Discover the charms of Fontan, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

A beautiful, sporty hike through varied, mysterious vegetation and landscapes, half of it in the heart of the Mercantour Park to Lac Jugale and the Pas de Colle Rousse, which faces Mont Bego and gives access to the Vallée des Merveilles. From the b 192, at the wrought iron cross, mounted on a stone plinth between the Terminus hotel and the campsite, after a fairly steep climb you will pass between a large white building and a Saint Maurice chapel, you will follow a chestnut grove, then in the wood of conifers and deciduous trees, there the climb will be less painful.b193 .... b227. At the Igronte fountain a very cool spring awaits you. The path follows the torrent of the céva which flows below. Jugal Lake. At tag 229 you will find the entrance to the Mercantour park (Regulations to read). Between the b 230 and b 231 you will find a sheepfold on your way, a few meters above the monument erected in memory of the American soldiers who died in a plane crash (September 1944). The Céva plateau, the conches between b 231 and b 232. And finally after a long walk you will reach Jugale lake (Alt. 2,172 m). Go on !! a last effort to reach the Pas de Colle rousse (Alt 2 261 m). And there a superb panorama awaits you: a magnificent view of the lakes of the Vallée des Merveilles. To return, take the opposite route. Don't let the fog surprise you! The day before your hike, find out about the weather.

Sporty loop around Fontan. Starting from Fontan, cross the Roya in front of the bridge, take the path that goes up to the cemetery, then the track that goes towards Pévé b201, b202, take the path b 201 then b 202 which joins the barns of Arres ( Alt 1 236 m), b 209. On the mountain opposite you will see the two pretty hamlets of Berghe. Follow the valley of Cieuttes b208 to the right towards the Lugo drop (Altitude 1,480 m) b 207. Go towards b 204 La Fontaine Des Chiens. A stop is essential !! You will come across many water points to cool off. At the b 203 take the path on the right, the cold Fontaine valley, you will reach the Piste de Pévé and finally Fontan.

3-hour walk to the Peiremont pass. In front of the station, take the winding and steep path until b 430. Continue on the path in front of you, until b 429 (Baisse de Cachin), continue your road to the left on the ridge of Peiremont until Col de Peiremont b 432. Take the path on the left, you will descend to the valley of Pévé which is often dry. But beware during heavy rains an impetuous torrent flows in this valley. You will pass through a tunnel where the Fontanais took refuge during the bombings of the last world war. You will finally arrive on the Saorge road facing the Fontan war memorial.

A long loop on the track, which allows you to soak up the preserved landscapes of the Roya valley, the Cairos valley and the Maglia valley which flirt with the heart of the Mercantour national park. Splendid view down to the sea from Colla Bassa. Accessible by train from Fontan-Saorge or Breil stations. Take the RD 40 which goes up the Cairos valley due north-west from the RD 6204 at the foot of the village of Saorge, on the left before Fontan coming from Breil. Follow it almost to the end: Pass the hamlet of Maurion, the Gafeug bridge (marker 174), continue to climb, the Merim valley (marker 186) on your right, then at the place called La Castagna take the wide DFCI track on the left which crosses the Cairos valley. Go up the hill through the thick forest (do not take the track on the right) until you reach Colla Bassa on the ridge line. A pause to contemplate the panaroma is obligatory! You can see the blue of the sea to the south, and to the north-east the border ridges of Mont Bertrand and the Marguareis massif. Three tracks are available to you: Switch to the other side, to the south, and you will start the descent. The track that descends on the ubac joins it but is a little longer, and carries more risk of getting lost. You will gently skirt the beautiful valley of the Maglia, its farms and its large sheepfolds, to cross it at the bottom of the valley. On the right bank you will find the tarmac. Be careful, the road is very narrow, unprotected, and you may pass vehicles. Some breathtaking views of the canyon and the Maglia Gorge, very impressive. Once you reach the RD 2204 Breil-Sospel via the Col de Brouis, turn left to go down to Breil, then left at the crossroads with the RD 6204 if you wish to return to your starting point. The Breil train station is 800 m further down on the right.

A very nice walk in a loop which will make you admire the medieval village clinging to the slopes planted with olive trees from different angles; idyllic pause, snack or picnic and bathing at the Sémite bath, and return to the shade of the chestnut trees.

Wonderful hike from one village to another along the old mule tracks, many splendid panoramic views of the villages and the cross-border mountains, heritage interest of the rural chapels. Accessible by train and bus. Accessible by soft transport by the TER Nice-Breil-Tende line or the Italian train Ventimiglia-Breil-Cuneo line (bicycles accepted on the trains), or by bus line 25 Menton-Tende. NB: The Fontan-Saorge train station is a quarter of an hour's walk from the Saorge town hall. The bus 25 stops at the entrance of the village. Breil station: free parking, TER Nice-Breil-Tende, Trenitalia Ventimiglia-Breil-Cuneo train, bus line 25 Menton-Vintimille-Breil-Fontan-Saorge-La Brigue-Tende. Close to the Breil train station, Buffet de la gare, pharmacy, newsagent, supermarket. Itinerary: From Saorge town hall, go straight towards the village, the old chapel of the Pénitents rouges on your right, cross the place de Ciapagne, pass in front of the bar to go down on your right towards the Jolliot-Curie primary school and the Monument aux Morts: panoramic view over the whole village as far as the Monastery and underneath the church of the Madone del Poggio. Continue along Via President Doumergue or Carera Soutana in Saorean, cross the imposing Piazza della Repubblica (Ciassa Soutana), and continue along the same street. Then you reach marker 19 at the bottom of the village of Saorge, and take the direction of the bain du Sémite by the beautiful chemin des Châtaigners (oratory which offers a superb view of the village in amphitheatre above). Two possibilities: - Either by the path on the right before the oratory which descends into the olive grove under Saorge to join the Roya (ruins of the water treatment plant destroyed by storm Alex), then find the bridge of the Common which allows you to join the marker 18, departure of the path of Paspus - Or by the Châtaigniers mule track. When you reach the road (RD 138, known as the Madonna), go down it on the right, and turn right once at the Roya to reach the Commun bridge (the first arch of which, filled with rubble from various building sites, had been washed away by storm Alex), cross it, to quickly find the start of the Paspus path on the left at marker 18. The mule track climbs steadily, with splendid views to the east over the village of Saorge, then over the peaks of Anan, the former pastures of Saorge, and the cross-border peaks of the Alpi Liguri park, Peirevieille and Torrage, then southwards to Breil and the Col de Brouis. You will pass the ancient fountain of Gianche, then the first houses of the hamlet of Paspus which overhang the path. You will see how dense rural life was until the First World War with many old "casouns" (typical rural buildings of the middle and lower Roya, with a "hat" roof) down the path, then houses and sheepfolds that spread throughout the mountain. We have to stop at the little chapel of Paspus, perched on a promontory with a magnificent view. Unfortunately, its canopy has collapsed. Continue via Panigeore to Lagouna, waypoints 173, 172, 99; then start the descent to the Giandola de BREIL, waypoint 13. Join the RD 6204 which you will take on the right, the Breil train station is 1.7 km on your right. NB: The hike can of course be done in the opposite direction Breil-Saorge, you will have more difference in altitude, and the path is particularly steep at the start, above the Giandola from marker 99 to marker 172 for 3/4 of this portion of the route.

THE Sunday walk for Saorgians! A real invitation to contemplate with this path that winds between the restanques, from the only baroque Franciscan monastery with idyllic gardens to this small and moving rural chapel. Beacon number 20 at the bottom of the Père Mattia path leading up to the Monastery indicates the direction of La Brigue, Sainte-Croix chapel... by the GR 52A. The path starts from the Monastery, which you are sure to visit in wonder. It goes round the side of the monastery along the high wall. About 10 minutes away, in season, you can take a break on the way to or from the Bergiron gite, a venerable building with a breathtaking view over the valley. You will walk peacefully on this mule track without ever changing direction, passing the marker 16 at the fountain of the Anguiron valley. You pass the marker 163 which gives the possibility to go down to the chapel Sainte-Anne and the hamlet of Castou in the Bendola valley, you continue to climb straight on. The chapel with its "gendarme hat" roof, which has seen so many peasants and shepherds pass through, particularly from the village of Pigna in the neighbouring Italian Nervia valley, will welcome you for a picnic under its canopy, or a siesta at the back of the choir, on its amphitheatre-like terraces. The view over the Bendola Valley is beautifully serene.

Your discovery of Saorge, a striking balcony clinging to the mountain above the Roya and Bendola gorges, will be marked out by 8 steel figurines representing the trades of the Salt Road era: Saorge was one of the crossing points. Saorge is a monument in itself, with its amphitheatre-like Tibetan village clinging to the mountain above the Roya and Bendola gorges. This trail of old trades from the days of the salt route, marked out by 8 steel figurines closely linked to Saorge's historical heritage, was created by the Communauté d'agglomération de la Riviera française (CARF) in partnership with the Mairie de Saorge, as part of the Interreg Alcotra and Alpimed Patrim project. The route starts from the upper East car park, where you will be greeted by the Franciscan figure no. 8. Take the narrow path that cuts across the wide bend in the RD 138 road. On the road, head up towards the beautiful 11th-century Romanesque chapel of the Madonna del Poggio, on your left. Immediately after turning left, leave the road to go down the little path, which offers some superb views over Saorge. You will come across the stonecutter's figurine no. 7. You will reach the wider Chemin des Châtaigniers, which you will walk down for a few metres. Once you have passed the valley, take the narrow path down to the old Saorge olive grove on your right (before the calvary). You'll discover figurines no. 3 representing the harvest and a fountain, then no. 4, the figure of the mason, an essential artisan in this terraced farming and path maintenance. You'll then come to the Roya and its roaring torrent, where you'll discover figurine no. 5 of the muleteer. You'll see a number of remains on this river bank, which looks more like a wadi or mountain torrent than a river: the Salt Road used to take the beautiful path to the Paspus chapel from Breil on the right bank, crossing the Roya there and then heading back up under the village of Saorge along exactly the same path you've just taken. The remains of the Saorge water treatment plant, destroyed by storm Alex on 2 October 2020, still lie in ruins. Just beyond, the remains of the retaining walls of the old Nice-Turin Royal Road, opened in the 17th-18th centuries, snake beneath the modern road torn up by Storm Alex. You leave the "Pont du Commun" on your right, one of whose arches was swept away by the storm: access has since been refilled. When you reach the RD 138, make a short round trip to the Sémite bath for a moment of serene coolness! Retrace your steps and take the path on your right at marker 16: it cuts across the wide bend in the road made by the RD 138. At the road, walk back down a few metres and turn right onto the Chemin des Châtaigniers, signposted 17. Make sure you stop at the calvary overlooking a cliff: it offers a splendid view of Saorge. Once you reach the chemin de Meyran (concrete path) at marker 19, turn left up the hill into the village. You will never leave Rue du Président Doumergue, or Carera Soutana in Saorgian, which crosses the impressive Place de la République or Ciassa Soutana (14th century, remains of medieval ramparts). Pass through the "cunun" or covered passageway to take Rue Virgile Barrel or Carera Mediana, and you will find yourself at the entrance to the medieval village, Place Georges Clémenceau or "Ciapagne" in Saorgian. Go straight ahead along the avenue du Dr Joseph Daveo, a former prominent figure in the village, cross the place Honoré Steva or "Basket" in Saorgian, and continue straight ahead to reach the old mills and the chapel of Saint-Roch on your right: Figurine no. 1 And a little further down on your left, the Calvary and then the view over the tight, breathtaking twists and turns of the old Saorge road, with the Cairos valley in front of you joining the Mercantour peaks, the cime du Diable on the right to the north, and the redoubt of the pointe des Trois Communes on the ridge to the left to the south, just over there. Retrace your steps to visit the middle and upper parts of the village that you didn't see: the church of St-Sauveur, the chapel of the white penitents, the climb up to the Place de la Caranca, the Repentia path that takes you to the Monastery, and back via the rue Louis Périssol, the Medge wash-house with its soft, colourful tones, the chapel of the black penitents where the municipal library is located... Don't hesitate to get lost in this maze of alleyways, "cuniuns" (covered passageways rather like Lyon's "traboules"), staircases and calades, typical of Ligurian architecture! A local will always be there to show you the way out...

A hike in the heart of the high Roya border on the GR 52 A route in absolutely preserved landscapes. Departure from the information and tourism office of the Brig Place Saint-Martin. Take the direction of the beacon 43 behind the chapel of the Annunciation. At the intersection, turn left and right to join a winding path that rises above the village. After ten switchbacks turn right and continue to follow the path in the direction of the tag 243. Continue towards the Arpèse drop at the tag 244. Continue to follow the track that leads you to the Péluna drop at the level of the 245 beacon. After point 1265, continue towards point 1352 towards the Géréon drop. After a descent you finally arrive on the Géréon drop. Cross the drop and take a track that goes up to the right through the pines. Follow this track for several kilometers. You will cross the valley of Groa, then that of Lugo and you will arrive at the drop of the same name at the level of the beacon 207. Continue until the beacon 204 at the place of the fountain of the dogs where the track stops and changes in one way. From this beacon a final climb awaits you to reach the drop of Anan at beacon 205. Continue down towards beacons 164 and 433. Follow the GR 52A towards the chapel of the holy cross, then pass the beacon 163 , 162 to finally arrive at the monastery of Saorge. Go down the stairs and follow the main street which leads to the heart of the village of Saorge. The SNCF station is located 2 kilometers from the village, possibility of taking the BUS to the village.

An air of GR on the heights of Roya ... From the ruins of Château Lascaris at the beacon 47, follow the path that climbs towards the Arpèse drop (1288 m.) Passing by the beacon 43 (intersection). Always follow the path that rises and lets you discover the landscape around the village of La Brigue. After tag 46, a plateau offers a beautiful panorama of the natural setting in which the village is nestled. The woods and the forest give way to a rocky climb via the tag 243 (possibility of going back down to the village by following the path at the intersection), locality of Riodore where we find ruins and old agricultural boards. Finally, the drop to Arpèse at the level of beacon 244, continue towards the drop of Peluna beacon 245, following a track for 500 m. There you will find an oratory and a small green square. These old tracks were used for military purposes, and the area is full of casemates and other fortified structures that can still be visited (provide adequate equipment, beware of risks). Then follow the forest track slightly uphill (rocks and gravel, DFCI sign) from the top of Durasca towards point 1437 towards the south. As you progress, the landscapes of the Roya valley are revealed; when you arrive at the Durasca pass (flat similar to a drop), do not hesitate to follow a secondary track slanting to the right which will lead you to a viewpoint (point 1485) at the top of the Durasca summit, guaranteed panorama. Retrace your steps to take the trail back down. At the next bend, enjoy the view of the top of Marta. Continue on the track until you find a path that goes to the right (via point 1320) to reach the oratory of the Géréon drop, towards the 251 beacon. It is from this drop that you can reach the famous Balcony of Marta. At this level the direction to follow is a one kilometer track which descends towards the markers 246 and 247 and which begins the descent towards the bottom of the valley of Meurgiora, until the marker 248. Follow the track to find the road.

Completed around 1498 after a terrible fire, this church in the County of Nice was "baroque" in the 18th century. You will be struck by the slender grandeur of its decorum of stuccoes, rocailles, gilding, and its shades of mauve and salmon.

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.

A Sunday walk for the Saorgians, ideally situated for a picnic break or a snack with the children, a siesta or a meditative contemplation in front of the beauty of the slopes sculpted with restanques and the wild canyon of the Bendola. This pretty country chapel is one of the many chapels built in the Roya in the 17th century during the Counter-Reformation. Located on an overhang overlooking the Bendola valley, it is preceded by a vaulted porch. The roof on a masonry vault has a particularity that is frequent on the "casouns" (small houses outside the villages) of the Roya with a shape known as a "gendarme hat". Its watertightness is ensured by a layer of lime mortar, which follows the curve of the extrados, softened as it reaches the side walls. Overlooking a magnificent site sculpted with restanques, perpendicular to the slope, it would have been raised following a vow. An annual mass was celebrated there by the Saorgians, in the presence of the town council, on 14 September, until the Second World War. The Sainte-Croix chapel is easily reached from Saorge from the Monastery, by the path "Derrière le couvent" which is also the itinerary of the panoramic GR 52A between La Brigue and Saorge: half an hour walking quietly, and contemplating the restanques which sculpted the mountains into as many staircases and where the peasants of yesteryear cultivated rye and rustic wheat. You will contemplate the steep canyon of the Bendola, one of the most difficult in Europe, to be done over two days, a deep cut towards the cross-border mountains, Marta, Petravechia and Torragio.

The Bendola, a highly protected Natura 2000 area, is a 16km-long left-bank tributary of the Roya. Its source is in the Ligurian Alps, east of Saorge. Europe's longest canyon, it takes two days to complete and is technically challenging. Topographical reference: IGN Top 25 map no. 3821 "Vallée de la Roya - Vallée des Merveilles".

The large dimensions of this elegant station make it possible to accommodate the staff needed to operate a line whose traffic is shared between SNCF and Trenitalia.

This bell tower with its twin openings, very characteristic of the first Romanesque art, is the only surviving vestige of the ancient priory Sanctis Johannes. It is not visited but is visible from the road. The chapel and annexes were destroyed in 1707 by the army of Prince Eugene retreating after their defeat before Toulon. Philippe de Beauchamp says "early 12th-century bell tower, vestige of a Benedictine church still in use in 1667, destroyed in 1707 by the Imperials, set in a beautiful site". According to Charles Botton, the chapel was destroyed in 1707. Gave its name to the Saint Jean district Tegulae incorporated into the bell tower Ancient tombs found in the district.

Discover the Cruella tower, built by the Counts of Ventimiglia, overlooking the Roya. It took its name from the hawks, "cruella", nesting in the rock. In 1258, three of their descendants ceded this Turris Cruellam to Charles de Provence. The name "Turris Cruellam" appears in the 1258 charter by which the Count of Provence became master of Breil. For centuries, dominating all access routes to Breil-sur-Roya, it was the town's guardian. In 1940, the Alpine scout-skiers entrenched here halted the advance of Italian troops attempting to take the town and its railway installations. Today, the tower has been restored to its former beauty by Breillois and Irish volunteers. A hiking trail leads to the tower. Once you've reached the tower, an orientation table offers a magnificent panoramic view of Piène Haute and Saorge.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, with the wall that led to it, it is the last vestige of the ramparts that encircled the ancient city and the three doors through which one entered it. Until 1814 it closed the way coming from Free the Genoese..

Archaeological discoveries prove that the site of Breil sur Roya is inhabited since the Neolithic era.

Chapel at the end of the village at the foot of olive groves. Opened occasionally during specific celebrations. Possibility to see it from the outside all year round. Covered with a lauze roof, this chapel is raised in the 17th century by the doctor Horace Cottalorda. In the centre of the altarpiece, a canvas depicting the Virgin and the Child between Saint Anthony and Saint Eloi rises above the altar. This chapel is the seat of the confraternity of Saint Anthony. La Soucétà Briiencà l'entretien and celebrates a Mass there every year. At the end of the service the participants gather around a meal shared with the Breilloises culinary specialties. Built a few meters from the Gate of Genoa, the chapel allowed travelers to make their devotions before crossing the ramparts.

A village in the shape of an eagle's nest, Saorge is a monument in itself, a witness to medieval architecture. This village, which looks like a "Tibetan village", entirely listed, is an ancient fortress clinging to the side of the mountain in the shape of an amphitheatre. Saorge is an important point on the "Route of the Baroque and Historic Organs of the Roya Valley". A village with Ligurian origins, for a long time it was a stopover on the salt route, a strategic axis between France and Italy. It has a rich historical and religious heritage with, in addition to the Monastery, which is part of the National Monuments Centre, a Baroque church, three chapels and the remains of fortified castles. With its narrow streets and vaulted passages, once defended by three castles, the fortress of Saorge, reputed to be impregnable, was nicknamed "the lock of the Roya".

Completed around 1498 after a terrible fire, this church in the County of Nice was "baroque" in the 18th century. You will be struck by the slender grandeur of its decorum of stuccoes, rocailles, gilding, and its shades of mauve and salmon.

From the esplanade of the Monastery where you can contemplate Saorge "village in the sky" hanging in ampitheatre from the restanques, enter a world of serenity: the baroque Franciscan convent, with the church and its terraced garden in a green valley. Guided tour not to be missed! Included in the monument entrance fee, no reservation required: Every day from early June to late September, at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. From October 1 to November 3 and from February 1 to May 31 (closed Mondays): guided tour at 11am and 3pm. The village of Saorge overlooks the Roya Gorge at the gateway to the Mercantour Park. Listed as a National Monument, the Monastery, a former Franciscan convent founded in 1633 in the Baroque style, has preserved its original structure, painted decor and food garden. The Church of Our Lady of Miracles features remarkable walnut woodwork, paintings and liturgical objects. The cloister is adorned with 17th-century frescoes illustrating episodes in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as an exceptional set of nine period sundials. The refectory features 17th-century frescoes depicting monastic virtues. The garden, a haven of peace overlooking the mountains, features an organic vegetable garden and orchard, terraced with several interconnected irrigation basins. Free guided tours lasting around 1 hour are included in the entrance fee. The monastery welcomes writers, translators and scriptwriters in residence from April to October. - For the visually impaired, the Monastery offers a range of mediation tools: a tactile model and well-designed tour guides in Braille and thermoformed sheets, produced by a specialized association in collaboration with the Valentin Haüy association. - For the mentally impaired, adapted tours are available in-house, subject to prior booking. - For the deaf and hard-of-hearing, the Monastery can call on the services of LSF interpreters, externally, by reservation and for groups only. - To date, there are no specific accessibility facilities for the motor-impaired...

A Sunday walk for the Saorgians, ideally situated for a picnic break or a snack with the children, a siesta or a meditative contemplation in front of the beauty of the slopes sculpted with restanques and the wild canyon of the Bendola. This pretty country chapel is one of the many chapels built in the Roya in the 17th century during the Counter-Reformation. Located on an overhang overlooking the Bendola valley, it is preceded by a vaulted porch. The roof on a masonry vault has a particularity that is frequent on the "casouns" (small houses outside the villages) of the Roya with a shape known as a "gendarme hat". Its watertightness is ensured by a layer of lime mortar, which follows the curve of the extrados, softened as it reaches the side walls. Overlooking a magnificent site sculpted with restanques, perpendicular to the slope, it would have been raised following a vow. An annual mass was celebrated there by the Saorgians, in the presence of the town council, on 14 September, until the Second World War. The Sainte-Croix chapel is easily reached from Saorge from the Monastery, by the path "Derrière le couvent" which is also the itinerary of the panoramic GR 52A between La Brigue and Saorge: half an hour walking quietly, and contemplating the restanques which sculpted the mountains into as many staircases and where the peasants of yesteryear cultivated rye and rustic wheat. You will contemplate the steep canyon of the Bendola, one of the most difficult in Europe, to be done over two days, a deep cut towards the cross-border mountains, Marta, Petravechia and Torragio.

The church of the Madonna del Poggio proudly stands with its pure lines at the eastern entrance to Saorge; it can only be visited from the outside. In the year 1092, the community of men and women of Saorge donated a chapel Sainte Marie located in the "Poggio" to the Cistercian Abbey of the Iles de Lérins...

Pool of natural water suitable for swimming, also for children. To see/ to do also the canyon of the Bendola.

In the extreme east of the Alpes-Maritimes on the left bank of the Roya, the 1058 ha of the Bendola site present strong contrasts and an important diversity. It extends over the downstream part of the steep canyon with waterfalls and pools of limpid water. The Bendola site is remarkable for its richness, its exceptional level of endemism, its concentration of remarkable habitats and its good state of conservation. It occupies a pivotal position in both the Alpine and Mediterranean biogeographical regions. It is home to 16 habitats of Community interest, including 6 priority habitats, as well as one species habitat. Among these habitats, dry grasslands boast one of the highest concentrations of orchids in France (some 50 species). The diversity of forest habitats of Community interest, including old-growth forests (Bois noir), and the presence of tuffs in remarkable functional condition are also noteworthy. Fauna is also in the spotlight, with no fewer than 8 species of fauna of Community interest listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, including a large population of Strinati's Spélerpès, a rare amphibian endemic to the extreme south-east of France and north-west Italy. Other important species include colonies of the Great Rhinolophus and Scarlet-eared Murre. These bats occupy built-up roosts on the site. Due to the topography of the Bendola, there is little human activity. Livestock farming practically disappeared from the area over twenty years ago, and only subsistence farming remains. For the same reasons, there is no forestry production. Urban planning documents prevent the extension of buildings, thus limiting pressure. The most significant impact comes from outdoor activities, particularly canyoning and motorized activities.

These 17th/18th century buildings, grouped together following the contours of the land under a rocky massif, in harmony with the wild nature of the upper Roya valley, are a real eye-catcher: the little perched hamlets are a must-see! The perched hamlets on the right bank of the Roya are well worth a visit: Berghe inférieur and Berghe supérieur in the commune of Fontan on the RD 42, Granile on the RD 191 from the Casterino road (RD 91). A yellow signposted hiking trail (PDIPR) links the three hamlets: Beacons 212 to 211 and then 32 between Berghe inférieur and Berghe supérieur, then beacons 33 to 219 from Berghe supérieur to Granile. Possibility of walking loops via the Gauron barns, a magnificent viewpoint: From Granile, waypoints 220, 221, to Gauron, waypoint 222, to the pas de la Tranchée waypoint 223, and the col de Tate, waypoint 214, back to lower Berghe.

The Bendola, a highly protected Natura 2000 area, is a 16km-long left-bank tributary of the Roya. Its source is in the Ligurian Alps, east of Saorge. Europe's longest canyon, it takes two days to complete and is technically challenging. Topographical reference: IGN Top 25 map no. 3821 "Vallée de la Roya - Vallée des Merveilles".

Sacha Sosno designed this monument on the high plateaus of the Ceva in the heart of the Mercantour Park with the remains of the Liberator plane that crashed on the night of 12/9/44. The 11 American airmen were going to parachute weapons to the Italian resistance fighters. On 14 September 1991, a monument was inaugurated on the plateau of La Ceva (Fontan), at an altitude of 1,720 m, commemorating the "crash" of the Liberator "Dallas Lady", which took place on 12 September 1944 four hundred metres above sea level and cost the lives of 11 American airmen. This plane left Algiers to parachute arms and ammunition (18 containers and 6 large packs of one cubic metre) to Italian partisans in the Turin region when, following a navigational error in the rainy night, it crashed into the mountain. The inhabitants of the Berghe hamlets heard explosions for more than forty-eight hours. Eleven concrete steles commemorate the airmen and the central monument, written in both French and English, contains the history of the flight and the names of the victims. The sculptor Sacha Sosno designed the monumental ensemble, incorporating the remains of the aircraft. In agreement with the Mercantour National Park, the town of Fontan has decided to offer the territory occupied by the museum complex to the United States.

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.

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.

Located on the beach with a view of the sea, Rosy Beach offers quality Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh produce, and a menu consisting of salads, homemade Italian pasta, wood-fired pizzas, fish of the day, garnished meats...

A reference on the seaside with a choice of 30 classic and original pizzas and bruschettas. Also a traditional and Mediterranean menu to be enjoyed on the terrace next to the beach. Takeaway and delivery from Antibes to St Laurent.

In a contemporary and chic setting, come and enjoy a simple and tasty cuisine, prepared with seasonal products, in a daily special or à la carte formula. Large terrace overlooking the beach with a breathtaking view of the sea...

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.

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.

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

Looking for a change of scenery? Try a complete change of scenery just 1h30 from Nice. The Roncharel gîte welcomes you to the heart of nature in the Verdon and Vaïre valleys, to discover another South. Panoramic views, absolute peace and quiet! Single rooms and group accommodation. Provencal cuisine based on local produce.

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

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.

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

Family hotel with outdoor pool and large terrace, at the foot of the village. This establishment has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and welcomes cycling tourists. The rooms (16 m²) with private bathrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is served on the poolside terrace or in the dining room. Private parking is also available. The bar at Hôtel Les Oliviers welcomes you for a relaxing moment by the pool. This establishment is certified Accueil Vélo, offering a warm welcome to cycling tourists. Hôtel Les Oliviers has been awarded Gold in the Éco-Défis program. This initiative supports participants in reducing their environmental impact. It helps to highlight partner businesses, strengthen team cohesion, control costs, and become active players in the ecological transition.

Charming hotel in a former oil mill nestled in a large wooded park 10 minutes from the village.