Entrevaux
An impressive walled town topped with a medieval citadel
First recorded in 1040, Entrevaux is an arresting sight - a walled medieval town surrounded by a moat, with a drawbridge entrance, towering gatehouses and a series of fortified walls leading up to a 17th century citadel perched up high above an enormous valley.
The dark cobbled streets are crammed with old buildings, many of which house artists’ workshops, bric-a-brac and other curiosities. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy some local Provençal cuisine but, despite Entrevaux being quite a touristy place, they adhere to very “French” opening hours so make sure you have lunch between 12:00 and 14:00, or you’ll go hungry until dinner time.
The highlight of a trip to Entrevaux is making the short but reasonably steep climb up to the citadel. As the walled footpath zigzags up the mountainside you get fantastic views of the valley in all directions, wildflowers and brambles have crept up the walls and twist around the solid ancient stones. Once you’re at the top you can follow the numbered signs for a self-guided museum tour of the old prison cells, the bakery and the various rooms of the citadel.
Disturbingly, you can climb down rickety ladders into the pitch-black dungeons that were used to house prisoners of war in more recent years - they’re extremely creepy and you don’t need much imagination to realise how horrific it must have been to be a prisoner here.
At the other end of the scale are the commandant’s quarters with their terraces, fireplaces and sweeping views of the olive groves, pine forests, mountains and rivers of the Var. Access to the citadel is “self-service”; you must buy a token at the entrance and then let yourself in at a revolving gate. You can pick up leaflets that give you more information on the history and architecture of the site.
History & Culture in [locality]
Entrevaux was founded in the 11th century by the inhabitants of Glandèves, an ancient Roman town. Easy to defend and easy to fortify, so between the 11th - 15th century it was the perfect location for populations living with constant fear and insecurity. It was heavily fortified by King François I in the mid 16th century and again by King Louis XIV towards the end of the 17th century, in order to defend France from the Savoie invaders.
King Louis employed a man named Vauban, one of the greatest military engineers of his time, and one of the most important in Western military history, who designed and built dozens of forts and fortifications throughout France during his career, one being La Citadelle. He updated and reinforced the existing structures which were inadequate.
Its most recent and last military use was as late as WWI when it was a prison for German officers.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
As well as the citadel and the town itself, Entrevaux also has a 17th century cathedral dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption; architecture is Gothic in style but the interior has much more of a Baroque influence.
To get a taste for local life you can also visit the traditional bread oven and the oil and flour mills that have been providing the community for centuries.
For something a bit more modern, Entrevaux has a small motorbike museum tucked amongst its labyrinth of backstreets and alleyways on Rue Serpente. Open from May to September, it houses about 70 motorbikes mostly all pre-1970’s.
Sights in Nice
See all Sights & Sites-
Musee Escoffier de l'Art Culinaire, Villeneuve Loubet
This museum was set up by outstanding chef Auguste Escoffier who worked as head chef at the Savoy in London. He founded this museum which is dedicated to culinary art.
-
Promenade du Paillon
Located in Nice
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
-
Volti Museum
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
-
Palais Lascaris Museum
Located in Nice
This grand noble residence dates to the early 17th century and was the property of the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It has an interesting collection of Baroque art and furniture.
-
Ferrero Gallery
Located in Nice
Founded as a photographic studio in 1958, and opened as a gallery in 1972, Jean Ferrero exhibited works from the School of Nice and the New Realism genre.
-
Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located in Cannes
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Nice
See all Beaches-
Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Located 43.5 km away
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
-
Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Located 43.8 km away
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
-
Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Located 43.8 km away
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
-
Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Located 44.6 km away
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
-
Plage de Lenval Beach
Located 45.1 km away
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
-
Plage du Carras Beach
Located 45.2 km away
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Things to do in [locality]
To explore Entrevaux on foot, you can pick up a walking guide from the tourist office on the way in, along with various leaflets for all the different points of interest.
There is also a multitude of hiking trails leading out of Entrevaux into the mountains beyond, the map for this region is IGN (1/25,000) #3641 OT "Moyenne Var".
Things To Do in Nice
See all Activities & Trips-
One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
-
Motorbike hire
Located in Nice
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
-
Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
-
Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
-
-
Provence self-guided motorbike tour
Located in Nice
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Nice
See all Restaurants-
La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Located in Grasse
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
-
Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
-
Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Located in Cap Ferrat
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
-
Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Located in Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
-
Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
-
La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
See all Bars & Clubs-
Le Bar du Negresco
Located in Nice
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
-
Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Located in Nice
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
-
Shapko Bar
Located in Nice
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
-
Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
Located in Nice
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
-
Wayne's Bar
Located in Nice
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
-
AMF Acropolis Bowling
Located in Nice
Located behind the Acropolis, the AMF centre is one of the largest bowling alleys in France.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Nice
See all Villas-
Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
-
Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
-
Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
-
Aurelia Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
-
Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
Located in Vence
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
-
Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
Apartments in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
See all Holiday Rentals-
Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
Located in Vence
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
-
Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
-
Hsud0081 Villa
Located in Nice
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
-
Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
-
Aurelia Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
-
Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
See all Hotels-
Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Located in Nice
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Price: €3,969
-
La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Located in Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
-
Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €257,250
-
La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
-
Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Price: €6,637
-
Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
Located in Cap Ferrat
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
Directions
Just 60km from Nice, the quickest way to reach Entrevaux is by car along the twisting N202.
However, if you suffer from car sickness, or just want to enjoy the ride then the Chemins de Fer de Provence train line runs from Nice to Entrevaux about five times a day on the way to Dignes-les-Bains. It takes about an hour and a half and is a wonderful way to see the scenery along the way.
There is also a bus service from Nice to Beuil that stops at Entrevaux.