You have decided to visit the beautiful Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Among the places not to be forgotten on your journey, there is the peaceful village of Valbonne located near Cannes and Antibes. The village is very enriching culturally and it will also delight nature lovers. Valbonne has everything to please tourists passing through and looking for the Provencal charm.
An exceptional nature
A visit to Valbonne will take you to a naturally beautiful world and make you forget the modern world. The village abounds in natural and wild places quite exceptional that you must absolutely visit. In particular, there is the Bragues Valley Trail which is the favorite route for walkers. The walk in this place can be done in family by taking the small paths provided for this purpose. If you do your walk in the spring, you can enjoy a stroll dotted with flowers that brighten up the surroundings. You will be able to discover many herbaceous species as well as different species of mushrooms. The path is composed of small canyons and forest passages that are both fun and pleasant. The trees offer a shady area for summer walks that is not to be neglected. When the river level is low enough, you can take the path along the river bed. The Bragues valley trail offers beautiful natural surprises thanks to its fauna and flora, waterfalls and natural pools.
A village engraved in history
The village of Valbonne has a very old and rich past. Research has made it possible to go back as far as Prehistory. Traces of antiquity have been found thanks to the presence of amphora fragments in particular. But the first constructions date back to the 12th century. The houses were built around the Chalaisian abbey. During your visit in the historical part of the village, you will notice that the houses do not have a door on the outside. This is simply explained by the fact that they were “walled houses” to ensure the security of the village.
The center of this historic village is located at the Place des Arcades. This place is dotted with cafes and beautiful stores. Tourists can easily find the atmosphere and charm of Provence. Sitting at the terrace of a café, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Place des Arcades. The construction of the buildings has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages with the stone arches providing shelter for the merchants. Originally, these “arches” served as stables on the first floor and the houses are located on the first floor.
The formation of the streets is atypical since they were built at right angles, as on a checkers game. Whichever alley you take, you will arrive at the magnificent Place des Arcades. Valbonne is a city that is proud of its origins and that takes care to keep its past intact in order to share its history with its inhabitants and tourists. Leaving the center of Valbonne, you will be able to discover the old mill which is located near the river. The church that was at the origin of the formation of this historical village still exists and can be visited. Moreover, it still has some elements of the 13th century such as the Romanesque style architecture.
Handicraft also has a place in the shops of Valbonne and is very well promoted: glassware, pottery and pewter. The advantage of this city is that it has been able to adapt to modernity with the Sophia-Antipolis technology park while preserving the richness of its past.
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