The most beautiful villages in the Alpes Maritimes
villages alpes maritimes
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The most beautiful villages in the Alpes Maritimes

Mahaut Fauquet
-
Modified on
6/11/2024
Alpes Maritimes
Summary

Between the sea and the mountains, Italy and Corsica, lavender fields and crystalline waters beaches, Alpes-Maritimes offer a variety of landscapes and villages with diverse influences.

Sometimes alpine resort, medieval town, or seaside city with Mediterranean accents, these villages of Provence (PACA), each more beautiful than the other, attract thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy the sun, the beach, and the local gastronomy. Here are the most beautiful villages in the department!

The Most Beautiful Villages of Alpes-Maritimes:

Gourdon: The Most Beautiful View of Provence

Located atop a cliff, at an altitude of 760 meters, Gourdon offers breathtaking panoramas of the Loup Valley. The village is so perched that until the early 20th century there was no road to reach it. To get there, there were only two options: on foot or by donkey!

In addition to its spectacular panorama, this perched village has a beautiful medieval castle and a charming historic center made up of narrow streets, stone houses, and local craft shops. It is thanks to all this that Gourdon is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France!

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: The City of Artists

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, besides being a pretty medieval village perched, is renowned for its artistic atmosphere, art galleries, and artist workshops! The beauty of this fortified village with its cobbled streets, ramparts, its famous Folon chapel, and the extraordinary view of the surroundings have made it a gathering place for artists who come to paint and draw the best of the region.

With its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and its gentle Provençal atmosphere, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a destination of choice for history, art, and tranquility enthusiasts in Alpes-Maritimes.

Eze: A Panorama of the Mediterranean

"Nowhere else exists, a more exotic, more unusual, more suspended in space..." wrote Jean Cocteau about Eze, a village built on the cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean. It couldn't be said better: the town offers a spectacular view of the coast, its turquoise waters, and wooded hills!

The best view? You'll find it in the magnificent Exotic Garden, built on an ancient fortress 429 meters above the sea!

Coaraze: The Village of the Sun

Coaraze is one of the most beautiful villages in the hinterland of Nice. With its Italian influences, the perched town consists of a collection of houses of all colors, built along small cobbled streets.

But why is it called "the village of the sun"? Scattered throughout the town, you will find several sundials created by numerous artists! Signed by Jean Cocteau or Ponce de León, these original works are the subject of an artistic treasure hunt, it's up to you to find them all!

Sainte-Agnès: The Summit of the Coast

Sainte-Agnès is none other than the highest coastal village in Europe! Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, this medieval citadel nestled in the heart of the mountain, at 800 meters above sea level, is appreciated for its preserved architecture, its ancient castle, and its spectacular view.

Why Sainte-Agnès? Legend has it that a princess named Agnès, guided by a saint, took refuge there in a cave on a stormy day. Once the storm passed, the princess had a sanctuary built there... the origin of the current village!

La Turbie: View of Monaco

Known for its famous Trophy of Augustus (also called Trophy of the Alps), a Roman commemorative monument dating back to 7-6 BC, La Turbie offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean and the Principality of Monaco.

While the famous Roman relic is the main attraction of the city, don't overlook a stroll among its flowery streets, vaulted passages, fountains, and stone houses that make up the village's charm!

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Nestled along the coast, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a colorful coastal village with Mediterranean charm. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor, colorful houses, and lively squares make it an ideal destination for a picturesque seaside stroll! Here you will find turquoise sea and pleasant small beaches, as well as panoramic views of the city!

Tourrettes-sur-Loup: The City of Violets

Located a few kilometers from the sea, between Nice and Cannes, Tourrettes-sur-Loup offers a picturesque setting with its stone houses, fountains, and flowered gardens. Every year in March, the village hosts a violet festival, to celebrate the culture of these small flowers, a culture that still today remains one of the main activities of the village!

One of its greatest assets: its main square, lined with stone houses, is a gathering place for artists and artisans who come to seek the tranquility necessary for creation! Paintings, weavings, pottery, and even sculptures are exhibited in small local craft shops, now the center of life!

Peille: In the Heart of the Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the mountains, Peille charms with its preserved medieval architecture, unique Roman remains, and its panorama of the Bévéra Valley. Ideally located, Peille is the starting point for many hikes in the hinterland of Nice. But what really gives it a unique charm are its many rehabilitated chapels, turned into town halls or even bakeries!

The Most Beautiful Cities of Alpes-Maritimes

Nice: Capital of the French Riviera

Nice is an essential city in Alpes-Maritimes. The city attracts many French and foreigners every year who come to settle there for its quality of life. From the iconic Promenade des Anglais to the colorful Provençal markets, Nice is a charming city, with a picturesque historic center, where history meets modernity.

Cannes: Under the Spotlight

World-famous for its film festival, Cannes has two faces. The first is that of the festival, the Croisette, glamour, and palaces. The second is a Cannes off-season, softer, with colorful architecture and a relaxed pace. Summer or winter, Cannes offers a different experience, but always in a city that lacks charm!

Antibes: The Pearl of Alpes-Maritimes

Former city of artists, Antibes seduces with its historical heritage, its ramparts, and its lively port. Explore the Provençal market, visit the Picasso Museum, and enjoy the pleasures of Mediterranean life in this charming city.

Whether you are attracted by the authenticity of perched villages or by the dynamism of seaside cities, Alpes-Maritimes reserve an unforgettable experience where natural beauty and cultural heritage harmoniously come together.

Don't forget to visit our website to discover an exclusive selection of properties in the most beautiful villages and cities of Alpes-Maritimes. Let yourself be seduced by the irresistible charm of this unique region in the world!

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