agriculture, most of the appellation having resolutely opted for sustainable agriculture.
The wines of the Bellet appellation
The appellation decree authorizes a certain number of grape varieties for the A.O.P. Bellet. For white wines: Rolle, a typical Mediterranean variety, and primary grape variety of white wines from the appellation (80 to 90%), and Chardonnay.
For red and rosé wines: Folle Noire (named for its very capricious yield from one year to another), Braquet (which is also the name of an old local family), Grenache and Cinsault.
Upon arrival, learn about this very confidential appellation that is little known even to the French. Most wineries being located over the city of Nice, have a stunning view over the French Riviera. After a short introduction of the history of the winery and the wine making process, it will be time to begin your commented wine tasting. Discover unusual grape varieties such as Rolle that is used for the white wines and Folle Noire (Crazy Black) or Braquet very local grapes used for red wines and rosé.
After the visit and wine tasting session, it will be time to make our way back to Nice and that will be the end of our services.
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Visits as mentionned
- Pre booked winery visit
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Travel in premium, spacious minivans
- Personal insurance and expenses.
- Meals and drinks.
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
Meeting point
Start Location
Nice, France
Nice, Nice, France
Important information
Know before you book
- Small group option, maximum 8 persons
- Tour is operated in English.
- Prices are per group
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
- You must wear good walking shoes for this tour.
- Tour available all year round
- Tour not available on Sundays
Health & restrictions
Age, Height, Weight
- Minimum drinking age: 18
Cancellation policy
Operator strictly adheres to its cancellation policy and will make no exceptions to the policy. If Guest chooses to cancel his or her reservation, Operator must receive written notice of said cancellation in writing via certified mail, fax or e-mail sent to info@ophorus.com (with confirmation of receipt from Operator), and Guest shall be subject to the following cancellation fee schedule: Ophorus requires full payment by credit card, internet payment (through our website) or wire transfer (Wire transfer fees at the charge of the Guest) to make a reservation. We accept payment by AMEX, Visa and Master Card. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: > Up to 72 hours prior to departure: no cancellation fees except the booking fees. > 72 hours prior to departure and less > no refund All semi private tours depart on time. Clients should present themselves at the allocated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Driver/guide will not wait unless Ophorus has been previously informed that the client will be late with a maximum waiting time of 10 minutes. Beyond that waiting time, tours will depart and Ophorus cannot be held responsible for clients missing their tour.
Reviews
Rudolpho was an amazing guide. He was extremely knowledgeable of the area’s history, the wine process, and the region. Each chateau we visited was unique and beautiful. Rudolpho kept our small group engaged and made the experience fun. I highly recommend this tour!!!
Wonderful your! Paschal is a knowledgeable, funny, well-organized guide. He kept up a friendly, informative narration while taking us to the essential sites for an introduction to the strategy, execution, consequences and effect of the D Day invasion. Comfortable van, nice-sized small group. Very good pace for visiting each site and doing some measured exploration on your own, There even was time for some private reflection at the American Cemetery at the end of the day. Highly recommend!
Francesco was an outstanding guide for the Gems of Alsace tour. Although he is on the younger side, he brought a remarkably deep knowledge of the region, its history, villages, wines, and culture. He answered every question thoughtfully and added context that made each stop far more meaningful. He was also super personable, outgoing, and easy to talk with throughout the day. He struck a great balance between sharing information and giving us time to explore on our own. He kept the group organized without ever making the day feel rushed or overly structured. The villages, wine route, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle were all wonderful, but Francesco truly elevated the experience. He clearly takes pride in showing visitors the best of Alsace. We would happily recommend this tour—and especially Francesco—to anyone visiting the region.