PEILLON, A TRUE EAGLE’S NEST ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR | Côte d’Azur France / French Riviera

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HILLTOP VILLAGES OF FRANCE

Entered on the list of sites, Peillon is considered as one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in France.

Only 20 km from Nice, this hilltop village stands 376 m above sea level in the Pailllon valley. Its medieval architecture of fortifications, winding narrow streets cut by vaulted passages and wide stairways, and the stone houses grouped in circles, invites the visitor on a veritable journey backwards through the centuries.

Peillon’s land encompasses no less than six hamlets in addition to its old village: Borgheas, Châteauvieux, Sainte-Thècle, Le Moulin and Les Novaines. They are all located deep in the heart of a protected natural environment.

Peillon and its hamlets are worth the detour for an enchanting visit.

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A HERITAGE THAT HAS REMAINED INTACT

A village that has been occupied since prehistoric times, Peillon contains some heritage treasures.

Among the many monuments not to be missed in Peillon:

➥ The Church of the Transfiguration that in fact houses the remains of a fortified castle, the keep of which became the church belltower as of the 12th century. Its interior with a rustic baroque influence is also worth a look.

➥ Below the village, the Chapel of the Pénitents Blancs [White Penitents] is also a must-see. It houses magnificent frescoes by Jean Canavesio dating from the 15th century. In 2000, the chapel was also listed as a historic monument.

➥ Place Arnulf: a fountain found here dates back to 1800. This fountain was listed as a historic monument in 1941.

➥ The former School in Peillon currently houses the “Lux in tenebris” fresco created in 1952 by Charles Rocher de Gérigné, a painter from Peillon.

➥ Several oratories and calvaries punctuate the tour of the village.

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A BEAUTIFUL HIKE TO GET TO THE OLD VILLAGE

While it is of course possible to get to Peillon by road, it is great fun to do so on foot during a hike. At 11 km in length, the Lourquière circuit starts and ends at the Grave-de-Peille railway station.

The first part, before reaching the village of Peillon, is a climb made in the shade of the pine forest, while the return on leaving Peillon is along a footpath that offers an exceptional view over the hilltop village.

Old arched bridges, cobbled paths and Mediterranean architecture immerse you in a typical and authentic setting.

➥ Discover the route

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THE GUIDO & FILS MILL AND ITS AOP OIL PRODUCTS

When passing through Peillon, it’s impossible not to stop and visit the Guido & Fils mill.

This olive mill is first and foremost a family business, created in 1991 and taken over in 2005 by Olivier and Christine, a brother and sister wanting to continue a family tradition, that of their grandparents.

Among the many products offered for sale and tasting by the two mill-owners: olive oil, olives, olive pâté, etc. Three AOP Nice products, a label guaranteeing their typicity and that there are no taste defects.

Every day except Sunday and bank holidays from 14:30 to 19:00 the Guido & Fils mill offers you:

➥ Tour of the modern mill

➥ Tastings

➥ Sale of products in the store

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