Annot
Charming village in the hills above Nice
Annot combines medieval charm with modern Provençal style in a wonderfully relaxed fashion. It's also a great centre for mountain sports.
On the scenic train line from Nice to Dignes, on arrival at Annot train station the main village is a 10-minute walk away through a pleasant residential area; it’s easy to find, just look out for the red roof tiles and head in that direction.
First of all you’ll pass by the tourist office on the main square, a wide shady area lined with tall Plane trees. Beyond is a quiet intersection where the terraces of a few different cafés and bars face a large petanque pitch beside the river Vaïre. The bridge that crosses the river is the Pont de la Donne, built in 1709 and registered as an historical monument.
On turning right at the intersection you’ll enter the old village; a fascinating tangle of medieval alleyways and beautiful stone buildings. The tiny streets all loop round to meet each other, so it's easy to double back and find yourself back where you started without realising.
Annot is not just a monument to the past, there is also lots to do and it is a popular site for rock climbers thanks to the sandstone of the Grès d'Annot.
History & Culture in [locality]
The legend of the Chambres du Roi dates back to the 10th century when Saracen marauders were sweeping France.
Apparently a Christian prince of Lower Provence was on the run from the Saracens and was granted refuge in a rocky cavern, where he and his princess lived in safety until their hiding place was revealed by a traitor and they were slaughtered by the Saracens, along with the people of Annot who had helped hide them. The entire village would have been wiped out if it were not for a plague that swept through the Saracen ranks, mysteriously stopping once all the infidels were dead.
All good stories obviously end with a ghostly presence and this one is the restless soul of the traitor, who apparently appears as a strange glowing vision as dawn breaks over the rocks.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
In the heart of the old village is the solid stone church of Notre-Dame, call into the smaller Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs next door to see the beautiful 17th century altar painting by François Mimault.
The stone vaulted archway that leads to the old village marks the start of the Grand Rue - the main road of Annot since the 14th century.
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Events in [locality]
Annot has a regular market every Tuesday morning and a foire on Saturdays.
Things to do in [locality]
Call into the tourist office and pick up a town map, it has all the historical monuments listed on it so that you can go on a self-guided walking tour.
The Grès d'Annot is a site popular with rock climbers for its massive sandstone boulders, some more than 100m high. You can also see the impressive rock formations by following the Chambre du Roi; a hiking trail that starts behind the train station and loops round through forests back to the village. It takes around three hours and is reasonably flat.
There are also many other hikes signposted from the village that lead into the mountains and gorges of the Vallée du Var.
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Dining in [locality]
The centre of Annot has a small collection of cafés, bars, bakeries and crêperies. If you want to feel like a true local then head to the Café du Commerce beside the river and sip on a pastis whilst watching the locals play petanque.
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Chalets in [locality]
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Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
4 Oct 20257 Nights1-9 peopleSelf-catered€3,140 -
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Apartments in [locality]
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
4 Oct 20257 Nights1-9 peopleSelf-catered€3,140 -
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Located in Les Baux-de-Provence
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
19 July 20257 Nights€17,100 -
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Directions
Annot is situated between Nice and Dignes-les-Bains and can most easily be reached on the Train des Pignes, a slow-moving but very scenic train ride through the Var valley.
If you're driving, Annot is on route D908 just off the RN202.
