We start our second tour from Port Gallice. Follow Blvd. Edouard Baoudin, and it brings you to the Port du Crouton, home to the beautiful yachts. The writer Clive James described looking up at people on the deck of a yacht looking down at him, on their faces the expression "I'm on a yacht, and you're not". From here, turn left; a narrow lane winds up, bringing you to the Jardin Thuret. This green refuge, created in 1856 by botanist Gustave Thuret and praised by Gustave Flaubert and George Sand, receives numerous visitors each year. The garden is small, 3.5 hectares or so, but here visitors can find more than 3,500 types of trees and shrubs. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm , admission is free.
The Chemin de Calvaire leads you to the Sanctuary of La Garoupe. A visit to the Chapelle de la Garoupe is an unforgettable experience. This place has been a spiritual place since the 5th century. The church has several nice icons, including a 14th-century Russian icon. La Garoupe also has a collection of votive offerings. The view from the terrace next to the church entry is breathtaking. The Orientation Table on the terrace contains the markings pointing to the important places. You can enjoy a panoramic view on the cape and the Mediterranean Sea, going from the Lérins islands, the bay of Cannes, Juan les Pins, the old Antibes, the ramparts, and the Garoupe Bay. A few steps from there, you will find the small shrine of Notre Dame des Amoureux.
La Garoupe lighthouse is one of the most powerful in the region. It is open to the public, and it is possible to climb on its top to enjoy a great view of the Cape at 3pm every afternoon. If you take 103 steps to the summit, then you will be rewarded by enjoying one of the most beautiful 360° panoramas in the world. Locals say that the old lighthouse was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt by the Americans.
At the base of the steep hill lies La Garoupe Bay, celebrated for the beauty of its beaches. Along the way, you will have a glimpse of the beautiful villas. Among these sumptuous villas and luxuriant gardens is villa Ellen Roc, constructed according to the plans of Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris and Monte Carlo opera houses. Every Wednesday afternoon, the fragrant gardens are open to public.
Hotel Eden Roc is one of the most luxurious in the world. Anatole France, Ernest Hemingway, Julie Andrews, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Harrison Ford, and many others have stayed here. It was the original inspiration for The Hotel des Etrangers in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night".
Nearby you will find Naval and Napoleons Museum housed in a 17th-century fort and tower; the view of the coast from the top of the tower is fantastic. The museum is open every day from 9:30am to noon and 2:15 to 6pm, except Saturday afternoon and Sunday; admission €3.