Leaving the glitzy charm of Antibes behind, our road trip ventured deep into the scenic embrace of the French Riviera’s hinterland. The destination? Gourdon — a hilltop village perched like a crown above the Gorges du Loup, offering sweeping views that reach as far as the Mediterranean. But this wasn’t just a destination blog; it was about the journey too. The route from Antibes to Gourdon is one of the most underrated drives in the region, taking you from palm-fringed promenades to hairpin turns through alpine forests.
🌟 The Route: A Postcard-Lined Drive
Distance: ~35 km
Time: 50 mins to 1 hour (depending on stops and traffic)
We started from the Antibes city centre, exiting via Route de Grasse (D35). As you pass through Valbonne and Opio, the scenery begins to shift — from coastal glamour to rustic Provençal charm. Olive groves, vineyards, and fragrant fields of lavender line the roads. Once you pass Châteauneuf-Grasse, the climb begins in earnest.
Prepare for hairpin bends, forest-lined cliffs, and frequent moments where you’ll be tempted to stop for photos. There are multiple scenic lookouts on the final ascent to Gourdon — don’t miss them!
🔹 Insert: Driving footage video here
📸 Insert: Scenic photo near Châteauneuf-Grasse
🏠 Arriving in Gourdon: First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice as you arrive is how the village seems to float above the valley. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and the panoramic views are nothing short of jaw-dropping. You can see the whole Côte d’Azur coastline on a clear day.
The village itself is compact and car-free, with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and small cafés.
☕ Cafés & Local Eats in Gourdon
Despite its size, Gourdon has several lovely spots to enjoy local Provençal food:
- La Taverne Provençale – Great for a classic French lunch with a view.
- Les Gorges de Loup Restaurant – A little before you arrive in Gourdon, ideal for a scenic stop.
- Le Nid d’Aigle – Known for hearty mountain dishes like tartiflette and goat cheese salad.
🌄 Things to Do in Gourdon
- Château de Gourdon: Though private, its gardens are occasionally open to the public.
- Perfume Workshop at Confiserie Florian: Try your hand at making your own scent!
- Wander through the Artisan Boutiques: From handmade soaps to Provençal ceramics.
- Hiking Routes: Several trails start from Gourdon leading into the Gorges du Loup.
🚩 Parking Info
There is a designated parking area just before entering the pedestrianised zone of the village. It can get full in the afternoons during peak season, so arrive early if you want a good spot.
🔹 Map of Gourdon Parking
✈ Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and fewer tourists.
- Dress Code: Layers! The altitude can make it chilly even in summer.
- Fuel: Fill up in Antibes or Valbonne, as there are no petrol stations in Gourdon itself.
📆 Tags
Antibes to Gourdon, French Riviera drive, Scenic French road trips, Hidden gems South of France, Gourdon village, Alpes-Maritimes travel, Provence hilltop villages, Road trip France, Travel Antibes, Gorges du Loup, Places near Antibes, Antibes road trips, Things to do Gourdon, South of France itinerary, Countryside France
📟 References
- La Taverne Provençale
- Les Gorges de Loup Restaurant
- Google Maps – Gourdon
- Official Tourism Alpes-Maritimes
- Confiserie Florian – Gourdon
- Château de Gourdon Info
