Romantic weekend in Provence: tips and spots

Weekend in Provence: plan a successful romantic getaway, between the scents of Grasse, hilltop villages and pre-alpine panoramas.

Looking for a romantic getaway away from the crowds, at the crossroads of the French Riviera and the Provençal countryside? Here's a complete guide to planning two memorable days: where to stay, what to see, where to dine, when to go, and how to optimize your itinerary. Based in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Le Relais Impérial offers an authentic base for exploring Grasse, the Prealps, the gorges, and the surrounding lakes, all within a peaceful and gourmet setting.

In short

• Choose a quiet base in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to explore Grasse, Gourdon, the Gorges du Loup and the lake of Saint-Cassien.

• Stay in a boutique hotel with cozy rooms, terraces and local cuisine for a romantic getaway.

• 48-hour itinerary: perfumes and villages on day 1, nature and panoramas on day 2; lavender option in season.

• Best time: May-June and September-October; book your table and some activities in advance.

• Prefer using a car for easy access to viewpoints, gorges and plateaus.

Where to unpack your bags for a romantic weekend between the sea and the Prealps

The Relais Impérial, a hotel-restaurant on the Route Napoléon in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, combines authenticity, tranquility, and a warm welcome. Just 15 minutes from Grasse, you'll enjoy a strategic location: close to the scents and traditions of the Grasse region, yet nestled in the peaceful hills. To discover the hotel and its spirit, visit the Homepage .

For your stay, 28 tastefully decorated rooms offer comfort and privacy; some have a terrace overlooking the hills, while others feature a bathtub for a relaxing soak after your excursions. Choose the category that suits you best by viewing the available rooms . To enhance your getaway, services and thoughtful touches (route suggestions, terrace dining, local recommendations) make planning easy.

Food is everything here: a bistro-style restaurant serving French cuisine inspired by local produce, and a wood-fired pizzeria for a relaxed evening. If you're dreaming of a truly memorable moment (birthday, proposal, mini-event), explore our event planning options to create a bespoke surprise. And to truly grasp the spirit of this family-run establishment, delve into its history .

48-hour itinerary: a concentrated dose of Provence without rushing

Day 1 — Grasse, perfumes and hilltop villages

• Morning: Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Visit the International Perfume Museum and enjoy a fragrance workshop (reservations recommended). Grasse's perfume-making expertise has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018, a recognition that confirms the uniqueness of the region (source: UNESCO , 2018).

• Lunch: Lunch in town or picnic basket to take away.

• Afternoon: Head towards Gourdon, one of the most beautiful hilltop villages with sea views on a clear day. On the way back down, stop at the Gorges du Loup for a walk along the water and waterfalls (Saut du Loup, Grande Marmite).

• End of day: Back to calm in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey for an aperitif on the terrace.

Evening — Signature dinner or wood-fired oven

For an intimate atmosphere, book a table at the Relais' bistronomic restaurant: creative dishes, local produce, and a relaxed ambiance. Alternatively, the wood-fired pizzeria offers crispy pizzas and generous grilled meats. Remember to reserve your table when confirming your room via the online booking platform .

Day 2 — Nature, viewpoints and turquoise lake

• Morning: Caussols Plateau for lunar landscapes and exceptional light (ideal for photos of two). Depending on the season, take a detour to the charming village of Cabris or the Gourdon viewpoint for another perspective.

• Lunch: Picnic or country inn.

• Afternoon: Lake Saint-Cassien for a nature break: stand-up paddleboarding for two, rowboat, or a nap by the water. On the way back, a stop in the village of Saint-Cézaire and a stroll along the fragrant trails.

Timing tip: Head out early to popular sites (Gourdon, Gorges du Loup) and save the larger areas (plateaus, lakes) for the afternoon. In summer, opt for nature outings in the morning or after 4 pm to avoid the heat.

Lavender season option (June-July)

If you're staying from late June to mid-July and have a car, consider a trip to the lavender fields of Valensole or the Claparèdes plateau (a full day is recommended). Check the seasonal information on the official regional website ( Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism ) before planning.

The best romantic spots nearby

• Sunset at the Gourdon viewpoint: spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean and the hinterland.

• Calern Plateau (observatory): exceptional starry sky on a clear night; bring a jacket, the wind can pick up.

• Gorges du Loup: in summer, walk along the riverbank in the shade of the walls; perfect for a refreshing break.

• Lake Saint-Cassien: rent a pedal boat at the end of the day to enjoy the golden reflections.

• Sensory Grasse: compose your own eau de toilette during a workshop, then stroll under the arcades of the old town.

When to go, weather and crowds

Provence can be enjoyed year-round, but the most pleasant times for a romantic getaway are May-June and September-October: bright days, comfortable temperatures, and less crowded sites. July-August brings the peak of activity (and heat) to the coast, while the Prealps remain more breezy.

Before setting off, check the local forecast (wind, heat, thunderstorms in summer) on Météo-France . In winter, the light is superb, the villages are quiet, and the experience is more contemplative; pack warm layers for the plateaus.

Getting here and around without stress

Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is located approximately 50 minutes from Nice Airport (depending on traffic). A car remains the most flexible way to explore the hilltop villages, viewpoints, and lakes, with scenic routes of breathtaking charm. Consider departing and returning at off-peak times.

Without a car, take the train to Grasse, then local buses and taxis for the last few kilometers, but be sure to factor in connection times. To optimize your arrival and reservations for meals, activities, or transfers, you can contact the hotel directly .

Budget: how to optimize it without losing the spirit of the trip

Rather than trying to visit several distant spots, focus on a coherent area (Grasse–Gourdon–Gorges du Loup–Saint-Cassien): fewer kilometers, more time together. Book popular accommodations early during the warmer months, opt for lunches on village terraces, and save a signature dinner at the hotel for the romantic evening.

For activities, select one "focus" experience (perfume workshop, paddleboarding on the lake, sunset from a viewpoint). Nature walks, viewpoints, and old villages are often free to access, perfect for balancing the budget.

Details that make all the difference for a romantic getaway

• Request a room with a terrace or bathtub for a cozy atmosphere; see the options on the Rooms and Categories page .

• Book an outdoor table as soon as the weather is nice for a candlelit dinner; see the services offered .

• Surprise your loved one: bouquet, personalized message, signature dessert; the team can help you orchestrate the moment.

• Want to make a big deal out of it (birthday, engagement)? Explore tailor-made events .

• For a local immersion, discover the DNA of the house through its family history .

Nature and heritage: a protected environment

Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey lies at the gateway to the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, a land of cliffs, scrubland, karst plateaus, and heritage villages. This guarantees unspoiled landscapes, gentle routes, and a relaxed pace of life—ideal for a couple to recharge. To learn more about this area, visit the Préalpes d'Azur Park website .

FAQ

Where to stay for a romantic weekend in Provence away from the crowds on the coast?

Avoid the most crowded resorts during peak season and settle in the hinterland, just 15 minutes from Grasse. Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offers a peaceful setting, sweeping views of the hills, and quick access to hilltop villages, gorges, and lakes. A charming hotel with on-site dining simplifies planning and ensures an intimate atmosphere. For a central and authentic base, discover Le Relais Impérial with its cozy rooms, terraces, and restaurants featuring local specialties.

What to do in 2 days around Grasse for a getaway for two?

Day 1: Grasse (perfume museum, olfactory workshop), lunch in town, then drive to Gourdon and a refreshing walk in the Gorges du Loup. Day 2: Early morning hike to the Caussols or Calern plateau, picnic lunch, then relaxation at Lake Saint-Cassien (paddleboarding, pedal boating). In the evening, enjoy a gourmet bistro-style dinner or a wood-fired pizza at the hotel. Tip: Book your workshops and table reservations through the booking platform .

When can I see the lavender fields if I'm staying in the Grasse hinterland?

Flowering varies depending on altitude and weather, but it generally occurs between late June and mid-July on the main plateaus, often peaking around early July. For a dedicated outing (Valensole, Luberon), plan a full day and leave early. Check the flowering stage and recommended routes on the region's official website ( Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism ) before setting off.

Should you rent a car for this type of getaway?

It's highly recommended. Many iconic locations (viewpoints, gorges, plateaus) are more easily accessible by car, and you'll have greater flexibility with your schedule, especially at sunrise and sunset. Train and bus connections exist to Grasse and then to some villages, but they are less frequent. For couples, a car allows you to combine several spots in the same day without being dependent on train connections.

How to personalize a romantic stay in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey?

Choose a room with a terrace or bathtub, book a candlelit dinner, arrange for a bouquet of flowers, a custom cake, or a surprise sunset experience. The Relais team can coordinate these thoughtful touches and suggest photo spots, viewpoints, or local artisans. For a special event (birthday, proposal), contact the hotel in advance via the Contact page to design a bespoke experience.

Key points to remember

• Base yourself in the Grasse hinterland to combine charm, calm and easy access to must-see attractions.

• 48-hour program: scents and hilltop villages, gorges and lakes, plus a romantic dinner on site.

• Best times: May-June and September-October; book in advance for the warmer months.

• Having a car makes it much easier to enjoy panoramic views at sunrise/sunset and to make those special stops.

• Personalize: room with terrace/bathtub, in-room amenities, signature dinner, surprise at the belvedere.

• Ready to enjoy your getaway for two? Check availability and book your dates or discover the hotel and its atmosphere .