Exit Vence on the D2210 signposted Grasse and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. After 3km, just off the road, is Château Notre-Dame-des-Fleurs.

This magnificent 19th-century castle became a contemporary art foundation in 1993 and contains a permanent collection of works by Matisse, Dufy and Chagall.

Continue along the D2210 to Tourrettes- sur-Loup.

Tourrettes is popular with artists and artisans but perhaps best known for its production of violets.

Eight kilometres further on, you will arrive at Pont-du-Loup. From here it is worth taking a short detour to le Bar-sur-Loup.

Clinging to the hillside, this pretty village is surrounded by sweetly scented terraces of jasmine, roses and violets.

Return to Pont-du-Loup; follow signs to Gorges du Loup (D6) and Gourdon.

A tortuous route winds gently up this spectacular gorge, through narrow twists of rock, below precipitous chalky cliffs and past bubbling springs, gushing rapids and sparkling waterfalls.

After 7km, turn left at Bramafan bridge on to the D3 to Gourdon.

Of all the region's perched villages, Gourdon is a veritable eagle's nest, clinging to the summit of a cliff, 500m above the Loup. Visitors crowd its cobbled streets, its gift shops, perfumeries and medieval castle, and admire the breathtaking panorama of the entire Riviera.

The D3 descends gradually towards Grasse via Châteauneuf Pré-du-Lac. Take the first exit at the roundabout on to the D2085 which leads to the heart of Grasse.