View of Grasse, France
The two nights we spent at the Fairmont Monte Carlo during our Globus La France tour were exactly what we needed in order to recharge our batteries and get revved up for the remaining days of the 14-day trip.
It was back to the early wake-up calls (6:15 a.m.) as our departure was scheduled for 8 a.m. Unfortunately, the included breakfast buffet at the Fairmont rooftop terrace restaurant didn’t start until 7 a.m., but we still made sure to take our time and enjoy the lavish spread and splendid Mediterranean views.
After our timely departure from Monte Carlo, the driving route took us back towards Nice and onward to the town of Grasse – famous for their perfume factories.
Fragonard in Grasse, France
The traffic had been relatively quiet so it was only an hour’s drive to arrive at Fragonard for a guided factory tour. Some of the passengers (mainly the women) enjoyed this 50-minute stop and took the opportunity to purchase perfume, cologne, soaps and body lotions where they are made – and at a reasonable price.
Fragonard Perfume Shopping
Grasse Fun Facts:
Castellane in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Department
By 10 a.m. we had departed from Grasse and were driving up into the mountains, along narrow winding roads towards the village of Castellane. The two-hour drive was very scenic and we enjoyed our final view of the Mediterranean before heading further inland.
Castellane Chapel of Our Lady
On the drive to Castellane Vic made a couple of suggestions regarding where to eat lunch (for either restaurant or cafe dining), but when we arrived at the quaint village the local market was bustling with activity – providing both fun entertainment and tasty lunch fixings for a picnic lunch during our hour-twenty stop.
Castellane Market – Olives Galore
Castellane Fun Facts:
At 1:20 p.m. the coach departed for Sisteron, and we endured another winding drive (for 90 minutes) along very narrow, curving roads. The ride was very uncomfortable for those affected by motion sickness – it was definitely a good day to use Gravol or Dramamine!
Sisteron
In Sisteron we had 45-minute comfort stop (where we had to find a cafe and pay for a drink in order to use the facilities) and just enough time to wander around the small but busy town.
Sisteron in the Haute-Alps of France
Sisteron Fun Facts:
WJ Tested: Globus La France Tour – Grasse to Grenoble
The 2.5-hour drive from Sisteron to our final destination of Grenoble was even more arduous. The road was especially windy, but the scenery was wonderful and we did enjoy better views of the small villages en route.
Grenoble in France
Arriving at the Mercure Grenoble President Hotel in Grenoble by 6:20 p.m. gave us just enough time to check-in to our room and freshen up before making our way to dinner in the hotel’s conference room.
Mercure Grenoble President Hotel
The 3-course set menu started with Salad Niçoise – a mixed salad of tomatoes and green beans topped with tuna and anchovies and dressed with a vinaigrette.
Salade Nicoise
Following was the main course of guinea fowl, and crème brulee for dessert. As we were not limited to our wine consumption (typically one glass is included) the atmosphere during the meal was quite jolly and lively even after a very full day in transit.
Guinea Fowl Leg with Tarragon and Potatoes
Chartreuse French Custard – Creme Brulee
Grenoble Fun Facts:
Unfortunately our time in Grenoble was limited to eating and sleeping at the hotel, so we didn’t get to see any of the city sights.
If You Go:
Read More About WAVEJourney’s Globus La France Adventures:
| Overview | Paris Day 1 | Paris City Tour Day 2 | Normandy Day 3 | Normandy and Brittany Day 4 | Loire Day 5 | Loire Valley and Bordeaux Day 6 | Saint Emilion Day 7 | Biarritz and Lourdes Day 8 | Carcassonne and Nimes Day 9 | Pont du Gard and Avignon Day 10 | Monte Carlo Day 11 | Grasse to Grenoble Day 12 | Lyon to Dijon Day 13 | Dijon to Paris Day 14 |
March 2019 Travel Tips and Tales Newsletter By WAVEJourney Greetings! Spring is here in the Northern Hemisphere and WJ has big travel plans! How about you? Chat with us and let us know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and ask for the advice and travel tips you need to enhance your adventures. After a […]