Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: The Riviera

When people on Mediterranean cruises take shore excursions, they want to see “everything.” Of course, this is not always practical. So, I’ve asked my friend Nancy McGee, a South of France tour expert, to share with me the places she considers the top spots to experience. 

Nancy says:

For your Mediterranean cruise shore excursion … Food First 

France conjures up images of gourmet restaurants, boulangeries, and local markets offering a breathtaking array of fresh, local produce, cheeses, and regional specialties—and that’s exactly right. Since the weather’s good, why not make the first stop at the market and shop for a picnic? (Always a hit with children.) And let’s not forget a bottle of rosé wine from Provence for a French picnic.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Grasse

Wake up and Smell the Roses 

With appetites appeased – for now at least – the olfactory senses are in for a treat, and they’ll get just that in Grasse, the Riviera’s flower capital. A perfume factory tour is an absolute must, and an excellent place to buy gifts. This charming historic town has an 11th-century cathedral, pa erfume museum, sandy beaches, and fine dining.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Gourdon

Dreaming of Chocolate Heaven?

Visit Gourdon, and those dreams will come true with sampling at the famous chocolate factory. But leave room for artisanal ice cream in floral flavors, such as violet, rose, and jasmine… sublime. And there’s no need to worry too much about the waistline because this beautiful old fortress town is built on a high promontory with stunning views – an excellent way to work off the day’s excesses.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Tourrettes-sur-Loup

The ‘City of Violets’

The tiny medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup perches on a rocky spur and is an all-time favorite for visitors. It boasts impressive historic buildings, including a 15th-century church, arts and crafts boutiques, an annual violet festival, and a museum. Just a stone’s throw from Nice and Cannes is worth a detour.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: St. Paul de Vence

In Chagall’s Footsteps

St. Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns on the Riviera and is also known as the artist’s village – it was home to Chagall, to name but one. It’s a joy to simply stroll the colorful streets of art galleries and boutiques. Olive oil and wine tastings, as well as a visit to an olive oil mill, can be arranged, along with lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Monaco

Jetsetting to Monaco 

The tiny principality of Monaco fits comfortably into a day trip, allowing time to view the exquisite Palace of the Prince and the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married, followed by the Changing of the Guard.

And now, fasten your seatbelts for a lap of the world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to reach Monte-Carlo with its famous Casino, Golden Square, and the luxurious Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage. Fancy your luck? Armed with a valid ID and appropriately dressed, you can join the high rollers at the famous Casino.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Éze

A Change of Pace

Visitors are always captivated by this medieval clifftop village, with its narrow lanes, stone buildings, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Éze is in the heart of the perfume country, and a tour of the perfume factory can be arranged as a visit to its impressive botanical garden.

Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: Nice

Putting on the Glitz

The city of Nice needs no introduction! Aside from a reputation for glamour, it is steeped in history. There is evidence of a settlement dating back to as early as 350 BC, and its historical center dates back to the 13th century. Highlights of the tour include a walk along the “Promenade des Anglais,” a former haunt of the British aristocracy, an unsurpassed flower market, and Michelin-star restaurants.