Three Stylish Ways to Day Trip to Èze & Saint-Paul-de-Vence during Cannes Film Festival

Next week the Cannes Film Festival buzzes with premieres, afterparties, and velvet-rope energy, the French Riviera offers another kind of luxury just beyond the spotlight. When you’re ready for a breath of fresh air or a moment to reconnect to the quiet beauty of the Côte d’Azur, consider this your invitation to explore two of the region’s most elegant escapes: Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Both perched high above the coastline, these historic hilltop villages feel worlds away from the flash of the Croisette, yet they’re less than an hour’s drive from Cannes. Think cobbled lanes, hidden ateliers, museum-worthy art, long terrace lunches, and panoramic views that rival any red carpet moment.

Here are three effortlessly stylish ways to make the most of these iconic day trips designed with Rare Aura travelers in mind.

Option 1: A Half-Day in Èze with Lunch Among the Clouds

For those with a packed festival calendar but a craving for a serene escape, Èze delivers pure Riviera romance in just a few hours.

Start your morning with a private driver who knows how to navigate the winding Corniche roads (and time it perfectly to avoid festival traffic). As you ascend, the coastline unfolds below you. Once in Èze, begin with a visit to the Fragonard perfumery, where you can enjoy a VIP tour and even craft your own custom scent, a fragrant reminder of your time in the South of France.

From there, wander the stone pathways of the medieval village, stopping for artisan jewelry, handmade ceramics, or simply to take in the view from the Jardin Exotique. At the top: sweeping vistas from Monaco to Saint-Tropez.

Lunch is best savored at La Chèvre d’Or, a Michelin-starred jewel where each course is as elevated as the setting. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Provence rosé or indulging in the tasting menu, this is the kind of meal that stays with you.

Return to Cannes early afternoon refreshed, inspired, and ready to step back into the festival glow.

Option 2: An Art-Filled Afternoon in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

If your idea of luxury leans toward culture, curation, and a slower pace, Saint-Paul-de-Vence offers an afternoon steeped in artistic charm and Provençal elegance.

Depart Cannes after a leisurely morning, arriving just in time for a private tour of Fondation Maeght, one of Europe’s most important modern art institutions. Nestled among pine trees and sculpture gardens, this sanctuary showcases works by Miró, Calder, Chagall, and Giacometti all in an open-air architectural masterpiece.

From there, stroll through the village’s winding streets, where artist-run galleries and boutique ateliers invite you to linger. You’ll find everything from contemporary art to antique treasures and fine linens, each piece with a story worth bringing home.

End your day with an apéritif at La Colombe d’Or, the legendary inn where artists once paid for meals with paintings. The terrace here is more than just a perfect photo backdrop, it's a living gallery of Riviera history.

Head back to Cannes golden-hour glowing, carrying the quiet inspiration of a place where art and lifestyle intertwine.

Option 3: The Full Riviera Loop – Èze + Saint-Paul in One Unforgettable Day

For those who want it all: scenery, culture, cuisine- this seamless full-day loop covers both villages in curated Rare Aura style.

Start the morning in Èze: enjoy a slow stroll through the village, a visit to the exotic gardens, and an early lunch at Château Eza or La Chèvre d’Or, both offering terrace views that feel plucked from a dream.

Then, wind through the hills toward Saint-Paul-de-Vence for an afternoon of art and ambiance. Depending on your pace, you can stop at Fondation Maeght or explore the village shops, with time for a final glass of champagne at La Colombe d’Or before returning to Cannes.

This itinerary is best experienced with a private driver or luxury guide who can handle every detail from timing reservations to tailoring the pace so all you have to do is enjoy the journey.

Your Rare Aura Moment Awaits

At Rare Aura, we understand that luxury isn’t just about access, it's about intention. Whether you’re in Cannes for business, celebration, or creative inspiration, a thoughtfully designed day trip can offer a new perspective, a deeper connection, and the kind of effortless elegance that defines the Riviera.

If you’d like a tailored itinerary, private guide, or reservations at the region’s most exclusive spots, we’ll handle every detail so you can simply show up and enjoy the view.