Weekend in Provence without a car: a practical guide

Weekend in Provence without a car: follow this practical guide for a smooth and inspiring stay.

Fancy an eco-friendly getaway between the sea and the mountains, without renting a car? Here's a turnkey itinerary around Grasse, with train and bus journeys, recommended places to eat and stay, accessible hikes, and logistical tips. The base for this trip is Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the Route Napoléon, where the hotel-restaurant Le Relais Impérial offers comfort, a friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the Prealps of the French Riviera.

In short

• Access without a car: train to Grasse (TER Sud), then ZOU! regional bus to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.

• Ideal base: the authentic Le Relais Impérial for sleeping, dining and exploring in peace.

• 2-day itinerary: perfumes in Grasse + hilltop villages and nature walks in the Prealps of the French Riviera.

• Budget and time under control: public transport + walking; few transfers, more local experiences.

• Practical advice: travel light, book your room, check the TER/ZOU! timetables the day before.

Getting around Provence without a car

Train: arrive in Grasse

• From Paris/Lyon/Marseille: TGV/IC to Cannes/Nice, then TER to Grasse. Check timetables and connections on the official TER Sud website .

• Tip: aim for a late morning arrival in Grasse to then take a direct bus to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and drop off your luggage before heading out to explore again.

Regional bus: to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

• At Grasse train station, ZOU! regional buses serve Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey during the day. Routes, stops and tickets are available on the ZOU! South Region website.

• Expect a short and economical journey; check the frequency (varies depending on day/time) the day before your departure.

Traveling over the weekend

• Combine bus + walking: it's the best way to explore the Grasse region, its narrow streets, viewpoints and marked trails.

• Applications like TER SNCF, ZOU! and an offline map of the area will save you time between visits.

Without a car, you gain simplicity: less parking, more time to stroll and breathe in the pine forest.

Settle down in the heart of the Grasse region

In Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the hotel-restaurant Le Relais Impérial combines authenticity, tranquility, and a strategic location on the Route Napoléon. The establishment offers 28 rooms in 5 categories, some with terraces overlooking the Grasse hills, others with bathtubs for relaxing after a hike.

• To choose your cozy retreat: see the rooms and categories .

• For dining without going out again: bistronomic restaurant (French cuisine, local products) and wood-fired pizzeria; information and opening hours in the establishment's services .

The best part: a warm atmosphere, attentive service, and a perfect base for exploring between the fragrant city and the gentle mountains.

Car-free itinerary: 2-day escape between Grasse and the Prealps

Day 1 — Scents, old town and panoramic views

• Morning: train to Grasse (if you arrive that day) or local bus from Saint-Vallier. Explore the old town: narrow streets, small squares, views of the Mediterranean.

• Perfumeries and museums: discover the olfactory art that has made Grasse world-renowned. Several houses can be visited on foot from the center; check with the local tourist office or on-site before your visit.

• Lunch: local cuisine in the historic centre, or return to Saint-Vallier to enjoy the bistronomic cuisine of the Relais.

• Afternoon: an easy walk at the gateway to the Prealps of the French Riviera. From Saint-Vallier, marked trails lead to pine forests and viewpoints. To find routes and difficulty levels, consult the Prealps of the French Riviera Regional Natural Park on the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Tourism Committee website (nature/hiking sections).

Tip: bring closed shoes and 1 to 1.5 L of water per person; in summer, leave early in the morning or late in the day.

Day 2 — Hilltop villages, gorges and local delicacies

• Morning: Bus to a hilltop village (e.g., a route overlooking the Loup Valley) to stroll among ramparts, artisans' workshops, and viewpoints. Bus connections from Grasse serve several tourist towns; check the ZOU! timetable the day before.

• Gourmet break: taste the local specialties (fougasse, sweet and savory chard tart depending on the season, citrus sweets).

• Afternoon: Descent to a natural site accessible by bus and walk (panoramic views of gorges and rocky outcrops). If you prefer a more leisurely pace, opt for a shaded stroll around Saint-Vallier, before returning to enjoy the terrace of the Relais.

Dinner: grilled meats and wood-fired pizzas at the hotel; ideal for a return journey without the hassle of transport.

Extend to 3 days: car-free ideas

• French Riviera by TER train: from Grasse, reach Cannes or Antibes for an off-season swim, museums and coastal walks. Timetables on TER Sud .

• Explore the Grasse region in depth: alternate between heritage sites (chapels, mills, gardens) and loop hikes, combining ZOU! bus and walking.

• Event break: want to celebrate something during your getaway? Le Relais offers modular rooms; ask about events (weddings, ceremonies, meetings) .

Eat local without making multiple trips

• At Relais Impérial: a bistronomic restaurant celebrating French cuisine and local produce, and a friendly wood-fired pizzeria. Inviting terraces, open for lunch and dinner depending on the season.

• Around Grasse: Provençal markets (fruits, cheeses, herbs), orange blossom pastries, citrus candies. Ask the hotel for recommendations accessible on foot/by bus depending on your day of visit.

• Responsible picnics: use reusable water bottles and cutlery; keep a small bag for your waste on the trails.

Practical tips for a smooth and sustainable weekend

• Reservations: block your room in advance via the secure booking platform to optimize your arrival times.

• Transport timetables: check the TER/ZOU! updates the day before and keep a backup plan (alternative route, walking) in case of service changes.

• Luggage: travel light; a cabin suitcase + small daypack is sufficient for 2–3 days.

• Seasonality: spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and less crowds; in summer, favour activities early in the morning/late afternoon.

• Specific needs: please indicate your preferences in advance (room with bathtub/terrace, allergen-free meals). See the services page for more information.

Why Le Relais Impérial is an ideal base camp

• Strategic location: on the Route Napoléon, between the coast and the Pre-Alps; easy access by transport.

• Comfort and choice: 28 rooms, 5 categories, some with panoramic terraces or relaxing bathtubs. Explore available rooms .

• Tables on site: bistronomy and wood-fired pizzeria, for dining without replanning a journey.

• Atmosphere: warm welcome from Marion and Alice, homey atmosphere and tranquility.

• History and character: discover the family history and the soul of the place that make the difference during a short stay.

"The right base camp changes everything: you save time, you gain peace of mind, and you can focus on the best of Provence."

Useful resources to help you prepare for your stay

• TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur network: TER South timetables and tickets .

• ZOU! bus network (Southern Region): routes, maps, ZOU! South Region transport tickets.

• Nature ideas and walks in the region: official Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur portal .

FAQ

How to get to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey without a car from Nice or Cannes?

The easiest way is to take a TER train to Grasse, then a ZOU! regional bus to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey. Depending on your arrival time, you can also take a direct bus from the coast to Grasse. Check the timetables and connections the day before on the TER Sud and ZOU! websites, and allow a little extra time between journeys to allow for any potential delays. Once there, Saint-Vallier is easily explored on foot, and local bus lines allow you to discover neighboring villages and scenic views.

What to do in 2 days around Grasse without a car?

Day 1: Head to Grasse on foot and by bus, visiting the perfume factories and the historic center, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll on a marked trail near Saint-Vallier. Day 2: Explore the hilltop village in the morning (narrow streets, workshops, viewpoints), enjoy a gourmet break, then take in the panoramic views of the gorges and rocky outcrops accessible by transport and on foot. Dine at the Relais on both evenings to minimize travel. This itinerary reduces transfers and maximizes your experience.

When is the best time for a car-free weekend in Provence?

April-June and September-October offer an excellent balance: pleasant temperatures, long days, and fewer crowds than in the height of summer. Winter is ideal for cultural visits and hikes in clear weather, with superb light. In summer, be prepared for the heat: get up early, take naps, and enjoy the late afternoons. In all cases, check bus/regional train schedules during holidays and school breaks, as frequencies may vary.

Is it possible to visit perfumeries in Grasse without a car?

Yes. The main perfume houses and museums are located in or around the historic center of Grasse, within walking distance of the bus station/bus stops. Most offer guided tours and exhibition spaces. Book in advance if you are traveling during peak season, and allow time to explore the workshops and boutiques. The local tourist office and the official websites of the perfume houses provide details on opening hours, languages offered, and visiting conditions.

Where to sleep and eat to limit travel this weekend?

Choose centrally located, easily accessible accommodation. In Saint-Vallier, Le Relais Impérial combines accommodation, bistro-style dining, and a wood-fired pizzeria, with pleasant terraces open year-round. Save time (no evening shuttle service) and enjoy local cuisine after your hikes. Book the room category that suits you best and let us know your needs (terrace, bathtub, allergies) for a seamless stay.

Key points to remember

• Easy access without a car: TER train to Grasse, then ZOU! bus to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.

• A serene base camp: the authentic Relais Impérial, between the Mediterranean and the Pre-Alps.

• Optimized itinerary: scents, hilltop villages, marked trails, local restaurants.

• Seasonality: favor spring/autumn for a gentle rhythm and ideal temperatures.

• Logistics: check the schedules the day before, travel light, book your room.

Ready to plan your getaway? Discover our rooms and availability , or book your stay directly on our dedicated platform . Need personalized advice? Contact us through our contact page .