A week to take time: Slow tourism in Nice Côte d’Azur #2

For this fourth day, I will take you to Saint-Jeannet: a small village perched between the sea and the mountains. Nestled at the foot of its Baou, it has remained authentic and offers an unobstructed view of the entire Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis.

More precisely, head for the Domaine des Sausses.
Surrounded by vineyards, discover the “Safran des Baous de la Côte d’Azur”. On this family farm, Jérôme and Erika have been growing saffron flowers since 2016. Meet this nature-loving couple and discover how the land is prepared, the bulbs are planted and the harvesting takes place when the flowers bloom. With your hands in the ground, let yourself be carried away by Jérôme and Erika’s daily life and then go and taste the fruit of their efforts in a local restaurant like “La table des Baous” for example! You can also take some of the Sausses estate home with you, in the form of jam or jelly.

To continue your local taste discoveries, head to the Georges Rasse vineyard in the Hautes Collines de la Côte d’Azur. Two kilometres from the village, it is renowned for its wines such as the “tuilé” rosé, matured in glass jars in the sun. A typical farm in our region, the vines are planted alongside the olive trees. The winegrower’s motto: “Longo Maî, long for long-keeping wines”! You will be able to visit the vineyard, the cellar and, of course, taste this renowned wine in Nice Côte d’Azur.

But if I speak to you about this vineyard, it is also because you will have the possibility of sleeping there! In the middle of the vineyards and under the olive trees, you will find 25 places to rest in the middle of nature. So book quickly to enjoy an exceptional night!

In the afternoon, let yourself be tempted by a walk in the middle of nature. You can enjoy a breathtaking panorama! Indeed, the village is built at the foot of a Baou. The Baous, silhouettes drawing the first relief of the Alpes Maritimes, are four in number: The Baous des Blancs and the Baous des Noirs, the Baou de la Gaude and the Baou de Saint-Jeannet. The one we are talking about today is notably a climbing wall known worldwide by the passionate.
To discover this postcard setting, cross the village and go up to the summit. Accessible to all, the path starts at the small washhouse. The beginning of the climb is a bit steep but hang on, it’s worth it! At the end of your hike, you will discover a stunning landscape, in front of which you can sit and contemplate its splendour.
The hills stretch as far as the eye can see and the blue sky will accompany you all the way. You can also find guides in the village who can accompany you on your journey.

If camping overnight at the vineyard doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry, I have more than one trick up my sleeve! You can be tempted by The FrogS’House: a bed and breakfast specialising in yoga retreats and stays. Since 2006, this place offers accommodation to travellers in a magical place overlooking the majestic Baous in the foothills of the Alps. With a weekly programme, The FrogS’House combines the wisdom of yoga with the delights offered by our land, our geography and of course our culture.

Another option is the “gîte de La Ferrage”. Located in the centre of the village, still at the foot of the Baou, you can enjoy a south-facing terrace with a sea view. With its exposed beams and stonework, this gîte has all the charm of the small villages of Nice Côte d’Azur. A little extra: pets are allowed!

To continue our itinerary, I invite you to go to Castagniers. This pretty little village is surrounded by hills and offers a spectacular view over the Var plain. Overlooked by Mount Cima, at an altitude of 879 metres, you will discover a luxurious Mediterranean vegetation.

The village offers a beautiful heritage to visit, such as the parish church of Saint-Michel (19th century), the abbey of Notre-Dame de la Paix, or the convent of Cistercian women and its beautiful garden (1928). Stroll through its narrow streets to soak up the charm of the iconic perched villages of Nice Côte d’Azur.
To discover the beautiful nature of the Côte d’Azur, take one of the many walks starting from the village! Moreover, if you climb to the top of Mount Cima, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama.

Then head to the Castagniers oil mill. Still in operation, it produces “AOP” oil, often awarded “Gold”, table olives, olive paste and tapenade. How can we suggest an itinerary in Nice Côte d’Azur without telling you more about olives?
Present on the Côte d’Azur for more than two millennia, they are used on a daily basis for cosmetics, medicine and of course cooking. Olive oil, nicknamed “the green gold of the Mediterranean”, is one of the key ingredients in Nice’s cuisine.

By pushing the doors of the Castagniers mill, one of the most famous in the region since 1650, you will learn the steps to go from the olive to our delicious plates. Take an explanatory tour of the mill to understand the whole process of oil production. Visit the museum of the old mill to understand the history of this exceptional place and enjoy an exhibition of photographs and videos. At the end of the day, let yourself be tempted by a tasting session. Try a delicious brissaouda: bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with olive oil. That’s all you need to imagine yourself lying in the shade of an olive tree on a sunny late afternoon.

Feeling peckish? I advise you to stop at Chez Michel: this family restaurant is a reference in the hinterland of Nice. The cuisine is authentic, of high quality and is done in the respect of tradition! Don’t miss the “Nissarts” specialities such as the “daube niçoise”, the courgette flower fritters or the grilled garnished meats. Take the time to chat with Francis and his wife while tasting delicious local products: Nice Côte d’Azur will seem even more beautiful!

For this sixth day, I invite you to explore the charming village of Belvédère, perched on the top of a hill with a breathtaking view over the Vésubie region. Located in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, this small mountain village is famous for its sublime Gordolasque valley, which attracts many nature lovers and hikers. But Belvédère is not only about its picturesque basin. The village centre is also not to be missed, with its narrow streets, shady squares, stone houses with tiled roofs and old porches. Here, time seems to have stood still, and the village has retained all its charm of yesteryear.
As you walk through the cobbled streets, you will discover many details that bear witness to the history of this mountain village. Old wooden doors, stone fountains, flower gardens and walls covered with climbing vines will tell you stories without a sound.

Enjoy Belvédère and its exceptional natural setting by taking the time to soak up the peaceful and authentic atmosphere of this small Provencal village.

Once you have visited the centre, I suggest you head for the honey factory of Patricia and François Guerinot. This couple of honey and honey derivatives producers – nougat, gingerbread, waxes, soaps, candles – will give you a warm welcome to discover their farm and its secrets!
Experience, during a visit, their daily life as craftsmen and learn more about the local culture and crafts. The smell of honey will transport you closer to their practice and you will leave with a warm heart and full hands.
For those who are keen on anecdotes and history, don’t hesitate to book a guided tour of the village centre! You can visit the village, the honey factory, the milk museum and the brewery with an authentic and fascinating guide!

Before moving on, let me recommend a stop at the Relais des Merveilles. This restaurant offers a family cuisine prepared with fresh products. On the menu, gnocchi and ravioli with wild spinach, nettle soup, trout, or even home-made pastries for the evening. Enjoy a hearty dish with a breathtaking view of the mountains, and then get back to sightseeing.

Finally, Belvédère is also the starting point for many walks and hikes to the surrounding valleys and the Mercantour National Park. Home to several lakes offering breathtaking views, take the opportunity to take a deep breath of fresh air.
Discover the Gordolasque and its Valley of Wonders, its waterfalls such as those of the Ray and the Estrech or its numerous walks such as the one in the footsteps of Belle and Sebastian (yes, the film was shot there!).
Follow the paths prepared for you and look up: the view will be spectacular throughout the walk. Take advantage of the natural landscapes to recharge your batteries and allow yourself a real break from the hectic pace of everyday life.
You can also enjoy an unusual relaxation activity in the middle of nature: sylvotherapy. You will find Cindy in an eco-place in the Gordolasque Valley. With Focus Forêt, Cindy offers you sylvotherapy sessions that will allow you to connect with nature and to recharge your batteries. During this time, she will accompany you and invite you to awaken your 5 senses in order to connect to the present moment and to yourself.

If you like to roam around and regularly change places to spend the night, how could I not recommend you to drop your bags at Les Écrins de Belvédère! Unusual accommodation with private Jacuzzi, let yourself be tempted by a night in one of their cosy tree houses. You prefer to stay on the ground? No problem, try the experience by booking a “hobbit” cabin surrounded by mountains, or a shepherd’s room!

Want to sleep in a large Inuit teepee? That’s possible too! Go back to Cindy from Focus Forêt. After a well-deserved sylvotherapy, she offers you an unusual accommodation with a very low carbon footprint: everything is recycled and a permaculture vegetable garden is even available to you!

For this seventh day, I suggest you head for Valdeblore La Colmiane. Situated in the Mercantour National Park at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, this commune includes several mountain villages: La Bolline, La Roche and Saint-Dalmas, the hamlet of Mollières and the resort of La Colmiane.

Ideally situated in the middle of nature, it is a real goldmine for lovers of outdoor activities! Summer sledging, tree climbing, swimming pool, horse riding, climbing, Via Ferrata and of course skiing and sledging in winter! It offers 21 slopes and 3 itineraries for ski touring and snowshoeing in the area.
But above all, La Colmiane is known for its famous zip line, the longest in France! Take the chairlift to the Pic de La Colmiane and enjoy the high altitude restaurant before taking off. Solo or in duo, let yourself be carried above the resort and its lakes to enjoy a breathtaking spectacle at 130 km/h (maximum!).
For the calmer ones, don’t hesitate to go and relax in the resort’s wellness area: sauna, hammam and jacuzzi are waiting for you.
And if you are not tempted by these activities, you are spoilt for choice: skijoëring, horse riding, dog sledding, paragliding: everything is possible on our territory!

After discovering the superb vegetation of La Colmiane, you will be able to explore the historical heritage of the village through 3 itineraries composed by us: “Les chemins de Valdeblore”. Specially designed for you, they will give you the opportunity to dive into the history of La Colmiane and to discover the most emblematic historical sites of the village.

Take the time to stroll through the streets of these charming little villages and discover their chapels and churches and the local legends associated with them. You will be amazed by the richness of their stories and the beauty of their traditional architecture.

Don’t forget to stop at the Valdeblore La Colmiane information office for more information on routes and other tourist attractions in the area.

If you are looking for an educational and relaxing activity for the children, don’t miss a visit to the Mercantour farm. This educational farm is the ideal place to spend unforgettable moments with your family. You can even organise a complete stay here and enrol your children in farmer’s courses to teach them how to look after the animals.

When visiting the farm, you will have the opportunity to meet Marc, the farmer, who will show you how to take care of the animals. He will also explain how the farm works and how the products are made. You can discover the different animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs. Finally, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to relax and get away from the stress of the city.

The next stop is in Roure. This perched village facing south and protected from the prevailing winds is characterised by its small purple houses, typical of the agro-pastoral architecture of the valley.
It is within this pretty Provencal setting that you will find the Marcel Kroenlein Arboretum. A fabulous setting perched at an altitude of between 1280 and 1700 metres, it gathers and protects 15 hectares of luxuriant vegetation and an impressive collection of trees from all over the world. The only high altitude arboretum in Europe, it will take you on a journey of total immersion in nature and tell you the story of life through biodiversity.
Benefit from educational workshops on environmental prevention, the virtues of medicinal plants and also on the awakening of artistic and manual creation. This immense place is in fact the only arboretum linked to art. In winter, let yourself be caught up in the green and white immensity for a stroll. As if time had stopped, discover a pristine nature covered with a white coat: a breathtaking spectacle.

For this last day, I invite you to take some altitude and to go to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage! About a hundred kilometres from Nice, Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m-2916 m) and one of the most charming villages in the French Alps. Immersed in the heart of nature, the town nestles at the foot of a majestic cirque of high mountains and dizzying grey cliffs. The starting point of a multitude of hiking trails, it is an ideal green setting to enjoy nature activities and relaxation in Nice Côte d’Azur.

To accompany you in your discovery, the Tinée Mercantour guides propose a large number of unforgettable activities!
In summer, go and meet the chamois and the wild fauna of Isola 2000. Take every opportunity to discover these sometimes discreet but fascinating animals. Quietly, observe ibexes, roe deer and marmots nestling in the heart of our mountains.
Venture to the lakes of Vens or Lausfer: true jewels of the Mercantour. From Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée or Isola 2000, you can enjoy extraordinary panoramas, among the most beautiful landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes, such as the 6 lakes of Vens which follow one another for example!

In winter, be sure to visit the Gialorgues icefalls. Take the time to watch and admire the beauty of the power of the water trapped in the ice. A breathtaking natural sight that allows you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature. For the more adventurous, you can even be introduced to ice climbing!

You can also enjoy a zen and well-being walk nearby, at Isola 2000. With meditation, yoga and breath awareness, set off to discover majestic landscapes enveloped in white, and enjoy a different approach to snowshoeing.
For night owls, discover Isola 2000’s nocturnal activity with a guide. At a time when wildlife is returning to its natural habitat and nature is reclaiming its rights, take in all the beauty of the Nice Côte d’Azur by moonlight.

Kalice Brun, a chef with a passion for her region, invites you to a unique culinary experience based on the discovery of wild and edible plants. You’ll start with a walk through the surrounding woods to learn how to identify the edible plants that grow wild. Then, follow Kalice into the picturesque garden of her country house ‘La Maison Églantine’ in Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée for hands-on herbalism and living cooking workshops. You’ll learn how to use wild herbs to create tasty, healthy dishes, while discovering the medicinal virtues of these wonderful plants. You can also visit local farms and farmers’ markets to learn more about the plants that nourish and heal. This unique experience will allow you to reconnect with nature and look after your health through healthy, natural eating.

Onil Bosco, a mountain guide in Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, can also accompany you on walks in the mountains. With over 20 years’ experience in the Tinée, she’ll show you breathtaking scenery and tell you all about the history and special features of the area. Onil will guide you along the trails, but above all she will transport you into a world of exceptional natural beauty. Knowing every nook and cranny of these majestic mountains and their fascinating history, she’ll enthral you with this land rich in culture and tradition. Take time with every step, let your mind wander freely and free yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life. Throughout the journey, Onil will undoubtedly pass on her unconditional love for the breathtaking nature of the Nice Côte d’Azur. Find out more about her story in episode 10 of our portraits of brilliant women!