Breil-sur-Roya has everything going for it: unique lifestyle, signature food and drink, an exciting history and mountain setting. This is the place for a real change of scene!
Breil Sur Roya Drone De RegardBreil Sur Roya Drone De Regard|
1 day 1 village
A day in Breil-sur-Roya
Visit central Breil-sur-Roya
Through the old town
End at Breil station. Your adventure begins in front of the baroque Santa-Maria-in-Albis Church. Its ochre walls are awe-inspiring. The show continues inside at the altar with the organ (one of the finest in the valley) and altarpiece by Louis Bréa. Dive into centuries of art and history.
Your senses come alive as you walk along Rue de Turin. This hive of activity harks back to medieval times and captures you in the local lifestyle where Italian and Provençal aromas collide. Have the smells awakened your appetite? Head to the Maison des Producteurs farm shop to sample local specialities or have a lakeside picnic by Lac aux Cygnes.
FOUNTAINS AND WASHHOUSES
As you explore you’ll see the many fountains and washhouses where washerwomen used to do their laundry.
Tips
for a successful visit:
- Remember to download the tour map above so you don’t miss anything of the village!
- If you are driving, park in the village at Place Biancheri (except on Tuesday mornings, market day) or at the train station. Parking is free.
- Ideal for families, the children’s garden offers a welcome break in the shade (next to the War Memorial).
- 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 flavours.
Linger a little longer:
no pain, no gain
Go through the village and up the Crottés path. Gaze at the views ahead: ochre roofs contrast with the valley’s green mountains. The breeze whips up the aromas of thyme and fresh grass: take a deep breath!
Return to the village on the other side peppered with olive trees and bird’s eye views of the Roya. Listen to the cricket song and look out for two medieval sites: Saint-Antoine l’Ermite Chapel and Porte de Gênes gateway.
La porte de Gênes est au premier plan, au loin on peut apercevoir la Chapelle de Saint-Antoine l'Hermite ainsi qu'une montagne. Porte de Gênes Breil-sur-Roya|
THE CROTTES PATH
“Crottés” are the region’s traditional vaulted little huts. They were used to store grids for drying figs and plums.
Tips
on the Crottés path:
- A walk that anyone can enjoy: a 30 minute round trip and you’re done.
- Go up Boulevard Rouver from the Town Hall to Pont Supérieur bridge, turn right on Rue Ciappera then left on the path up to the Crottés.
Explore the surroundings on foot
Train Des Merveilles Devant La Gare De Breil Sur RoyaTrain Des Merveilles Devant La Gare De Breil Sur Roya|
RAILWAY HISTORY
Stop at the Rail Museum near the station and learn all about the famous Nice-Cuneo railway line (only open Sunday afternoon).
Tips
to hike with peace of mind
- Get off on the right foot: pack a hat, good shoes and a snack then you’re good to go!
- Binoculars and a compass always come in handy.
- Pick up an IGN map so you can ramble with peace of mind.
- Please note: some mountain areas don’t have good network coverage.
- Make sure you have enough water as there are no water fountains on the paths (apart from the olive grove one).
Check out our bike trails
Family-friendly, electric, cross-country
Fleuve Breil Sur Roya Drone De RegardHeritage trail
Set off from the village on a 2 hour outing then go over Pont Charabot bridge to the side road home to a little chapel (Saint-Antoine de Padoue/Anthony of Padua). You’ll see Saint-Jean belltower behind it. Continue your journey on Burdanches road as far as Avenue de l’Authion.
Breil Sur Roya Tour Cruella @Isabelle FabreBreil Sur Roya Tour Cruella @Isabelle Fabre|
FORMER HARDY BARRACKS
When you go past Breil hospital you’ll see the long-standing building was once a military barracks until war was declared with Italy in 1940.
Tips
for your bike rides:
- It’s best to bring your own bike as there are no bike hire shops in Breil.
- Keep your repair kit to hand as it can be hard to find what you need to fix a tyre!
- Got an e-bike? You can charge up your e-bike and electric cars behind the Town Hall.
For an amazing day out...
Our top tips
Come to visit us
- Take the train from Nice, it’s the best way to soak up the unique views from the Train of Wonders. Board at Nice-Ville station (or Sospel) and stop at Breil-sur-Roya (approx. 1 hr 10).
- If you decide to drive from Menton, you can go through Sospel via the Col de Brouis to reach Breil-sur-Roya and then on to Tende. Further information about: Access to the Roya Valley
- Take the A8 from Nice (70 min drive).
Good to know
- There’s only one cash machine in Breil-sur-Roya, on Esplanade Charles de Gaulle.
- Check opening times before you head out.
- Traffic around Place Biancheri is disrupted by the market on Tuesdays (9am-1pm).
- Fancy a picnic packed with local flavours? Head to the market to peruse our producers’ stalls, the bakers on the main road for food hampers or the Maison des Producteurs farm shop just next door… say hi from us 😉
- You can drink the water from all the village fountains, unless otherwise indicated.
- Get expert advice from Marine and Suzel at Tourist Information: : breil-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr or +33 4 83 93 98 34.
