Breil-sur-Roya has it all: a unique way of life and gastronomy, a history filled with stories, a village in the heart of the mountains… Here, you can break away from the everyday!
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1 day 1 village
A day in Breil-sur-Roya
Visit the heart of Breil-sur-Roya
Through the old village
Arrive at Breil station. Your journey begins in front of thebaroque church of Santa-Maria-in-Albis. Its ochre facade gives the impression of being an ant. The show goes on inside, with its altar, its organ, ranked among the finest in the valley, and Louis Bréa’s altarpiece. A plunge into several centuries of art and history.
Awaken your senses as you stroll along Rue de Turin. Witness to the medieval period, this place of life will take you back to the Breillois art of living, where Italian and Provençal culinary scents come together. Mouth-watering aromas? Then head to the Maison des producteurs to sample local specialties, or enjoy a picnic by Lac aux Cygnes.
FOUNTAINS AND WASH-HOUSES
As you stroll through the village, you’ll notice a number of fountains and wash-houses, once used by washerwomen to wash their clothes.
Recommendations
for a successful visit:
- Don’t forget to download the tour map above to make sure you don’t miss a thing of the village!
- If you’re coming by car, park in the village at Place Biancheri (except Tuesday mornings, market day) or at the train station. Parking is free.
- Ideal for families, the children’s garden (next to the War Memorial) offers a welcome break in the shade.
- Fancy a culinary break? Visit one of our restaurants or snack bars.
- On Tuesdays from 9am to 1pm, come to the market (place Biancheri) to meet our producers and soak up the local flavors.
Extend your visit :
an XXL panorama worth seeing
Cross the village and climb up the “Crottés” path. Admire the panorama before you: the ochre roofs contrast with the green mountains of the valley. The breath of the wind brings with it the scent of thyme and fresh grass: enjoy the moment!
Return to the village via the other slope, decorated with olive trees and its plunging view over the Roya. Lulled by the song of the cicadas, you’ll catch sight of two reminders of medieval times: the chapel of Saint-Antoine l’Ermite, and the Porte de Gênes.
THE CROTTES TRAIL
Crottés” are small vaulted shelters typical of the region. They were used to store drying racks for figs and plums.
Recommendations
on the Crottés trail :
- A walk for everyone: a 30-minute round trip is all you need.
- From the town hall, walk up boulevard Rouvier towards the Pont Supérieur, turn right into rue Ciappera, then left onto the path leading up to Les Crottés.
TRAIN HISTORY
Stop off at the Écomusée des transports, near the station, to discover the history of the famous Nice-Cuneo railway line (open Sunday afternoons only).
Recommendations
for safe hiking
- Make sure you’re well-equipped: cap, good shoes and a snack – you’re all set!
- If you have them, a pair of binoculars and a compass will always come in handy.
- To make sure you don’t get lost, take an IGN map with you.
- Beware: some mountain areas don’t have good network coverage.
- Don’t forget to take plenty of water, as there are no water points on the trails (except at the olive grove).
Discover our cycling trails
THE FORMER HARDY BARRACKS
As you pass the Breil hospital, you’ll see that the old building was once a military barracks, until Italy declared war in 1940.
Recommendations
for your cycling outings:
- We recommend that you bring your own bike, as there are no bike rentals in Breil.
- Keep a repair kit with you at all times, as it can be difficult to find materials to repair a wheel!
- Do you have an electric bike? Recharging is available behind the town hall, just like for electric cars.
For a day at the Top...
Our expert advice
How to get to us
- If you choose to drive from Menton, you can reach us via Sospel via the Col de Brouis to Breil-sur-Roya and Tende. Further information on : Getting to the Roya Valley
- From Nice, take the A8 (1h10 driving time).
Practicalities
- There is only one cash dispenser in Breil-sur-Roya, esplanade Charles de Gaulle.
- Check the opening hours of the monuments before you go out.
- Please note that on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., traffic is restricted at Place Biancheri due to the market.
- Fancy a picnic with local flavours? Visit the market to discover our producers’ stalls, the bakery on the main street, which prepares packed lunches, or the Maison des producteurs next door… we’d love to hear from you 😉
- All village fountains are drinkable, unless otherwise indicated.
- For further advice, contact Marine or Hélène at the tourist office: breil-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr or 04 83 93 98 34.
