Breil-sur-Roya
Visit an olive mill, discover ancient ruins and go canyoning
A lovely old town with a river running through it, overlooked by vast mountains and surrounded by terraced olive groves.
The streets are so narrow that it can be difficult to step back and take a good look at the buildings; to gain a little perspective, scramble up to the ruins of the old castle behind the town. You'll find a little path called Montée du Caste leading up from the town, and then it's a short scramble through an overgrown path to a tatty excuse for a flag at the top. All that remains of the castle is a few stones and half-buried walls but the views are excellent and it's a nice place to take a picnic.
If you have a couple of hours to spare and a decent pair of shoes you can hike up to the Tour Cruella, a 13th century fortified tower that looks over the town. It's named after a bird of prey and has nothing to do with Dalmatian puppies.
Rue Pasteur is the main street that runs through the centre of the village; a narrow pedestrian passageway lined with small shops where you can buy fresh bread, meat, cheeses and other local goods. Small alleyways link it to parallel streets where tall narrow houses almost seem to lean in over your head.
The river that runs through Breil-sur-Roya widens out when it passes the town and a hydro-electric dam at one end forms a lovely little lake where you'll often see locals fishing for trout.
History & Culture in [locality]
Wandering the backstreets will reveal all sorts of relics from the past; old bread ovens, stone water troughs, ancient passages. Ask at the tourist office for a town map and you'll find all the main points of interest listed so that you can embark on a self-guided walking tour.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The building that looks like a castle beside the river is, in fact, a church. Sancta Maria des Albis was built in the 17th century and looks completely different on one side than on the other. While the back looks like a fortified castle, the front dominates a tiny little square and has a warm red façade, with a smaller Chapelle de la Miséricorde beside it. Look up to see the brightly coloured tiles on the bells towers, they're so high that you can't really get a good perspective on them from the front so walk around a bit and view them from different angles.
Sights in Provence
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Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue
You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
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Chateau de Sauvan, Luberon
This is an impressive 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens that allows visitors a chance to explore elegant rooms decorated in the style of the time. Th gardens contain ponds with swans and ducks, peacocks, lavender fields and terraces. The chateau also produces its own honey courtesy of 25 bee hives.
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Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
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Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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L'Essentiel de Lavande, Grignan
From cultivation right through to the essential oil, come here and discover the journey of a plant whose fragrance and many virtues have been our childhood companions!
Dining in [locality]
Place Biancheri is the main square, with the Office de Tourisme and a couple of little restaurants to choose from. It doesn't have a huge amount going on but it's in a nice spot and is a good place to sit with a coffee and watch daily life unfold.
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
Events in [locality]
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon
As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Things to do in [locality]
There are a number of activity companies in Breil-sur-Roya where you can book yourself in for some river rafting, canyoning, via ferrata, mountain biking and many other outdoor adventures.
There are plenty of good hiking routes leading out of Breil and into the wilderness of the Vallée de la Roya. You can walk to Sospel in about five hours, from where you can pick up the Train des Merveilles to take you back to Nice, or Saorge and Tende are also wonderful places to trek to.
The GR52 trail that goes from Geneva in the Haute-Savoie to Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes passes through Breil, look out for the red and white markers painted on rocks, walls and trees. You can find all routes on map IGN #3841 OT Vallée de la Roya.
Other activities in the village include a tour of the olive mill where you can find out how olive oil is pressed and taste some tapenade, or a visit to the Ecomusée, a museum of rare and vintage vehicles ranging from locomotives to old tramcars.
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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Le Scat Nightclub
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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La Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
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L'Inattendue Villa, Cucuron
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Price: €5,164
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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......
Price: €3,109
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Souvenirs Intemporels Villa
A superb opportunity for a holiday in Camargue - Souvenirs Intemporels
Price: €8,961
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
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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Julii Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This holiday rental with swimming pool will allow you to fully enjoy all the shops and restaurants of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the city centre is accessible on foot.
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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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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
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Le Capitaine Villa, Bonnieux
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Price: €510
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
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Chateau de Berne Hotel
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
Price: €7,976
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
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Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Price: €5,208
How to get to [locality]
Breil-sur-Roya is easy to get to on the Train des Merveilles, which runs directly from Nice. If you want to drive you can take the N2204 via Sospel, the D2566 from Menton or the E74 from Vintimiglia in Italy.
Transfers for Provence
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Stunning property ideally set in a private domain with views over the sea and the vineyards.
Price: €23,000,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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Villa for Sale
Villa in the heart of the countryside - uninterrupted view of the village
Price: €995,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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