Castellar

The hilltop village with a flavour of Italy

Tucked away on a rocky spur overlooking Menton and the Bay of Garavan, Castellar offers an exceptional view. While its narrow streets and chapels draw visitors to the medieval quarter, its hiking trails offer spellbinding vistas. A stronghold of the Lascaris-Vintimille family, the village has long experienced a turbulent history, which has contributed to its robust character. Its orange-yellow facades, arched passageways, Baroque-style palace, fountains and 19th-century lavoirs (wash-houses) are filled with charm. Welcome to this delightful little border town.

Getting there

“Pick up some barbajuans and fruit and vegetables at the market, then head off for a hike along the Col du Berceau… One of the greatest moments to experience here.”

Daisy

5 great reasons to visit Castellar

The Sunday morning market on the village square

The 7 chapels along the Col du Razet

The particularly picturesque village centre

The facades in ochre and orange shades with a feel of Italy

The starting point for hiking trails offering breathtaking panoramic views

Castellar,

Over 10,000 years of history

The village of Castellar boasts ten thousand years of history! Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of humans as early as Neolithic times. But the first mention of Castellar in history, dates from 19 January 1258, in the document ceding the province of Ventimiglia to that of Provence. Since 1388, the village has belonged to the Lascaris family.

Castellar in Neolithic times

At the foot of the Roc de l’Orméa, the Pendimun shelter, discovered in 1955, has proved to be an important prehistoric site. Excavations have uncovered settlement dwellings and burial chambers.

Must-see Attractions

in Castellar

The Village Centre

As you will see, the old village is particularly picturesque! With its narrow streets, ancient steps, archways and houses with turrets, you’re instantly transported back in time.

Castellar is also home to a number of churches and chapels that stretch all the way to the Col du Razet on the D2566. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful Saint-Pierre Church with an altar dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary. Notre Mère de Miséricorde Chapel is also worth a visit, and features a triangular Baroque bell tower, which is relatively unusual in the region, and its vaulted roof adorned with a star-filled ceiling.

Palais Lascaris

Don’t miss this ancient 15th-century palace, owned by the Lascaris of Castellar. Renovated in a Baroque style at the end of the 17th century, the building features a porch tower with a polychrome tile dome and skylight. Acquired and restored by the local council in the 2000s, it is home to a fascinating collection, dedicated to the Pendimun shelter archaeological excavations. This provides an insight into the way the earliest farmers and herdsmen lived during the Neolithic period.

Discover

Extérieur du moulin à huile de Castellar

The Communal Oil Mill

Castellar’s oil mill is a testimony to its Mediterranean heritage and is well worth a visit. Ever since the 18th century, olive oil has been Castellar’s main produce. Today, this is one of the only mills still in operation in the Menton region. From April to October, by reservation only, visitors can learn about the world of olive growing and the oil extraction process.

Discover

Vieux Castellar

About an hour’s walk from the present-day village, you can reach the ruins of the original village, built in the 13th century, now known as Vieux Castellar. In 1435, the inhabitants moved to the hill of San Sebastián.

The Olive Festival

An annual event

Olives have been grown in Castellar for centuries and are celebrated here in March. The day is dedicated to discovering this savoury delicacy, through a range of events, producers’ stands and tastings.

Explore

Spectacular

Hikes

Well-known among hikers, the paths starting from Castellar offer breathtaking coastal views, over the Bay of Menton and Italy. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a breath of fresh air, with a great view!

The Tour of

Roc de l’Orméa

This is certainly one of the most beautiful hikes in the region. The Mediterranean is ever-present along this route, highlighted with panoramic views over the coastal cities of Ventimiglia and Menton, and Monaco. Take care along the rather challenging descent of the Col du Berceau.

TO FIND OUT MORE

The peony, a mountain flower

The peony is abundant in the area surrounding Castellar! This flower thrives at the foot of Grand Mont and can be spotted every spring.

Grand Mont

Let’s go!

This is the highest point of the Côte d’Azur coastal relief (1,379 metres). The Grand Mont (or “Grammondo” as our Italian friends call it) offers a striking landscape contrast between the sea and the mountains, and provides a mountainous setting, as illustrated by the alpine vegetation (heathland with broom, lavender and Scots pine).