Day and Half Day Trips:
Monaco
Yachts, Ferraris, and “mo money mo money” than you’ve ever seen. Without needing your no-limit Amex in your pocket, you can visit the casino, the ceanographic museum, the Prince’s palace, the Exotic Garden, or simply walk the streets and look at all of the boats. If you Uber in to town, be prepared to use a Monaco-based taxi to get back to your pad. Monaco law limits Ubers from originating in Monaco.
Eze is also very romantic at night. In fact, it was at the top of our list for a wedding location. We enjoyed an evening at Hotel Chateau La Chevre d’Or, which is a five-star hotel with a bar that overlooks the ocean. If you book way in advance, you could also dine in the restaurant which has a two star Michelin designation. But there are so many amazing places to eat in the Cote d’Azure, so you would not miss out if you skip it. Another hotel with patio view to die for is Chateau Eze. Lunch or grab a cocktail while you enjoy the expansive views.
St. Paul-de-Vence
One of Jennifer’s favorite places – she’s been there three times now – is another medieval city worth at least a half-day of your time. About a 45 minute drive away, it is a nice diversion from other wedding activities. Parking is located in a tight parking garage, so love that you rented a small car. For lunch or dinner (dinner is cooler), book a table on the hotel patio of La Columbe d’Or which has a history all of its own. For those that love art, be sure to visit Foundation Maeght for its beautiful sculpture garden. https://www.fondation-maeght.com/
Grasse
If you want to take a class on how to make perfume, take a day-trip to Grasse. About a one-hour’s drive, Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world's perfume capital. Large perfumeries such as Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard offer tours. Grasse Cathedral, a former Roman Catholic cathedral in the old town, contains many paintings, including some by Rubens.