The Riviera has long been one of Europe's most important transport routes, allowing traders, travellers and soldiers through the narrow coastal passes between the Mediterranean and the Alps. People who love the outdoors are spoilt for choice when it comes to commanding views of the sea and the mountains. Whether you hike or drive, here is Riviera Route's selection of five stunning towns that you must not miss during your next visit to the Riviera.
Èze
Èze is like an eagle's nest, perched on a steep column of rock over 400 metres above the sea and the Cape Ferrat (Cap Ferrat), close to the city of Nice. Its strategic position has been prized for millennia. Long before the ancient Romans came, the Phoenicians had a fortress temple here dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis (from whence the name Èze is derived). The beautiful medieval village is still wrapped around the ruins of the castle, where today you will a cactus garden (Jardin Exotique) and several viewpoints over the Côte d’Azur.
Go further: Head to the Parc Départemental Grande Corniche for stunning views of both the French and Italian sides of the Riviera. There’s a well-signed hiking trail (646) starting from Avenue de la Marne (the bridge before Fragonnard). You can also drive there by following the signs to the Col d’Èze, from the main bus stop.
Roquebrune
Similar to Èze, but less touristy, is Roquebrune, just east of Monaco. Today, Roquebrune extends down to the coast and Cap Martin, and is home to many luxurious villas. But in the middle of this garden of swimming pools, palm trees and winding corniche roads lies the kernel, the old medieval fortress of Roquebrune. It was a stronghold of the Grimaldi family who still rule Monaco to this day. The fortress is surrounded by a warren of stone buildings, which today house restaurants and cute shops. Roquebrune fort is the peaceful medieval heart of one of France's most wealthy districts.
Go further: Climb down towards the sea to find one of the Riviera’s loveliest seaside trails - the Sentier des Douaniers. There are several old paths (“chemins”) leading from the medieval village down to the Basse Corniche. From the start of Avenue Villarem, the Sentier Massolin takes you straight to the Sentier des Douaniers, precisely where Le Corbusier’s beach hut is located. From there you can go east to explore the rest of Cap Martin or head west to Monaco to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
Seborga
Across the French-Italian border is the Principality of Seborga. You haven't heard of this micro-state? Well, its light-hearted claim to be a sovereign principality, though with some historical basis, is not taken too seriously, and realistically mostly serves to draw visitors' attention to this little hamlet. Not that Seborga needs a gimmick; it is a wonderful example of the region's medieval fortress town architecture, and it enjoys commanding views of Monaco and the Italian resort town of Bordighera. There is some evidence that the town was ruled by the medieval order of the Knights Templar. Today, it is a peaceful, quiet town surrounded by olive groves, flower cultivation and sea breezes.
Go further: There is a scenic hiking trail which starts on the side of the cemetery - follow the signs to Passo del Ronco. You can do a short round walk to find beautiful pine forests and commanding views over the sea.
Dolceacqua
The castle of the powerful Genoese Doria family dominates Dolceacqua. A single-arch stone bridge beneath the castle has become a distinctive symbol of this town. It was painted by the French impressionist Claude Monet, who called Dolceacqua "a jewel of lightness". Today most buildings here are painted in the traditional bright hues of Ligurian towns. It is the centre of a certified Italian wine region (a DOC), producing rossese, a classic light red.
Go further: Drive along the scenic “Wine Road” of the Rossese vineyards along the Strada Provinciale (SP) 70. From Dolceacqua, take the SP68 in the direction of Rochetta Nervia. After 3km you will find signs to the “Gouta / Camporosso”. The road skirts the mountains surrounding Dolceacqua, offering stunning views and a handful of excellent wineries along the way.
Castellaro
Castellaro is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Sanremo coast. It is the sort of laid-back Italian village where children still play football in the squares, and older people pass the hours chatting under the shade of a tree. Castellaro is most definitely not on the tourist map, and we like it that way. It enjoys views to the sea - sometimes the island of Corsica is visible in the distance - and the town also overlooks Taggia, an old city that is home to the art-rich Monastery of San Domenico, with its exquisite Renaissance paintings.
Go further: Nordic Walkers will be pleased to hear Castellaro boasts an accredited Nordic Walking Park, a mostly flat trail designed for fans of this discipline. The starting point is the Santuario di Lampedusa (Trail 707). The 7-kilometre trail skirts around the mountains into the Valley Argentina, offering wonderful views. The trail is designated ‘blue’ (easy).
Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.
Photos: Scorcio.it
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