Puget Theniers

 

This small southern town, very much like us, was built century after century. Its narrow and cool streets, sheltering here and there fountains, are transformed without warning into orchard paths or paths along the Roudoule. Discover this village rich in history: the chained Statue of Liberty by the illustrious Maillol, the revolutionary Auguste Blanqui or the major works of the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption.  Taste the friendliness of its terraces and shops or go back in time for a ride in one of the last steam trains  in Europe : the Pignes train!

 

Entrevaux

 

This medieval city, built on a rocky outcrop, has not changed for three centuries! At the foot of a long rocky spine, a meander of the Var surrounds its fortifications. This village, fortified by Vauban, has kept its cachet and its character. An incredible bastioned ramp of 800 m leads to the citadel where a very beautiful view of the valleys of the Southern Alps awaits you. A maze of alleys, narrow and tall houses, a cathedral, small squares and old fountains make this village one of the most beautiful in the Alpes de Haute Provence.

 

Annot

 

Away from the main roads, this small medieval town is a real “painter's paradise”. This atypical site encourages you to stroll through its cool alleys. The village stretches out at the foot of the famous Annot sandstones. Sculpted over the centuries by erosion, these huge blocks of golden sandstone are frozen into unexpected shapes. The natural site of Grès d'Annot hides a multitude of treasures. From bucolic paths to imposing climbing blocks, discover the magic of a site that has aroused wonder and astonishment for millennia! 

 

Ecomuseum of Roudoule

 

More than just a museum of popular arts, it showcases the traditions and rural heritage of Pays Gavot. Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage: exhibitions, experimental farm and discovery trails.

 

The clues of Provence

 

From the campsite, plan half a day to discover the Clues du Provence circuit! From one valley to another, torrents have cut the mountain ranges to form these superb clues which make the region original: clues of Riolan, Aiglun and Saint-Auban. For a long time, these clues hampered communication between men. It was only from the end of the 19th century that the roads made it possible to cross these natural locks. Along the way, don't miss the perched villages, the majestic site  de Sigale, and the view of the Faye ravine from the Col de la Bleine.

 

NB: A cluse or clue is a valley dug perpendicularly in a mountain by a river, thus updating its anticline structure by creating a gorge or a defile framed by escarpments.

 

The Daluis gorges

 

This spectacular notch of more than 900m long has made the reputation of the place as "Colorado Niçois". The walls of red shale date back to the end of the primary era. At the Berthéou bridge, at the entrance to the gorges, an interpretive trail will take you to a dizzying belvedere in the heart of the canyon: Le point sublime (2h return). It will allow you to see the waters of the Var flowing below a few  300m steeply! By taking the car, a few meters further, you will meet the "guardian of the gorges": block of red schist which represents the shape of a woman's head. Further on, discover the legend of the Bride's Bridge, a bungee jumping spot.

 

The Cians gorges

 

The Cians, a small alpine torrent, flows into the Var after clearing an acrobatic course of 25 km through deep and narrow clues.

All along the route, he cut steep gorges in the red shales, then the limestone, among the most beautiful   in the Alps! The road sometimes borders, sometimes dominates from very high the bed of the Cians, which descends in successive stages. In 25 km, it descends 1,600 m. Its phenomenal erosive force is increased tenfold during floods. The most beautiful passages are the small clue and the large clue that you can discover on foot (parking downstream of the tunnels). In some places, the rock walls are only one meter apart!

 

Nice

 

Both elegant and working-class, Nice has the charm of Mediterranean cities where the sweetness of life is as much due to the beauty of the city as to its exceptional climate. Stretching along the famous Promenade des Anglais, the capital of the Côte d'Azur is both festive in the alleys of its old town, bourgeois in its Belle Epoque districts and popular behind its port. It is while strolling in the picturesque alleys of old Nice, with ocher, yellow or red facades, that you will discover the personality of the people of Nice. The vitality of its neighborhoods with their markets, in the middle of shops and restaurants is contagious… Animation is guaranteed! Every day, on the Cours Saleya, discover the large flower market with fruits and vegetables (in the morning). Lively day and night, Nice is also a city of arts and culture. Take advantage of its museums and art galleries which contain the richest collections of French modern and contemporary art, after Paris.

 

Touet-sur-Var

 

At the entrance to the Cians gorges, Touët is a singular medieval village which will amaze you as soon as you arrive: literally glued against a vertical cliff, the very tall narrow houses stand up, tight against each other, almost in balance and stagger in a maze of partly covered alleys. Each house has a large open attic under the roof, the opening of which is called "the souliaïre". These granaries were once intended for drying fruit. The church is built on an arch spanning a torrent. It can be observed through a small hatch in the floor of the central aisle. During the ascent, do not miss the painted doors of the houses of the village.

 

Villars-sur-Var

 

Villars-sur-Var, a small medieval village overlooking the Var valley, is a true haven of peace. As you walk, discover all the inner wealth of a city which played an important role in the Middle Ages. Walk through its cobbled and narrow streets, cross beautiful old doors, pass under medieval vaults... In addition to the charm of the town, taste the wine "Clos St Joseph". It is produced by the village's own vines, the only ones in the department to benefit from the controlled designation of origin (AOC).

 

Peone

 

Péone is a picturesque village nestled at the foot of rocky peaks nicknamed the "Demoiselles". It is located at the confluence of the Tuébi and the Aigue Blanche valley. The village is a typical example of medieval mountain habitat. Have fun getting lost in an incredible tangle of little streets, narrow vaulted passageways, half-timbered houses, and ancient, winding stairs. Starting from Place Thomas-Gérin, you will discover trompe l'oeil facades, a sundial and sculpted doors. Going up, you will reach the chemin des Demoiselles which runs along the limestone chimneys (viewpoint over the larch shingle roofs, the mountains and the surrounding valleys).

 

Valberg

 

At an altitude of 1,670 m, Valberg is one of the largest and most beautiful sunny resorts in the Southern Alps. Very lively in winter as in summer, the merchants of this pretty family resort will help you discover local products. In winter, take advantage of its 60 alpine ski slopes, its 26 ski lifts and nearly 30 km of cross-country ski trails! As soon as the snow melts, Valberg is transformed into a vast area for discovering nature. In the middle of larches and green meadows, fauna and flora will no longer hold any secrets for you... You will be able to rediscover, in all serenity, the taste of wild strawberries and wild blackberries!