EXCURSIONS

Bus Ride Time: 30-40 min to Port Grimaud, 15 min to St Maxime and 20-25 min to return to feast site

Return Time: Depart 6:45 pm, returning to the site around 7:10 pm

Exertion Level: Easy - relatively little walking required and mostly flat, although possibility of cobblestones. Need to be able to climb into and out of the boat for a canal tour in Port Grimaud. 

Cost includes ticket for boat canal tour.  Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

DESCRIPTION

Nestled in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud is a charming village encompassing attractive Provençal-style houses on a network of canals. Known as the 'Venice of Provence' and arranged into four islands, the colorful houses are linked by bridges over the waterways and surrounded by gardens. The medieval village of Grimaud has a long history beginning in the Gallo-Roman age. In the 11th century, due to its strategic vantage point on a steep summit dominating the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the first settlement included a fortified castle which controlled access from the North and from the Maures mountains. Until the end of the 19th century, the Castle of Grimaud was the command post overlooking the Gulf of Grimaud. The development of the area around the Gulf began in the 1960s and today the marina of Port Grimaud is one of the most frequently visited resorts in France.

The experience includes a 20 minute-boat ride through the canals aboard the traditional water coaches. Gliding gently along the waterways, visitors can admire Port Grimaud from the water and appreciate the unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere of the village. The ride is intentionally without commentary out of respect for the residents, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the calm and beauty of the surroundings.

After the boat tour, there is time to explore Port Grimaud on foot, stroll along the quays, browse local shops, or enjoy a drink at a café by the water. This excursion offers a delightful blend of serenity, discovery, and Provençal charm, making it an unforgettable moment along the French Riviera.

A short bus ride will then take you to the town of Sainte-Maxime. With the beautiful clear waters of the Mediterranean to the south and the Maures mountains to the north, Sainte Maxime has breathtaking views in every direction. The streets of the town are pedestrian-only so there is ample opportunity to visit the shops and cafés opposite the harbor. This stretch of the Riviera coast has 87 beaches, each with a different name and personality. One of the best-loved beaches is Sainte-Maxime’s “Plage du Centre Ville.” In August 1944, Sainte-Maxime played a key role in Operation Dragoon, the Allied landing that helped liberate southern France. Memorials along the beach honor the U.S. and Allied forces who took part.
A guide will accompany our group from the Feast site to provide commentary about the history of the two towns. 

2- CANNES/OPTIONAL SAINTE MARGUERITE ISLAND

Departure Time: 12:15 pm
Church Time: 9:00 am
Bus Ride Time: 1h to 1h20 each way 
Return Time: Depart 6:00 pm, returning to the site around 7:20 pm
Exertion Level: Easy to moderate - dependent on what activities you choose. Should be able to comfortably walk a minimum of a mile. In Cannes, there are things to see and do that involve walking on mainly flat but possibly cobblestoned streets, with the option to hike up to higher elevations for further sightseeing. If you choose to visit the island, it is relatively flat with some moderate incline around the castle area.

Cost per person: 

Round trip ferry ride is included in the cost of option B.

Shorter time to visit to Cannes.

Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

 

Option A - CANNES ONLY: 43€

Option B - OPTIONAL SAINTE MARGUERITE ISLAND 

Adults (11 years old and above) : 59€
Children (5 to 10 years old): 55€

Children (2-4) : 43€

A guide will be available from the Feast site to provide commentary about the history of the town.

Renowned worldwide for its elegance and glamour, Cannes is a vibrant seaside city on the French Riviera that perfectly blends luxury, culture, and Mediterranean charm. Framed by golden beaches and palm-lined boulevards, the city offers a lively atmosphere all year round.

A stroll along the famous La Croisette reveals luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and sandy beaches facing the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Visitors can also explore the old town, Le Suquet, where narrow streets, colorful façades, and panoramic views over the bay provide a glimpse into Cannes’ rich history and authentic character.  Free time in Cannes allows you to enjoy the city at your own pace—whether relaxing by the sea, browsing local markets, or stopping at a café to soak in the Riviera lifestyle. This excursion captures the essence of Cannes, combining iconic landmarks with the relaxed elegance of the French coast.

A 15-minute ferry ride away from Cannes is Sainte-Marguerite Island, a haven of calm and natural beauty. Ferry ride is included in the cost of option B.*

After enjoying the boat ride over, a long sandy beach, rocky coves, old-growth eucalyptus, azure waters, ocean views and beautiful pines envelop and invite you in as you enjoy the walking paths on this traffic-free island. Stop and enjoy many picturesque spots. Steeped in history, the island was first inhabited by the Romans, but later became famous for its prison, Fort Royal, which operated for more than 300 years, and held the “Man in the Iron Mask”.  You can visit the restored prison cell of this mysterious figure who was held here for 11 years from 1687 before being transferred to the Bastille where he died five years later. The Fort Royal has now been renamed the Museum of the Sea and features archeological finds recovered from ancient Roman and Saracen shipwrecks as well as restored prison cells and Roman artifacts. Close to Fort Royal is a small cemetery for French and North African soldiers who fought alongside Allied forces during World War II. This visit will be led by an English-speaking guide. 

https://www.solosophie.com/ile-sainte-marguerite-france/

* Given the ferry schedule, if you opt to visit the island you will not have as much time to visit Cannes itself. Those signed up for option B will take the 2 pm ferry from Cannes to the island. Those who would like more free time to explore Cannes afterwards would need to catch either the 3:15 pm or 4:15 pm returning ferry. The last ferry leaves the island at 5pm returning to Cannes.

3- SAINT PAUL DE VENCE

Date: Thursday, October 1
Departure Time: 12:30 pm 
Church Time: 10:00 am
Will request sack lunches be prepared by the hotel
Bus Ride Time: Approximately 1h30 each way
Return Time: Depart 5:45 pm, returning to the site around 7:15pm
Exertion Level: Moderate - should be able to walk up fairly steep cobblestoned streets to enter the village, since tour buses are required to park in a lot at the bottom of the hill. Must be able to comfortably walk 1 mile minimum at a relaxed to moderate pace.

Cost per person:   42€
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most iconic and picturesque medieval villages in the region. Surrounded by well-preserved ramparts, the village is known for its stone streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Visitors can stroll along narrow cobbled lanes lined with art galleries, small boutiques, and charming cafés, reflecting the village’s long-standing connection with artists and writers.  Its winding streets reveal elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and statues tucked into nooks in the walls. You can find a variety of Provencal fabrics on sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies such as olive oil, wine, and fruit liqueurs. The custom jewelry on sale at many of the shops is quite affordable and unique. Even the ground offers an attractive sight, as you’ll discover cobblestone pathways laid in the shapes of flowers.  
The fortified village itself is an interesting destination, with its medieval fortress walls surrounding the city. The entrance was erected in the 1400s and features a cannon muzzle, which was a trophy from the 1544 Battle of Cerisoles in Italy. In Saint Paul de Vence, you can see the snow-covered Alps to one side, and the glistening Mediterranean Sea to the other. 
The following website will give you a nice idea of the different sights to be seen in St. Paul de Vence: http://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en
An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from St. Paul de Vence as well as in the village for those who are interested in a guided tour, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way.