This is one of the most enjoyable summer tours. We leave the traffic behind and the glamorous cities to head toward the “arrière pays,” where everything is olive, mountains and sun.

We start with the international perfume capital, Grasse, where we have a guided tour in one of the most prestigious museums, such as the historic home of “Fragonard.” Here you will learn how this industry started and how some of these fabulous scents of jasmine, rose and lavender were created. You will also have time to stroll through the old town and visit the 13th century cathedral, where you can find some paintings by Rubens and Jean-Honoré Fragonard (hence the name of the local perfume factory). Then we will take the road to arrive in Opio, where the olive mill is waiting for us to discover the real taste of Provence.

Afterward we will drive to Gourdon, rated one of the most beautiful villages in France. This tiny village offers a magnificent panorama over almost 80 kilometers of the coast. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the villagers climbed the mountains by the feudal castle to seek refuge from the barbarian invasions. The castle of Gourdon is Provencal style and inside there are sumptuous gardens. Despite being private property it is possible to visit.

Then we head to another medieval village Tourettes-sur-loup, the village of violet. Grasse being the capital of perfumery, this town was the main supplier of violets. Here we can walk quietly between streets full of boxes, crafts, art galleries and an occasional cat. And we will take the time to enjoy an ice cream of violet or rose.

Finally we will visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the pearl discovered by some young painters in the 1930s. A little village with international popularity, frequently visited by famous actors like Roger Moore or French actors as Yves Montant and Simone Signoret, this town has stolen the hearts of many because of its blend of art and medieval history. You may admire works of art, worthy of great museums, craft shops and find forgotten handicrafts occupations.