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1 day 1 village

A day in La Brigue
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La Brigue: the Valley's discreet nugget

To visit La Brigue is to travel back in time. Best known today for its Notre-Dame des Fontaines chapel and its Brigasque sheep, the village offers a harmonious blend of medieval, baroque and human heritage. With its river, dense vegetation and unique atmosphere, it’s the land of good living and respect for nature. Take a day to explore La Brigue on foot or by bike.

After a visit to this wonderful village, don’t miss the jewel of La Brigue: the little Sixtina of the Alpes-Maritimes! A natural beauty!

5 good reasons to come to La Brigue

Discover Notre-Dame des Fontaines, the Sistine Chapel of the Alpes-Maritimes

Immerse yourself in the Italian theatrical setting of the Baroque Collegiate Church

Admire the oldest collection of door lintels in the Ligurian Alps

Soak up the medieval soul of Château Lascaris

See the “Ca’ d’arbine”, unusual stone bee houses

Visit the heart of La Brigue

Immerse yourself in medieval history

From the Collégiale’s forecourt, three imposing buildings rise up like theatrical backdrops. Look skyward to the clock tower, whose monumental portal is an invitation to visit. Stroll along the narrow streets lined with colorful houses and mysterious lintels as you make your way to the castle. Medieval history is written right into the stones. Not far away, a beekeeping curiosity awaits you : the “Ca’ d’arbine”. Time stands still under the arcades of the Place Vieille, where fresh air circulates at all hours of the day. On the banks of the river, the heritage museum and its collections take you back to the nostalgia of bygone days.

LEGEND OF THE ROOSTER BRIDGE

The story goes that the devil himself built this unusual bridge. A mason made a deal with the devil to build it for him, on condition that he finished before daybreak…
Wanting to save her son, the young man’s mother made the rooster crow by candlelight, causing the devil to lose his bet and flee.

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 one of the village parking lots – parking is free everywhere. However, the narrow streets are pedestrianized.
  • For history buffs, take a guided tour of the village (2 hrs.), every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. during the summer season.
  • Ideal for families, the Jardin des Comtes Lascaris offers a welcome break in the shade, with its outdoor games and benches.
  • Fancy a culinary break? Don’t forget to reserve a table in one of our restaurants.
  • On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., come to the market to meet our producers and soak up the local flavors (parking Place de Nice).

Recommendations

to visit Notre-Dame des Fontaines

  • From July 7, a special shuttle bus (8 seats) runs between La Brigue SNCF station and Notre-Dame des Fontaines. Daily service, bookable D-1 at tourist offices. Further information: https: //www.zestbus.fr
  • The chapel is also accessible by car (free parking for ten vehicles), by bike via the road, or on foot via the interpretation trail.
  • The site is open from May 1 to September 30 (except Thursdays), and by reservation the rest of the year.
  • The entrance fee of €4 (or €6 for a guided tour) contributes to the upkeep of the chapel. Guided tours available on reservation (1h30).

Recommendations

for safe hiking :

  • Remember to take plenty of water, as there are no water points on the trails.
  • In summer, you can often be caught in an early afternoon shower, so take a k-way as well as your sun cream.
  • If you have them, a pair of binoculars and a compass will always come in handy.
  • For safe hiking, take an IGN map with you.
  • Please note that some mountain areas do not have good network coverage.

Recommendations

for your cycling outings:

  • We recommend that you bring your own bike, as there are no rentals in La Brigue.
  • 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 possible on the Place de Nice, just like for electric cars.
  • Remember to take plenty of water, as there are no water points on the trails.
  • In summer, you can often be caught in an early afternoon shower, so take a k-way as well as your sun cream.
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 : Access to the Roya Valley.
  • From Nice, take the A8 motorway and the D6204 (1h45 driving time).

Practicalities

  • Before you leave: stock up on cash – there are no cash dispensers in La Brigue.
  • Check the opening hours of monuments before you go out.
  • Please note that swimming in the river is not safe, so always be vigilant.
  • Fancy a picnic with local flavours? Go to the market to discover the stalls of our local producers, or to Cédric’s grocery store (avenue Charles de Gaulle) where he’ll prepare sandwiches for you… you’re welcome to join us 🙂
  • All village fountains are drinkable, unless otherwise indicated.
  • For further advice, contact Cyril at the Tourist Office: labrigue-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr or 04 83 93 95 50.
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