What are the most beautiful villages to discover in the Alpes Maritmes?

The Alpes Maritimes department, in south-east France, is a land of exception and a treasure trove. Between the sea and the mountains, you’ll discover breathtaking landscapes, exceptional panoramas and an unrivalled wealth of culture and history. The many picturesque villages that dot these mountains are just some of the wonders to be discovered. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages in the Alpes Maritimes, real hidden gems not to be missed on your next visit.

1. The medieval charm of Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Loup valley, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a medieval village that has retained all the charm of yesteryear. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters and tiled roofs, invite you to take a stroll. The village is also renowned for the arts and crafts that have made it their home, as well as for its cultivation of violets, celebrated every year in March.

Don’t miss a visit to the feudal castle overlooking the village, which offers exceptional views over the valley and surrounding mountains. And if you’re a keen hiker, there are a number of footpaths leading from the village to discover the wild beauty of the hinterland.

2. Gourdon, the eagle’s nest of the Alpes Maritimes

Overlooking the Loup valley, Gourdon is nicknamed ‘the eagle’s nest’ because of its exceptional location at an altitude of over 700 metres. This medieval village is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and surrounding mountains.

Stroll through the narrow, steep streets, admire the stone houses with tiled roofs and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 11th-century fortified castle. And if you’re a perfume lover, be sure to visit the village perfume factory, which produces flower essences used by France’s top perfume houses.

3. The Provencal tranquillity of Cabris

Cabris is a typical little Provencal village, perched on a rocky outcrop with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with pretty houses decorated with flowers, invite you to stroll and relax.

Be sure to visit the 16th-century church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the 18th-century Château de Cabris. And if you’re a keen walker, the village is surrounded by numerous footpaths that allow you to discover the beauty of the Provencal hinterland.

4. Biot-Village, the birthplace of glassmaking

Nestling in a green setting, Biot-Village is famous for its glassmaking workshops. This medieval village has retained all the charm of yesteryear, with its narrow, winding streets lined with stone houses with colourful shutters.

Visit the master glassmakers’ workshops and discover the secrets behind the manufacture of Biot’s famous vases. And don’t miss a visit to the Fernand Léger national museum, which houses a major collection of works by this major 20th-century artist.

5. Haut-de-Cagnes, a haven for artists

Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, Haut-de-Cagnes is a medieval village that has retained all its old-world charm. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, have attracted many artists over the years.

Visit the Renoir museum, housed in the villa where the famous painter spent the last years of his life, and discover the works he produced in the area. And don’t miss a visit to the Château Grimaldi, which now houses a museum of local history.

6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the village of stars

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is undoubtedly one of the best-known villages in the Alpes Maritimes. This medieval village, perched on a hill, is famous for its Maeght foundation, one of Europe’s leading contemporary art museums, and for attracting many celebrities, including the famous actor Yves Montand.

Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with art galleries and luxury boutiques, and discover the unique charm of this village. Don’t miss a visit to the Fondation Maeght, home to a major collection of contemporary art.

7. La Roquette-sur-Var, the Provencal cot village

Perched on a hill, La Roquette-sur-Var is a small, typically Provencal village with a breathtaking view over the Var valley. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, give it the air of a Provencal cot.

Visit the 17th-century church of Saint-Pierre and discover the unique charm of this village. And if you’re a keen walker, there are a number of trails leading from the village to discover the wild beauty of the hinterland.

8. Peillon, the hilltop village

Perched on a rocky outcrop, Peillon is a medieval village that has retained all its charm of yesteryear. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, are an invitation to stroll and relax.

Be sure to visit the 18th-century church of Sainte-Philomène and the 13th-century château de Peillon. And if you’re a keen walker, there are a number of footpaths leading from the village to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

9. Coaraze, the village in the sun

Nicknamed ‘the village of the sun’ because of its exceptional sunshine, Coaraze is a typical little Provencal village nestling in the mountains. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, invite you to stroll and relax.

Visit the 17th-century church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and discover the many works of contemporary art scattered around the village, by famous artists such as Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso. And if you’re a keen walker, there are a number of footpaths leading from the village to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

10. Eze-Village, the pearl of the Côte d’Azur

Perched on a rocky spur more than 400 metres above sea level, Eze-Village offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. This medieval village is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is one of the jewels of the Côte d’Azur.

Stroll through the narrow, steep streets lined with luxury boutiques and art galleries, and discover the exotic garden overlooking the village. Don’t miss a visit to the village perfumery, which produces flower essences used by France’s top perfume houses.

11. Saint-Agnès, the highest fortified village in Europe

Perched at an altitude of over 800 metres, Saint-Agnès is the highest fortified village in Europe. This medieval village offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains.

Visit the Saint-Agnès fort, built between 1932 and 1938 to protect the French border, and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 11th-century church of Saint-Agnès. And if you’re a keen walker, there are a number of footpaths leading from the village to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

12. Gorbio, the village of olive trees

Nestling in a valley surrounded by olive trees, Gorbio is a typical Provencal village that has retained all its old-world charm. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, are an invitation to stroll and relax.

Visit the 12th-century church of Saint-Barthélemy and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 15th-century Château de Gorbio. And if you’re a keen hiker, there are a number of trails leading from the village that allow you to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

13. Lucéram, the village of 100 cots

Perched on a hill, Lucéram is a medieval village that has retained all its charm of yesteryear. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses with colourful shutters, are an invitation to stroll and relax. The village is famous for its cot route, with over 100 cots dotted around the village.

Visit the 13th-century church of Sainte-Marguerite and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 14th-century clock tower. And if you’re a keen walker, there are a number of footpaths leading from the village to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

14. Saint-Martin-Vésubie, the ‘Little Switzerland of Nice

Situated in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, Saint-Martin-Vésubie is nicknamed the ‘Little Switzerland of Nice’ because of its mountainous landscape. This medieval village is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing an ideal setting for hiking and nature lovers.

Visit the 17th-century church of Saint-Martin and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 15th-century Château de la Palud. And if you’re a keen hiker, there are numerous trails leading from the village that allow you to discover the beauty of the Mercantour National Park.

15. Saorge, the village perched on a rocky outcrop

Perched on a rocky spur, Saorge is a medieval village with exceptional panoramic views over the Roya valley. The village has retained all its old-world charm, with narrow, winding streets lined with stone houses with colourful shutters.

Visit the 17th-century church of Saint-Sauveur and discover the village’s historic heritage, including the 17th-century Saorge monastery. And if you’re a keen hiker, there are numerous trails leading from the village to discover the beauty of the hinterland.

All in all, the Alpes Maritimes is full of picturesque villages, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, nature or simply looking for some peace and quiet, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for among these hidden gems. So don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten track and discover these wonders on your next visit to the Alpes Maritimes.