Excursions
We will offer group excursions to local attractions on three afternoons during the Feast.
Further details will be shared as the Feast approaches. On Sunday, September 27 we invite all of you to join us on the beach for a Welcome Day activity. We have left Wednesday, September 30 and Friday, October 2 open for you to take advantage of the onsite facilities or activities in the region.
Payment for excursions must be made online via Shopify by Wednesday, July 1. Excursion buses must be reserved in advance, so unfortunately your reservation is not refundable in case of cancellation. However, once at the Feast, you may be able to find someone willing to exchange or purchase your excursion tickets.
Please note:
- Costs listed are per person and cover the cost of the tour buses and guides, as well as tickets for local sites/attractions where specified and applicable.
- Payment deadline: Wednesday, July 1
- No need to be an Olympian to participate, but a certain minimum level of physical fitness will ensure you are able to safely and enjoyably participate in the tours. We’ve provided a subjective exertion level description with each tour to help you make your selections.
1. Port Grimaud / Sainte-Maxime
Church Time: 10:00 am
Date: Monday,September 28
Departure Time: 1:15 pm
Bus Ride Time: 30-40 min to Port Grimaud, 15 min to St Maxime and 20-25 min to return to feast site
Return Time: Depart 6:45 pm, returning to the site around 7:10 pm
Exertion Level: Easy - relatively little walking required and mostly flat, although possibility of cobblestones. Need to be able to climb into and out of the boat for a canal tour in Port Grimaud.
Cost (includes ticket for boat canal tour):
Adults: 42€
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.
Nestled in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud is a charming village encompassing attractive Provençal-style houses on a network of canals. Known as the 'Venice of Provence' and arranged into four islands, the colorful houses are linked by bridges over the waterways and surrounded by gardens. The medieval village of Grimaud has a long history beginning in the Gallo-Roman age. In the 11th century, due to its strategic vantage point on a steep summit dominating the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the first settlement included a fortified castle which controlled access from the North and from the Maures mountains. Until the end of the 19th century, the Castle of Grimaud was the command post overlooking the Gulf of Grimaud. The development of the area around the Gulf began in the 1960s and today the marina of Port Grimaud is one of the most frequently visited resorts in France.
The experience includes a 20-minute boat ride through the canals aboard the traditional water coaches. Gliding gently along the waterways, visitors can admire Port Grimaud from the water and appreciate the unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere of the village. The ride is intentionally without commentary out of respect for the residents, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the calm and beauty of the surroundings.
After the boat tour, there is time to explore Port Grimaud on foot, stroll along the quays, browse local shops, or enjoy a drink at a café by the water. This excursion offers a delightful blend of serenity, discovery, and Provençal charm, making it an unforgettable moment along the French Riviera.
A short bus ride will then take you to the town of Sainte-Maxime. With the beautiful clear waters of the Mediterranean to the south and the Maures mountains to the north, Sainte-Maxime has breathtaking views in every direction. The streets of the town are pedestrian-only so there is ample opportunity to visit the shops and cafés opposite the harbor. This stretch of the Riviera coast has 87 beaches, each with a different name and personality. One of the best-loved beaches is the “Plage du Centre Ville.” In August 1944, Sainte-Maxime played a key role in Operation Dragoon, the Allied landing that helped liberate southern France. Memorials along the beach honor the U.S. and Allied forces who took part.
A guide will accompany our group from the Feast site to provide commentary about the history of the two towns.
2. Cannes / Optional Sainte-Marguerite Island
Church Time: 9:00 am
Date: Tuesday, September 29
Departure Time: 12:15 pm
Bus Ride Time: 1h to 1h20 each way
Return Time: Depart 6:00 pm, returning to the site around 7:20 pm
Exertion Level: Easy to moderate - dependent on what activities you choose. We recommend being able to comfortably walk a minimum of a mile. In Cannes, there are things to see and do that involve walking on mainly flat but possibly cobblestoned streets, with the option to hike up to higher elevations for further sightseeing. If you choose to visit the island, it is pretty flat with some moderate incline around the castle area.
Cost per person:
Round trip ferry ride is included in the cost of Option B (shorter time to visit Cannes).
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.
Option A - CANNES ONLY: 43€
Option B – OPTIONAL SAINTE-MARGUERITE ISLAND:
Adults (11 years old and above): 59€
Children (5-10 years old): 55€
Children (2- 4 years old): 43€
Option A: CANNES ONLY
Renowned worldwide for its elegance and glamour, Cannes is a vibrant seaside city on the French Riviera that perfectly blends luxury, culture, and Mediterranean charm. Framed by golden beaches and palm-lined boulevards, the city offers a lively atmosphere all year round.
A stroll along the famous La Croisette reveals luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and sandy beaches facing the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Visitors can also explore the old town, Le Suquet, where narrow streets, colorful façades, and panoramic views over the bay provide a glimpse into Cannes’ rich history and authentic character. Free time in Cannes allows you to enjoy the city at your own pace—whether relaxing by the sea, browsing local markets, or stopping at a café to soak in the Riviera lifestyle. This excursion captures the essence of Cannes, combining iconic landmarks with the relaxed elegance of the French coast.
A guide will be available from the Feast site to provide commentary about the history of the town.
Option B: CANNES (Short visit) AND SAINTE-MARGUERITE ISLAND
A 15-minute ferry ride away from Cannes is Sainte-Marguerite Island, a haven of calm and natural beauty. Ferry ride is included in the cost of option B.*
After enjoying the boat ride over, a long sandy beach, rocky coves, old-growth eucalyptus, azure waters, ocean views and beautiful pines envelop and invite you in as you enjoy the walking paths on this traffic-free island. Stop and enjoy many picturesque spots. Steeped in history, the island was first inhabited by the Romans, but later became famous for its prison, Fort Royal, which operated for more than 300 years, and held the “Man in the Iron Mask”. You can visit the restored prison cell of this mysterious figure who was held here for 11 years from 1687 before being transferred to the Bastille where he died five years later. The Fort Royal has now been renamed the Museum of the Sea and features archeological finds recovered from ancient Roman and Saracen shipwrecks as well as restored prison cells and Roman artifacts. Close to Fort Royal is a small cemetery for French and North African soldiers who fought alongside Allied forces during World War II. This visit will be led by an English-speaking guide.
https://www.solosophie.com/ile-sainte-marguerite-france/
* Given the ferry schedule, if you opt to visit the island you will not have as much time to visit Cannes itself. Those signed up for option B will take the 2 pm ferry from Cannes to the island. Those who would like more free time to explore Cannes afterwards would need to catch either the 3:15 pm or 4:15 pm returning ferry. The last ferry leaves the island at 5pm returning to Cannes.
3. Saint Paul de Vence
Church Time: 10:00 am
Date: Thursday,October 1
Departure Time: 12:30 pm (Note: Will request sack lunches be prepared by the hotel)
Bus Ride Time: Approximately 1h30 each way
Return Time: Depart 5:30 pm, returning to the site around 7:00pm
Exertion Level: Moderate - one will need to walk up fairly steep cobblestoned streets to enter the village, since tour buses are required to park in a lot at the bottom of the hill. Must be able to comfortably walk 1 mile minimum at a relaxed to moderate pace.
Cost per person: 42€
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most iconic and picturesque medieval villages in the region. Surrounded by well-preserved ramparts, the village is known for its stone streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Visitors can stroll along narrow cobbled lanes lined with art galleries, small boutiques and charming cafés, reflecting the village’s long-standing connection with artists and writers. Its winding streets reveal elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and statues tucked into nooks in the walls. You can find a variety of Provencal fabrics on sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies such as olive oil, wine, and fruit liqueurs. The custom jewelry on sale at many of the shops is quite affordable and unique. Even the ground offers an attractive sight, as you’ll discover cobblestone pathways laid in the shapes of flowers.
The fortified village itself is an interesting destination, with its medieval fortress walls surrounding the city. The entrance was erected in the 1400s and features a cannon muzzle—a trophy from the 1544 Battle of Cerisoles in Italy. In Saint Paul de Vence, you can see the snow-covered Alps to one side, and the glistening Mediterranean Sea to the other.
The following website will give you a nice idea of the different sights to be seen in St. Paul de Vence: http://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en
An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from St. Paul de Vence as well as in the village for those who are interested in a guided tour, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way.
