From the shores of the Mediterranean sea to the rugged alpine peaks
Discover the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes. The mildness of the climate and the beauty of the coast have always made the reputation of this area, natural riches and artistic treasures between the sea and the mountain ranges of the hinterlands.
Here some ideas for visits and discovery…
Visits in Sospel
Sospel is a lovely village, which we take pleasure to visit. You can discover some vestiges of the medieval time in the old city, the ruins of the castle or the ramparts of the XIVth century, the small narrow and paved alleys, the places with the arcades, the oldwash-houses.
Do not forget to lift the eyes, many decorated facades are coated with very realistic trompe l'oeil effects.
Tourist office of Sospel
Saint Michel's Cathedral
Although the old Lombard Romanesque bell tower is thought to be 11th century, the rest of the church originates from the 14th century when the church became a cathedral during the great schism, in which Sospel supported the Avignon pope. However, it was mostly rebuilt in 1641 after a plague epidemic in 1632. It was designed by the army architect Jean-André Guiberto, who also designed the Sainte-Reparate cathedral in Nice. Built in the Baroque style, the cathedral is bright and spacious inside with an organ dating from 1843 and numerous works of art from the 15th to 17th centuries and is claimed to be the largest building in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Cathedral is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
The old bridge
Former toll bridge, dating from the eleventh century, the building was classified as a historical monument on July 8, 1924.
This 13th-century bridge was used for the transport of salt and the traveler paid a right of way to cross the Bevera river, the bridge was mined and destroyed in the night of 27 to 28 October 1944 during the retreat of the German troops.
The bridge was rebuilt identically between 1952 and early 1957 by reusing the same stones.
Le train des Merveilles (The train of Wonders)
Embark on the Train of Wonders for one of the most beautiful trips in Europe, a breath-taking train ride that takes you through the Alps, passing through numerous tunnels and crossing multiple bridges.
Go to the heart of the valleys of the Middle and High Country to meet villages, alternately perched on a rocky outcrop or nestled deep in the valley.
Take the height and discover the riches of the hinterland, you can take the train from Sospel.
Perched villages
It is in the Mediterranean, on the shores of the Côte d'Azur, that the Alps take their rise. At a short distance from the beaches stand eagle nests on the sea or villages overlooking the valleys, these villages combine the allure of medieval architecture with birds-eye views of the Riviera coast and mountains. They embody the first milestones of a rich and contrasting heritage that spreads over the fresh valleys and steep hills.
These landscapes are worth taking the time to take the scenic roads, which will take us from villages to steeples, fountains in small squares, wild sites in gardens, each has a particular charm that you will discover at the turn of an alley, an artisan shop with splendid panoramas ...
There are more than 120 hilltop villages scattered throughout the Riviera, among the closest : Piene Haute, Castellar, Saorge, Tende, Gorbio, Eze, Peille, Saint Agnès, La Turbie, peillon...
Mercantour Park
High mountain park spanning 68,500 ha from Col de Tende to Ubaye. Highest point : The Cime de Gélas (former glacier) at 3 143 meters above sea level. The climatic and geological originality of the Mercantour Massifs, close to the Mediterranean coast, is reflected in a great variety of natural landscapes and a floristic richness that is considered unique in Europe with its environment between mountain and sea. In the heart of the Mercantour National Park close to the Mont Bégo (2,872 m), the Valley of Wonders and Fontanalba contains the largest set of protohistoric rock carvings in the world, a true museum of prehistoric open air, more than 36,000 dated rock carvings of the Copper Age and early Bronze Age are preserved on the rocky slabs.
Discover the loop of l'Authion, 35 km from the campsite, an exceptional natural and cultural route and peaceful hiking spot in the heart of the Mercantour park, freely accessible to vehicles, it allows the discovery this exceptional fortified complex. The exceptional panorama along the route makes it possible to admire the eastern part of the massif of the Mercantour and the last buttresses of the Alps which plunge towards the Mediterranean.
The Vallée des Merveilles
Map loop of l'Authion
Menton
Menton is the last French city before the Italian border, a city where nature and culture blends harmoniously. City of gardens, but also City of Art and History, Menton is rich of an exceptional natural and historical heritage. From the ledges that overlook the city to the gardens set above the sea bathed in sunshine, all offers an exceptional site, a unique landscape to discover.
Tourist office of Menton
Monaco
Known for its climate, for its formula 1 circuit and for its casino, he may surprise and disorient you more than once. Monaco has everything to seduce travelers in search of a reverie. The ideal climate, as well as its fauna and flora littoral that will delight the tourists in search of expatriation. Monaco has also many charming gardens, highlighting the beauty of the Mediterranean vegetation. Monaco-city, is the historic heart, situated in front of the Princely Palace, a maze of narrow and colored alleys, there where the main attractions are.
Tourist office of Monaco
Nice
A city of history, culture, art, creation, events, leisure, nature, culinary flavors, regional produce and local craftsmanship.
Nice combines an authentic charm with the conviviality of the Mediterranean by offering a host of activities and sites to visits.
Take advantage of your stay to browse more than twenty museums and galleries, the picturesque atmosphere of its old town with its narrow streets, and along the sea on the famous Promenade des Anglais with its 5 kms of pebble beaches.
Tourist office of Nice
Italy
At 7 km from Sospel, you arrive at Olivetta San Michele, the gateway to Italy, the Valley will lead you to Ventimiglia, the beginning of the Riviera dei Fiori, the tourist who arrives on the Riviera dei Fiori will be spoiled for choice. The region features impressive mountains and lovely rolling hills, colored by the green Mediterranean turf and overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Expansive sandy or pebble beaches alternate with rocky promontories encapsulating suggestive, uncontaminated shores. The world-class coastal towns such as Cervo, Sanremo and Diano Marina give way to the almost mystical tranquility of medieval villages nestled in the nearby hinterland and rich in legends of all kinds, such as Triora, Apricale, Dolceacqua, Pignaet Bussana Vecchia ...
You can explore the area by bike and try the longest European cycle coast road (25 km) that connects Sanremo with San Lorenzo al Mare.
The pedestrian - cycling path of the Riviera dei Fiori’s Coastal Park
