Parc départemental de San Peyre

In the foreground, the gulf of La Napoule and the valleys of the Siagne and Argentière rivers, and in the distance, the majestic peaks of the Mercantour to the east and the red rocks of the Esterel to the west. It was this dominant position that the Phoenicians, then the Celto-Ligurians, chose as a lookout post. The Romans are said to have built a temple dedicated to Mercury. In 1182, the Seigneur de Villeneuve had the Château d'Avignonnet built, along with a chapel dedicated to Saint Pierre (San Peyre). Of these buildings, restored in 1259 and then destroyed in 1387, only a few remains have survived the passage of time, notably the remains of the keep and the surrounding walls. The park is situated on a volcanic cone, a remnant of the layers of lava discharged during its active periods by the Maure-Vieille volcano, located a little further west. At the base of the mountain, notably near Boulevard du Bon Puits, you can see sandstones uncovered by erosion. In this park, set in an urban area among pines, cork oaks and mimosas, you'll enjoy the colors and scents of the maquis species (heather, arbutus, cysts) and the distinctive shapes of the cacti. In this unspoilt setting, let yourself be lulled by the songs of the birds: kinglets, warblers, robins and nightingales will be there to charm you.