Breil-sur-Roya
The starting-point for walking excursions in the southern part of
the Mercantour Park. This ancient village will amaze you by the
richness of its monuments: the Baroque church, Santa Maria in Albis,
dating back to the end of the 12th century with its magnificent
altarpiece of Saint Peter dating from the mid-16th century, the
Chapels of the White Penitents and of the Misericord, the houses
with "trompe l'oil" façades and the local history
museum with exhibits from the hinterland.
La Roya
One of the loveliest sightseeing circuits on the Côte d'Azur,
the Valley of La Roya takes you to higher altitudes through superb
landscapes with beautiful, unexpected vistas of the mountains or
the sea. Far from the bustle of the coastal towns, you'll appreciate
the tranquil-lity and grandiose scenery in this pastoral setting.
La Brigue
A small mountain resort with olde-worlde charm, La Brigue is famous
for its Notre Dame des Fontaines sanctuary, which appears in records
as early as 1375. A few kilometres from the village, in a wild gorge
close to a spring reputed to have beneficial powers, this sanctuary
is decorated by fifteen or so splendid frescoes illustrating the
life of Christ. Some of these frescoes are attributed to Jean Canavesi
(late 15th century).
La Tinée
Very beautiful valley playing host to the Tinée, a mountain
river that flows down from the Col de la Bonnette in the Upper Alps
and crosses the Mercantour. The valley leads to the main ski resorts
of Isola (2000 m) and Auron (1600 m). Saint-Etienne de Tinée,
at the foot of Auron, is the starting-point for many walks in the
surrounding area.
La Vésubie
At the confluence of the Boron and the Fenestre mountain streams
lies the Vésubie Valley. This valley boasts extraordinary
panoramic views. One of the lovely valleys, sometimes very narrow,
which lead to the western part of the Mercantour, La Vésubie
spills its torrents into deep gorges along a riverbed dotted with
small townships and mountain villages. Just before Saint-Martin,
the valley of La Gordolasque stretches out as far as the foot of
the Mercantour.
Saint Martin
de Vésubie
In the heart of this green valley lies Saint Martin Vésubie,
a small medieval village, the "capital" of "Niçoise
Switzerland". Follow the Rue des Gargouilles as far as the
church which houses two altarpieces painted by members of the Brîa
school. A few kilometres from here lie the spruce forest and the
waterfall of Mount Boroon.
Sospel
Nestling to the south of the valley, lives in harmony with the flowing
waters of the Bevera, which crosses it from end to end. Note the
ancient Italian bridge connecting the two old towns on either side
of the river. Stop for a moment at the end of the bridge in front
of the 12th century Arcades (Easter Lamb sculpted on one of the
façades) and the 15th century fountain. Further on, Saint
Michel's cathedral and its 11th century belltower welcome you: admire
the "Immaculate Virgin of Sospel" inside on the left,
painted by François Bréa in the 15th century and the
"Virgin of Pity" altarpiece on the right. Visit the Saint
Roch fortress and the Barbonnet fortress nearby.
Tende
The last village before you reach the Mercantour Park and the mountains,
has kept its mountain village appearance with its majestic setting
and old slate roofs. Situated at the foot of the Grand Capelet,
Tende is a major archaeological site. The ruins above the village
are those of the castle which was formerly the seat of the Counts
of Tende, destroyed at the end of the 17th century.
The National Mercantour Park
Home to the Valley of Marvels, whose name refers to a unique collection
of rock engravings, some dating back to the Bronze Age. One of France's
seven national nature reserves, the Mercantour Park lies north-east
of the Côte d'Azur. Extending across seven valleys, it covers
over 170,000 acres of mountain land. Its rich flora is composed
of more than 2,000 species, some of which you won't find elsewhere.
Many fantastic hikes and walks are to be discovered in this lovely
setting, over-looked from a height of 3,000 metres by Mount Gélas.
To the north of the Mercantour National Park, you will find the
Col de la Bonette Pass on the road to Barcelonnette. Don't miss
: the Musée des Merveilles in Tende, a museum dedicated to
this classified site.
Touët
sur Var
This village used be inhabited by the Ligurians, who named it (from
the word "téba" which means "rock") and
it is one of the most handsome hanging villages of the French Riviera,
perched on the left bank of the Var. The architecture is amazing,
with tall houses forming ramparts and the church - boasting a number
of altarpieces - perched high above the mountain stream.
