Circuit Malvan
A gentle hike passing 13th century ruins
The Notre-Dame des Fleurs stands on the site of an 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The building now houses the gallery Beaubourg which exhibits contemporary works of art.
At the top of this hike lies the stronghold destroyed in the 13th century. Along the hike you can still see some sections of the wall that have survived, forgotten in the scrub land. You also pass the medieval Chapel of Saint Raphael. The building is in a bad state of repair and although a small part has been restored it is threatening to collapse.
What to bring
IGN map 3643ET is recommended for this walk.
Directions
From the Notre-Dame des Fleurs the route rises north through the district of Les Cambreniers, follow the path trail ans small road to gain the track towards the St Raphael chapel, on your right and the ruins of the ancient village of Malvans on your left.
After a detour to the chapel continue north to the stream Malvan, cross the stream and continue now in a south easterly direction after stopping to admire the views. The path leads through some dense vegetation and follow the road down past La Colline de Vence hotel. Take a right here and follow it down to the next junction. Take another right and follow this road, Chemin de l'Ormee until the end keeping a southerly direction. Turning right onto Route de Grasse, turning right at the roundabout then the next right to return to the start.
