The most beautiful hilltop villages of the French Riviera
Another French Riviera, between sea and mountains
When we think of the French Riviera, we often imagine beaches, ports, yachts and luxury hotels.
But you only need to leave the coast to discover another French Riviera.
Between Grasse and Menton, the hills dominate the Mediterranean.
Around thirty villages have been established on rocky promontories, offering exceptional views of the sea and the hinterland.
These villages are made of old stones, narrow streets, ramparts, small squares, churches and houses with colorful facades.
They have also preserved traditions, know-how and a true local identity.
This is one of the excursions that I particularly recommend to my guests.
Gourdon: the balcony of Provence
From Jasmins Studio approximately 40 min – 28.1 km.
Perched at 760 meters altitude, Gourdon overlooks the Loup valley.
The village is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and its panorama is exceptional: it stretches for about 80 kilometers, from Nice to Théoule-sur-Mer.
Don't miss it! :
- the view from Victoria Square;
- the church of Saint-Vincent built on the rock;
- the village alleyways;
- THE Path to Paradise, for good walkers, which descends towards Pont-du-Loup.
A gourmet stop
On the road between Gourdon and Tourrettes-sur-Loup, stop at Florian's confectionery.
You will be able to discover crystallized violet, rose or verbena petals, as well as candied mandarins.
My advice:
Gourdon and Tourrettes-sur-Loup can very easily be combined in the same day.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup: the village of the violet
From Jasmins Studio approximately 38 min – 30.3 km
Perched on a rocky spur, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is nicknamed the village of the violet.
This flower has been cultivated there since 1880 and the town is located on the famous perfume route of Grasse.
The best way to discover Tourrettes-sur-Loup?
Getting lost in its alleyways.
The small historic center is home to many designer boutiques.
You can also discover the food shops around Place de la Libération.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Art at its peak
From Jasmins Studio approximately 33 min – 22.7 km.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is probably the most famous of the hilltop villages on the French Riviera.
This medieval village boasts a remarkable panorama of the Nice hinterland and has long attracted artists and visitors from all over the world.
Following in the footsteps of artists
The village is notably associated with Marc Chagall, but the artistic history of Saint-Paul is much broader.
Art galleries, workshops and works installed in the village give the walk a special dimension.
Don't miss it!
After exploring the historic center, take a stroll along the curtain to enjoy the views.
Art lovers will also be able to visit the Folon chapel, with its mosaics and stained glass windows.
And if you wish to extend the visit
The Maeght Foundation is one of the major venues for modern and contemporary art in the region.
Coaraze: the village of the sun
From Jasmins Studio approximately 1 hour 24 minutes – 75.4 km
You have to go further inland to discover Coaraze, perched at an altitude of approximately 650 meters.
His nickname "Village of the Sun" It suits him particularly well.
Its very narrow streets, its vaulted passages, its wash house, its fountain and its bread oven give the village a very particular character.
Coaraze has also attracted several artists, including Jean Cocteau, Henri Goetz and Ben.
For walkers
A walk allows you to reach the blue chapel, decorated with frescoes by Ponce de Leon, then continue along a forest track.
This is a preferred destination if you wish to discover a more secluded hinterland.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: between Monaco and the sea
From Jasmins Studio approximately 51 min – 53.9 km.
On the border of Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is built around a spectacular rock.
The old village retains alleyways sometimes carved directly into the rock and dominated by its castle.
Some interesting facts
Your visit may be an opportunity to discover:
- the castle;
- the thousand-year-old olive tree classified as a remarkable tree;
- the potter's workshop Stéphane Montalto, Best Craftsman of France;
- the tomb of Le Corbusier, which lies facing the Mediterranean.
Roquebrune is particularly easy to associate with Monaco or Menton.
Èze: the eagle's nest
From Jasmins Studio approximately 43 min – 47.6 km
We've already talked aboutÈze dans ma page « Monaco, Èze and Menton » , mais il mérite également sa place ici.
For what ?
Because Èze probably represents this idea of hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean.
Perched on its rocky promontory, the village offers an exceptional panorama.
Don't miss it!
Climb to the top to discover:
- the ruins of the old castle;
- THE Exotic garden ;
- cacti and Mediterranean plants;
- the medieval Sainte-Croix chapel;
- the village alleyways.
Hikers can also consider the Forna circuit, starting from La Turbie.
→ To plan your visit to Èze and combine it with Monaco or Menton, see my page « Monaco, Èze and Menton » .
Sainte-Agnès: the highest coastal village in Europe
From Jasmins Studio approximately 1 hour 4 minutes – 64.8 km
Sainte-Agnès is one of the most spectacular destinations in this area.
Perched at approximately 800 meters altitude, The village is presented as the highest coastal village in Europe.
The panorama extends towards the Mediterranean but also towards the Alps.
A village steeped in history
Sainte-Agnès's location, close to the Italian border, has long made it a defensive post.
The village notably preserves fortifications from the Maginot Line, including a fort that can be visited.
It is also a starting point for many walks.
My advice:
If you enjoy scenic views and military history, Sainte-Agnès is well worth the trip.
How to choose your village
You don't need to visit them all.
Here is my selection based on your preferences:
- For the panorama : Gourdon Or Èze
- For art : Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- For flowers and perfumes : Tourrettes-sur-Loup
- For a more intimate atmosphere : Coaraze
- To link village and Monaco : Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
- For the panorama and military history : Saint Agnes
A perfect day in the hilltop villages
Option 1 — The closest
Jasmins Studio → Saint-Paul-de-Vence → Tourrettes-sur-Loup → Gourdon
This is probably the most interesting route for a first-time visit.
Saint-Paul allows you to start with art, Tourrettes-sur-Loup with violets and artisans, then Gourdon ends the day with its spectacular panorama.
Option 2 — Eastward
Jasmins Studio → Èze → Roquebrune-Cap-Martin → Menton
You then combine hilltop villages, the Mediterranean and proximity to Italy.
Option 3 — To go further
Jasmins Studio → Coaraze → Nice hinterland
A day dedicated to those who wish to get off the beaten tourist track.
What if you prefer to avoid the highways?
It's possible.
There are, in particular, toll-free routes for Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Coaraze, Roquebrune and Èze.
This could be interesting if you want to turn the journey itself into a stroll.
But allow more time : the small roads in the hinterland are often winding.
My advice to my guests
Hilltop villages are probably one of the best ways to discover The French Riviera beyond the postcard image of the coastline.
You will find there: Panoramic views → ancient stones → artists → artisans → flowers → traditions → and beautiful hiking opportunities.
And above all, they allow for the creation of very different excursions from Jasmins Studio.
You can spend a day at Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Tourrettes-sur-Loup, another one at Èze and Monaco, or go further towards Coaraze and the Nice hinterland.
Take your time.
In these villages, the pleasure is often less in what one comes to "visit" than in getting lost in the narrow streets..
Also worth discovering:
→ Monaco, Èze and Menton: three excursions from Jasmins Studio
→ The Grasse region: flowers, perfumes and gardens
→ Cannes: the must-sees
→ The Gorges of Cians and Daluis
→ The Verdon Gorges
→ L’Arrière-pays niçois