The vineyards of the Côte d’Azur: a day out between Bellet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the Mediterranean

A private wine tour of the Côte d’Azur vineyards is an excellent idea if you’d like to explore wine without straying too far from Nice, Cannes or Monaco. It’s also a great alternative if you’ve already visited the Côtes de Provence or if you’re looking for an experience more in keeping with the spirit of the Riviera.

When we think of the Côte d’Azur, we often picture the sea, the beaches, the hilltop villages, the luxury hotels and the Mediterranean light. But the region also has a much less well-known side: its vineyards.

On the hills above Nice and around the Riviera, the vineyards are set against an unexpected backdrop of rolling hills, olive groves, views of the Mediterranean and Alpine peaks. This part of the French Riviera offers a different experience to the major Provençal routes: more intimate, more scenic and often more surprising for travellers.

Discover the private tour of the vineyards of the Côte d’Azur

Why the vineyards of the Côte d’Azur surprise visitors

The Côte d’Azur isn’t always the first destination that springs to mind when talking about wine. That is precisely what makes the experience so interesting. Here, the vineyards aren’t vast, well-known wine-growing landscapes, but rather more secluded spots, often nestled between the sea and the mountains.

For visitors, this discovery changes the way they view the region. Nice, the Mediterranean, the hilltop villages and the rolling hills are no longer just a holiday backdrop: they also become integral parts of the local terroir.

This experience allows you to venture off the beaten track. Instead of spending a day solely on beaches, in historic centres and at tourist viewpoints, you’ll discover a more local side to the French Riviera, linked to the vineyards, estates and wines produced in this particular area.

It’s also an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy off-the-beaten-track experiences. The vineyards of the Côte d’Azur are on a more intimate scale, produce lesser-known wines and have an atmosphere very different from that of France’s major wine-growing regions.

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Bellet: a little-known appellation in the hills above Nice

The Bellet appellation is one of the most unique discoveries to be made on the Côte d’Azur. Situated in the hills above Nice, this appellation (one of the oldest in France) offers the chance to discover rare vineyards, in a setting where Mediterranean and Alpine influences converge.

What makes Bellet so interesting is not just its proximity to Nice, but also its off-the-beaten-track nature. For many travellers, it comes as a surprise to discover that a city so closely associated with the sea, its promenade and its urban heritage also has a wine-growing identity.

During a guided day out, Bellet offers an insight into how the landscape shapes the wines. The terraces, soils, aspect, light, wind and proximity to the Mediterranean all contribute to the character of the wines tasted.

This stop is particularly well-suited to visitors seeking a different kind of wine experience: less predictable than the major tourist routes, closer to Nice, and deeply rooted in the Côte d’Azur region.

A day spent exploring vineyards, countryside and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The private ‘Vignobles de la Côte d’Azur’ tour offers a full day’s experience centred on the wines of the French Riviera. The experience is organised around a selection of estates, featuring tastings, commentary from the guide and a masterclass to gain a better understanding of the region’s wines.

The day is not limited to tastings. It also offers the chance to enjoy the landscapes of the Côte d’Azur: hills, vineyards, olive groves, views of the Mediterranean and the mountainous backdrop. It is this combination of wine and scenery that makes the experience so unique.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also a stop on the itinerary, where you can have lunch and stroll through the medieval alleyways. An iconic spot on the Côte d’Azur, ideal for slowing down, taking a stroll and soaking up the historic atmosphere.

This pace allows for a well-balanced day: tastings in the morning or afternoon, exploring estates, a break in a village, taking in the scenery and chatting with the guide. The aim is not to cram in as many stops as possible, but to enjoy a seamless, elegant and cohesive experience. And in the afternoon, a visit to one of France’s most unique wine estates in Saint-Jeannet (next to Saint-Paul-de-Vence).

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A private tour is particularly suitable if you are looking for:

a wine experience near Nice or the Côte d’Azur;
an alternative to the usual Riviera tours;
less well-known estates;
a day out with stunning views, beautiful scenery and wine tastings;
a relaxed and personalised pace;
an activity suitable for a couple, a family of adults or a small group.

Ready to discover the hidden vineyards of the Côte d’Azur?

Contact Azur Wine Tours to organise a private tour taking in Nice, Bellet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the hills of the Riviera and the Mediterranean.

Are there any vineyards near Nice?

Yes. The hills above Nice are home to the Bellet appellation, a little-known wine-growing region that offers a glimpse of another side to the Côte d’Azur, nestled amongst the hills, the Mediterranean and the Alpine landscape.

Can you go on a wine tour of the Côte d’Azur without travelling as far as Provence?

Yes. The private ‘Vignobles de la Côte d’Azur’ tour offers a wine-tasting experience close to Nice and the Riviera, without necessarily having to set aside a whole day for a trip to the Côtes de Provence.

Is Saint-Paul-de-Vence part of the tour?

Yes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence can be included as a stop for lunch, sightseeing or some free time during the day. However, it should be presented as an iconic village on the Côte d’Azur, rather than as a wine estate.

How many estates are visited during the tour?

The private ‘Vignobles de la Côte d’Azur’ tour takes you on a journey of discovery through several estates selected for their character and terroir. The itinerary may vary depending on availability, the season and the conditions on the day.

Is lunch included in this wine tour?

Lunch depends on the format and the planned arrangements. For this experience, it may be arranged in Saint-Paul-de-Vence or at a venue that fits in with the itinerary. It is best to confirm this when booking.