For everyone, it is a vacation land located in the South of France, where the weather is always sunny and warm. But the Côte d'Azur is also full of jewels perched on the sides of its hills, dominating the waves, the valleys and carrying in their stones the richness of the regional heritage.
Between the sea and the mountains, these perched villages make up the unique character of the Côte d'Azur: a harmonious blend of culture, art and festive pleasures in an exceptional natural setting.
Discover the Top of the most beautiful perched villages of the Côte d'Azur.
ÈZE
A real eagle's nest overlooking the Mediterranean, Eze is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages on the Côte d'Azur!
Like an eagle's nest (or rather Phoenix, emblem of the town), placed on a rocky outcrop,
Èze will impress you as soon as you arrive.
The old stones tell of its medieval past. The narrow streets lined with vaulted houses where many artists' and craftsmen's shops meet give this perched village a special atmosphere of authenticity and tradition.
On the ruins of the old fortress, its famous Exotic Garden plunges into the sea, offering an exceptional landscape on the peninsula of Cap Ferrat and the entire Côte d'Azur.
SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE
Village of artists par excellence, you will be seduced by the charm of this perched village!
Facing the Mediterranean which shimmers at its feet, leaning against the Southern Alps, the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched on its promontory, sheltered by its ramparts, is one of the most beautiful villages of the Côte d' Azure.
These attractions would suffice to explain the fascination exerted by Saint-Paul. We must also add the cultural and artistic influence.
This village attracts creators and artists. Sensitivities and talents from the most diverse horizons settle there or meet in the many art galleries. Surrounded by nature, the Maeght Foundation, an open-air museum, is a showcase of modern and contemporary art.
SAINTE-AGNÈS
A glance at the nearby Menton coast is enough to understand why this nickname. The view is sumptuous from Sainte-Agnès. A breath of Azur! It adds to the charms of a town which, in addition to its title of “Highest coastal village in Europe”, officially ranks among “the Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
A title that distinguishes the panorama as much as the alleys paved with pebbles, the century-old houses grouped around the bell tower with glazed tiles, and the disused fort, the southernmost bastion of the famous Maginot Line. Do not miss to visit its medieval garden stuck to the rock and the ruins of its castle which offer a breathtaking view of the Mercantour and the Mediterranean.
GOURDON
Ranked among the "Most beautiful villages in France", Gourdon will offer you a panoramic view of the entire Côte d'Azur!
Gourdon enjoys a nickname that denounces its exceptional situation: the "Eagle's Nest". A village perched over 700 meters above sea level, Gourdon offers an exceptional view of 80 kilometers of coastline, from Nice to the Estérel. In the past, it was accessed mainly by the mule track that starts from Bar-sur-Loup. Its name says it all: the Way to Paradise! And it is deserved.
With its medieval houses, its Romanesque church, its Provençal mood and its thousand-year-old castle, surrounded by gardens created by Le Nôtre, the perched village of Gourdon really cultivates a scent of Eden.
SAORGE
Clinging to the cliff, the village of Saorge is a striking example of medieval town planning!
Saorge is unquestionably the most spectacular hilltop village in the Roya Valley. It was rebuilt after a great fire in the 15th century.
A former stronghold, Saorge can only impress visitors upon their arrival. The old buildings and troglodyte streets lose us in time. From the Franciscan monastery to the Semite bath in the Roya passing by the baroque church of Saint-Sauveur, everything is a change of scenery.
Note, you will have to leave your car at the entrance to the village, because you can only get around on foot.
FAYENCE
A veritable stone sentinel, the narrow streets of Fayence will propel you into the heart of the Middle Ages!
Discover this hilltop village in the Var: the Clock Tower with its magnificent panorama over the tiled roofs of the village of Fayence, the Sarrazine gate dating from the 14th century, the remains of the Watchtower, its fountains or even its washhouses.
Take advantage of the visit route offered by the Tourist Office which will allow you to discover the heritage of the village. Near Fayence, be sure to visit the perched villages of Seillans, Mons, Caillan or Montauroux. All have a very rich cultural and natural heritage.
COARAZE
Village of the sun, stamped on the list of the "Most beautiful Villages of France" and of the Côte d'Azur!
Overlooking the Paillon valley at 650 meters above sea level, the village of Coaraze is nicknamed “Village of the Sun”.
Cobbled and sloping streets, vaulted passages, houses made of stone or coated in blue, yellow, pink, Italian style and flowery squares have attracted many artists and personalities, some of whom, such as Jean Cocteau or Ponce de Léon, have signed the dials solar panels that are scattered around the village.
GASSIN
Village perched on the Côte d'Azur with panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez!
It is after climbing the flowery alleys with pastel-colored walls that you can enjoy the exceptional view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures offered by Place Deï Barri. The orientation table will allow you to find your way on one of the most beautiful views of the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Far from the summer bustle, treat yourself to a pleasant break in the perched village of Gassin. A few kilometers away, the charming village of Ramatuelle is also to be discovered.
MOUGINS
Mougins, similar to a citadel, will offer you a magnificent panorama of the Côte d'Azur and the Pre-Alps!
Coiled in a spiral like a shell with narrow streets, the perched village of Mougins shows a geometric rigor due to its fortifications. Artists as prestigious as Picasso, Picabia, Paul Eluard, Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, Edith Piaf, Fernand Léger and many others have left their mark there.
Discover more than 30 artist studios and galleries along the streets. The Museum of Classical Art, with its unique private collection in the world, is an essential stop on your visit. Mougins also owes its fame to its many starred restaurants. For golf lovers, discover Mougins, the famous golfing destination with two prestigious courses.
TENDE
Surrounded by the mountains between the sky and Roya, the village of Tende will surprise you with its Himalayan air!
Tende marks the Italian border. Mazes of alleys to lose your mind: this picturesque village contains wonders, as much by the colors of its facades, as by its round tower, or its collegiate church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption and its atypical bell tower.
A former merchant city on the Salt Route, you will appreciate this architecture mixing Gothic and Baroque. Also worth seeing is the Museum of Wonders. To visit this hilltop village on the Côte d'Azur, why not take the Train des Merveilles?
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