Discover Rimplas, Alpes-Maritimes: hidden charms

This massive mountain plays the role of sentry of the high valleys and offers the visitor a look of exceptional magnitude. The trail starts shortly after the center of the village from Nice. 1- 1- Take a right turn on an asphalt track. Continue on a path passing behind some houses via the beacon 32. The trail rises quietly before winding up a bit. Continue climbing to an intersection 4 km from this point. 2- Turn off to the left as indicated at the beacon 8, then climb to the summit crest of Mont-Vial, which is easily reached via the beacon 285. 3- The return is made by the same itinerary.

The path overhangs and then crosses the Besseuges stream, which marked the ancient border between Provence and the County of Nice, and then you reach the end of the world.

In the foothills of the Gourdan mountain, you can discover the small Saint Saturnin chapel and a magnificent panoramic view of the Chanan valley, the mountains of Miolans, Cheiron and Mount Vial.

A forest walk through the little Siberia of the Southern Alps.

Leaving Entrevaux, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, the trail passes the hermitage of St Jean du Désert, before reaching the hamlet of Ourges via the St Jean ravine. Past the St Joseph bridge, you reach Le Feït via a balcony.

Walk through the narrow winding streets of Entrevaux from Porte Royale to Porte d’Italie, then continue on a high path on a ledge above the Var which runs alongside olive trees cultivated in terraces. The olives are harvested each winter and then transported to the communal oil mill

Set along the river, the buildings and their history await you: the power plant, the wash house and the mills, of course!

Sheltered behind the walls of the city's fortifications and along the Var river, several exhibitions bear witness to the traditions, customs and history of the people of Entrevalais. During the medieval period, the present fortified town of Entrevaux formed a sort of "castral town" located in a meander of the Var, which provided an excellent natural entrenchment. It is dominated from above by the castle, but without direct communication with it. However, this settlement is neither the only one, nor the oldest known settlement on the site, which is divided into three interdependent and more or less intertwined toponymic and topographic entities. Originally Entrevaux was a civitate in the High Middle Ages, the seat of a diocese, known as Glandèves, but whose prestige clearly declined in the Low Middle Ages. The site of the cathedral church and the diocesan house was then distinct from the walled town, located a few hundred metres downstream in the Var plain at a place called La Seds. You will take many vaulted passages along the old walkway which once linked the Porte de France to the Porte d'Italie. This walk, thanks to numerous exhibitions, is also the testimony of the traditions, customs and history of the people of Entreval, inhabitants, artists or even soldiers who lived or passed between the walls of the City. Your visit will end by crossing one of the 2 bastions created by Vauban. Every year an exhibition loaned by the Ecomusée Roudoule en Terre Gavotte is installed there. Various themes are thus approached presenting the history, the ways of life and the traditions of the inhabitants of our valleys. Photographic walk of an Entrevalais 1900-1937 As you walk along the Chemin de Ronde, discover the life of the Entrevalais and the landscapes of the Var valley at the beginning of the 20th century, captured with emotion by the amateur and inspired photographer Désiré Sic. The man was born on 29 June 1883. As a young man, he discovered photography and devoted most of his life to it, taking a wide variety of pictures ranging from landscapes to portraits and from ceremonial reportage to art photography. More than a hundred photographs chosen from several thousand glass plates, deposited by his descendants in the Archives Départementales des Alpes de Haute-Provence, evoke his deep attachment to his village and its inhabitants. His long military career began in Nice in 1909 and ended in 1934 in Morocco. He then returned to his native town for an active retirement, before passing away on 29 September 1972.

Leaving from Entrevaux, an exceptional medieval town, this challenging itinerary combines the beauty of man-made scenery with olive-growing terraces and physical exertion. It invites you to explore its winding roads, natural surroundings and wild landscapes. From Entrevaux, head for Val de Chavagne and the villages of St Pierre, Collonques, Briançonnet, Ubraye and the clues de Rouaine on route nationale 202. At the Gueydan bridge, turn right to return to Entrevaux. This route will leave you with unforgettable memories of Haute-Provence.

In the 16th century, France was at war with Europe. The development of artillery and the siege of Charles V's troops in 1536 showed the inadequacy of Entrevaux's ancient medieval fortifications Louis XIV entrusted Vauban with the creation of a fortified line of which Entrevaux was a part, thus locking the access to the middle of Provence. Access : The communication path from the town to the castle, whose 9 zig-zag ramps cut through the Entrevaux rock in such a characteristic way, was built on Vauban's orders from 1693. Before his intervention, the Citadel could only be reached by leaving the town, via the mountain, which made communication impossible for men and animals in the event of a siege. The powder magazine (on the left after the entrance) Now transformed into a museum retracing the "military" history of Entrevaux, its 58m2 could once hold 9,000 kg of gunpowder. This is far too much for the square of Entrevaux and extremely dangerous. The Path The path starts in front of the powder magazine, the 2nd and 3rd ramps lead to the 2 "forts" called Fort Langrune and Fort Pandol, named after their builder. The "grande rampe" and the following ramps offer beautiful views over the territory of Entrevaux. At the end of the last ramp, the entrance to the castle is guarded by a small redoubt with a drawbridge dating from 1693. On the right are the solitary confinement cells built during the First World War for the recalcitrant prisoners of the disciplinary companies from 1917 to 1922. The emergency gate (at the rear), with its guardhouse, communicates with the countryside via a drawbridge and a standing bridge over an impressive moat. This was also created by Vauban, as the medieval city only had one entrance accessible by a ladder! An underground access dug under the citadel connects 2 sides and could protect the garrison in case of bombardment. To the left of the last ramp, you go up to the entrance of the castle. This includes 3 barracks, a bakery and the commander's house, also called the keep because it is situated at the highest point. Large cellars and 3 cisterns gave the castle a resistance capacity of several months in case of siege. Today, the ensemble is more or less in the same state as when Vauban discovered it around 1700, as the major transformations he envisaged were never carried out.

Take advantage of the Var River rapids to try an action-filled white water activity!  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VAR RIVER RAPIDS TO TRY AN ACTION-FILLED WHITE WATER ACTIVITY! Located between the sea and the mountains, under the sun of the Savel Plateau, you will be equipped and briefed before arriving at the departure point located higher up the river where you will board your canoe either alone or with a partner. The canoe’s are rigid or inflatable rafts that are sturdy and easy to navigate whether in autonomy or accompanied by a guide.  Enjoy a 90 minutes descent (10km) rich in adrenaline-fueled emotions in the heart of one of the most beautiful valley’s in the region. You will come across a number of rapids on this active and lively river. At the end of the descent, take some time to relax by taking a refreshing swim in the heart of nature before heading back to the departure point by mini-bus.

An unforgettable ride through the Haut Pays Niçois and Haute Provence on the steam Train des Pignes or the locomotive. From the land of the olive tree to that of the chestnut tree, via Entrevaux and its citadel, immerse yourself in the charm of travel in days gone by. Retro ambience on the "Micheline" of the 1930s: - from December to April as well as September 20 and 21, November 2 from Puget Théniers to Annot - August 5 to 10 from Saint André to Thorame The Steam Train runs on all other dates. Several themed trains are proposed for 2025: Dance Train: May 4 Music Train: June 22 European Heritage Day: September 20 and 21 Olive Train: October 12 Halloween Train: October 26 and local events Saint Fortunat festival in Annot: May 18 Chestnut Festival at Le Fugeret: November 8

Summit overlooking Sospel and Breil sur Roya, it culminates at 1821 meters. Many hikes are possible. Departure of the walks from the Col de Brouis.

A sporty hike in the heart of the Mercantour Park, the summit of Mangiabo offers a splendid 360° panorama over the high peaks of the Eastern Mercantour, the border summits, and the sea from San Remo to the Cap d'Antibes and the Estérel massif to the southwest. The itinerary is entirely in the heart of the Mercantour park, and is subject to its regulations. 1) Coming from Breil, take the 1st track on the right, just after the Brouis pass (879 m), ball. 124. Continue straight on, and park at the level of the old barracks and blockhouses. 2) Bal. 125, start the ascent to the Baisse de Levens (1093 m), bal. 139. 3) Turn right at the drop, the route follows the rising ridge line. 4) In large, steeply sloping pastures, the path bends to the right, and crosses crosses the slope to reach the next ridge line. Then, with Then, with a few big laces, join the ridge at marker 144 (1777 m). 5) Another 5 minutes on the ridge to reach the summit (1821 m), marked by a large cairn. 6) Return by the same route. NB: it is possible to reach the summit of Mangiabo from Sospel by the GR 52, and from Moulinet.

Fortification part of the Maginot line. It is a small artillery work that aimed to prohibit the Brouis pass connecting the Roya valley to the north and the Bévéra valley to the south. Built near the fort of the Col de Brouis, these barracks house the troops in charge of the artillery and the operation of this structure, but also the soldiers of the forward posts of the top of the Bosc and the Cougoule. During the fighting for the liberation of Breil sur Roya in April 1945, the Germans dug in and inflicted heavy losses on the free French of the 1st DFL. Severely damaged by shells and bombs, this fort is abandoned to the army.

879m pass at the Sospel departement, arriving at Breil sur Roya. Rich in history, there are barracks of the Maginot line.

Wishing to pay homage to the men of the 1st DFL who died to liberate the region (cf. Fort du Col de Brouis), the municipality of Breil sur Roya erected a monument on the Col de Brouis.

Located along the old Savoyard salt road, the Notre-Dame des Grâces chapel is halfway between the village and the Brouis pass. As an epidemic of plague ravages Breil-sur Roya, the inhabitants go to implore the Virgin at the sanctuary of Rocaforte de Mondovi. They commit themselves, if the plague ceases, to raise a chapel on the path through which the plague has arrived. Their wish granted, they build this chapel also called Notre Dame des Neiges, and seal a plaque indicating: "Comm. communitas Brelii, tempore pestis 1631, Augt. votum feisset, quod intercessione, ss Marie Virginis, arque Rosalie et Roch, libera fuit", "The community of Breil at the time of the plague of 1631 had made a vow on August 5, because, through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, of Saint Rosalie and Saint Roch, she was set free". Several ex-voto and a pair of crutches testify and wishes granted.

The bridge over the Bévéra river has been attested on the road between Nice and the Piemont as early as the 13th century. Temporary exhibitions take place inside the Pont-Vieux. For any information, contact the tourist information office of Sospel Partly rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries, only the lower part of the pile remains from medieval age. The watchtower was inhabited and housed a shop until 1960. The two arches were destroyed by the Germans in october 1944 and then rebuilt faithfully to the original in 1951.

Located on a beautiful site of the Breilloise olive grove, the chapel incorporates Romanesque apses, Gothic portals and a Baroque bell tower around its three Romanesque naves with baroque decorations. The attic of the chapel is home to bats in summer, protected by the Natura 2000 programme and the Mercantour National Park. The Madonna of the Mount has a basilical plan with a central nave and two collaterals. Three apses in the cul de four extend the three naves. The structure of the main nave is supported by high walls above the arcades that separate it from the collateral. This nave is illuminated by side bays in the upper part. The collaterals, lower, are covered with "shed" frames. They are illuminated by oculus at the top of each facade. The side bell tower rebuilt in the early seventeenth century, is partly located in the south apsidiol which remains partially legible inside. A semicircular vaulted porch was built west of the central nave in the early 17th century. It was raised by the creation of a small dwelling around 1830. A masonry cistern of the same period adjoins it to the north. A semi-elliptical forecourt is located at the front of the side gate, north of the building.

In addition to offering a breathtaking panorama, Mount Vial also has a geodesic point. It is a point whose position on the Earth has been determined precisely by using triangulation. This method consists in measuring the angles between this point and other reference points whose position is known.

The 360 ° viewpoint offers one of the most majestic panoramas of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park. To the south is the blue line of the Mediterranean, and sometimes the mirage of Corsica appears on the horizon. Make a U-turn on yourself and the entire chain of Mercantour opens to you!

For 7 centuries, the two villages formed a single commune called "Tourette-Revest", sharing the vicissitudes of occupation and successive wars. Passing from the Eastern House to the House of Savoy; then from the Kingdom of Sardinia to definitive attachment to France in 1860; The Community will break up in 1871 to become two distinct villages: Tourette-du-Château and Revest les Roches.

From its Latin name Gyps fulvus, the Griffon Vulture is very present near Mont-Vial and its steep cliffs. You can admire this raptor with a wingspan of up to 2.65 m He uses updrafts to hover for hundreds of miles in search of food.

Built at an altitude of 834 m at the foot of Mont-Vial, Revest-Les-Roches appears as a real sentry opening on a vast panorama from the Alps Chains to the Mediterranean coast. Made up of small, tight houses, this small city marries a rugged ground where the rock is omnipresent.

Beautifully restored, the building contains paintings dating from 1647, painted for the artist vençois Jacques Vianey. The church also contains a stoup dating from the XII century and XIII th century whose carved stone represents a face.

The fortified massif of Authion is situated at 2000 meters of altitude. you will find military remains, forts, a World War II barracks...) The M5A1 tank is an original tank of the mountain infantry bataillon of the 1st Free French Division. It was immobilised by an anti-tank mine on the Authion plateau on April 10th 1945. Pushed into a ravine on August 11th because it blocked the road, it was erected as a memorial in 2005 to celebrate he 60th anniversary of the liberation of the town of Moulinet. It is now a memorial to commemorate the liberation of the city of Moulinet.

An extraordinary site surrounded by olive groves, built on a narrow rocky outcrop and encircled by a loop of the Var river. Imagine what life was like in this fortress... Vauban wanted it to be impregnable, but it never surrendered. From the powder magazine to the very contemporary prison cells, the tour plunges you into the secrets and dark corners of the fort. Imagine what life was like inside this fortress, with its ancient dungeons, keep and underground passages, and enjoy the beautiful views over the medieval city and its surroundings. 20-30 minute walk from the village 800 m of path divided into 9 successive ramps 156 m vertical drop

Built between 1610 and 1627, the cathedral's crenellated bell tower and powerful buttresses reinforce its defensive appearance. Its Gothic architecture is complemented by an astonishing Baroque interior. Once the cathedral of the bishop of Glandèves (who moved his main residence to Entrevaux in the early 17th century), it was "Cathédrale de Glandèves" from 1624 to 1790. It houses a wealth of listed furnishings, including the altar, the altarpiece and the 18th-century painting depicting the Baptism of Christ, -the altarpiece (1716) and François Mimault's painting of the Donation of the Rosary (1631), the 53 17th-century walnut stalls, -the pulpit, from the end of the century or the beginning of the following century, decorated with bas-reliefs of the four Evangelists, A series of paintings: the Vow of Louis XIII, dated around 1630, an Assumption by François Mimault, dated 1630, a representation of the Holy Family, from the second half of the 17th century, an 18th-century silver-plated copper bust-reliquary of Saint John the Baptist, used for processions in June and August. -The organs date from 1717, and were restored in 1864 and 1948. The instrumental part is by Jean Eustache.

Some 100 specimens of two-wheeled machines, in perfect working order, are presented simply on their crutches or hung on the museum's picture rails like paintings by old masters. A must-see for lovers of fine bikes. 105 motorcycles arranged on 3 levels, by chronological era: - models from 1910 to 1948 on the first floor - models from 1950 to 1960 on the second floor - and models from 1970-1980 in a basement to be created in 2021, in honor of the museum's 40th anniversary!

Cosy bistro/restaurant/grocery shop in the heart of the historic village of Saorge. Traditional, carefully prepared cuisine which knows how to be creative, using as many local and/or organic ingredients as possible, with short circuit. As its name suggests, this establishment, which used to be the village bakery, is now a grocery bistro. Here you can eat simple but well-made dishes and, if necessary, buy the basic products of the regional cuisine. It is a friendly place in the centre of the village, with a small terrace and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Immersed in the mountain, the restaurant follows the rhythm of the seasons and adapts to the productions of the vegetable garden. Among our homemade specialities: ravioli, barbajuan, aubergines gratin, pumpkin flower fritters, lamb and suckling pig on the spit Ideal for grops and events. Transport by 4x4. Your meals with a breathtaking view of the Menton coast. Traditional and regional cuisine for all, homemade barbajuans and ravioli. For nearly 30 years, the BOVIS family has been welcoming you to Ferme St Bernard and offering meals and camping accommodation in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. La Ferme St Bernard is located on the heights of Castellar, medieval village of the Alpes Maritimes, near the GR 52 and the Col St Bernard, la Ferme offers packages for groups and events.

Located on the village square with a terrace in the sun or in the shade, this small restaurant offers tasty and generous cuisine. A traditional and local menu, daily specials, a nice selection of meats. Customers appreciate: “Good value for money / succulent pasta and meats / excellent and fast service / heated covered terrace”

The Lou'Bar wine/dining bar has expanded its walls to offer market cuisine with a southern accent. Refined dishes, an à l'ardoise menu and gourmet menus...

Organic and natural wine cellar / dining cellar: Pierre, our village sommelier, offers almost 400 references of wines, beers and ciders - Sale of local produce - Dishes on the slate - Charcuterie / cheese plancha. To take away or enjoy on site.

In this authentic village inn, the gourmet cuisine of the chef, a disciple of Escoffier, is based on local and seasonal produce. An address for gourmets to savour. Dishes and desserts changed daily.

In a retro and family atmosphere, this bar restaurant with terrace welcomes you at the entrance of the village. A varied menu: organic vegetables from local agriculture, vegetarian dishes, wok, Mediterranean cuisine, French meat, octopus a la plancha.

Located at the entrance to the Provençal village on the banks of the Loup, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace with an outdoor kitchen and a warm indoor dining room. A daily season pass. Barbecue specialties: fish, meat and vegetables.

This restaurant welcomes you for lunch and dinner 7 days a week: all-you-can-eat mussels and paella, but also giant pizzas. The Festival de la Moule also provides group meals and a takeaway service.

Family campsite at 8 km from the sea, 15 km from Italy, 15 km from Monaco. Quiet, semi-shaded, 100m from the village. Regular bus service, ideal for hiking, pleasant setting between sea and mountains. Supermarket, bar and restaurants in the village. Nearby activities: climbing, hiking, mountain biking. Motorhome access from April to end of June and from September to October 15. No camper vans between July and August. Longeur camping-car max 6 m

Listed by Gîtes ruraux de France, near the GR 52 and the Col St Bernard, the Farm offers a natural camping area for tents and a dormitory with single beds. Catering by reservation.

Looking for a change of scenery? Try a total change of scenery at only 1h30 from Nice. In Annot, in the heart of the forest, the gite de Roncharel welcomes you for an immersion in the heart of the nature of the Verdon and Vaïre valleys to discover another South. Its comfortable rooms, from 2 to 8 beds, will allow you to share unforgettable moments. A library and a game room are at the disposal of the guests, as well as a relaxation area in the garden and outdoor games, offering you a moment of relaxation while enjoying a panoramic view of the Annot sandstone and the Vaïre valley. The Gite is located at an altitude of 1300 meters, at the crossroads of many walks and hikes including the GR Traversée des Préalpes and the GRP Pays de la Vaire. For mountain bike lovers, the Gite is close to the Transverdon. Moreover, several other activities are offered to you around the Gite : heritage excursions, climbing in the Annot sandstone, mountain biking, horse riding, white water sports, water sports (the Castillon lake is 30 minutes away), botanical discoveries, wildlife observation.

On the French Riviera, 500 m from the coastal village of Castellar (altitude 380 m), three spacious guest rooms open their doors all year round. Our rooms, all air-conditioned, offer comfortable bedding and a private bathroom in a different setting for each. An independent access guarantees you the greatest tranquility. You will be delighted by the breakfasts served under the arbour on summer days in individual tables or in the common dining room in winter period. You will enjoy the swimming pool and the shade of the fig trees to fill your moments of relaxation.

Mountain refuge located at the source of the Bléone river, at an altitude of 2,050 m in the village of Prads-Haute-Bléone. Accessible only on foot (3h walk). Numerous hikes available, including the Tête de l'Estrop at 2961m of altitude, as well as sport fishing, bouldering and slacklining. Accommodation and catering available by prior arrangement. Catering only at lunchtime. No reservations in July and August.

Spacious and quiet rooms overlooking a provençal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and an eco-bel. spacious and quiet rooms overlooking a provencal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and environmental practices rewarded rewarded by an eco-bel.

25 km from Digne les Bains, in the heart of the UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark, the Mandala campsite receives you in a preserved natural setting. Small campsite with 31 pitches, by the river, quiet and natural. Rental of 5 Mongolian Yurts, 4 Eco-Chalets and 21 quiet and shady pitches. Accessible to disabled people. Reception of groups and traineeships. Communal kitchen for the yurts, total of 2 barbecues for all. Yoga sessions in the Mandala Yurt and daily activities in July and August: guided hikes, night walks, donkey rides. Bikes rental for customers. Working donkeys for rent all year round. Swimming is possible. Car-free campsite, 2 car parks are available at the entrance and near the pitches. Trolleys are available at the reception point to transport your luggage. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor activities enthusiasts such as hiking, Via Ferrata, MTB, climbing, canyoning or hang-gliding... or simply for people who want to relax in fresh air. The campsite is open with all necessary sanitary measures.

Gîte La Cigale Jaune in the heart of Provence, ideally located between sea and mountains, near Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez, in the Pays de Fayence. Sleeps 4 people. Label Accueil vélo

Located in a beautiful property, Chantal and Daniel offer you 4 houses in the south: the red cicada : 2 to 4 pers- the cicada blue and the yellow: 2 to 6 pers and welcome you with pleasure in their little Provence, located in the Pays de Fayence

Municipal service area for camping cars 2 pitches, quiet, close to shops Bottom of the village Near tennis courts and swimming pool