Lush nature, charming villages, a land of sensations… Ideal for disconnecting and recharging your batteries: the Roya Valley is a source of serenity. A paradise for nature lovers! Authenticity is the order of the day.
Roya Valley
Discover the
Roya Valley
The villages of the Roya,
a shared history
Every village in the Roya has its own rich cultural heritage. Along theold salt route, thevalley’s Baroque heritage tells the story of this shared history. And yet, each village has its own identity. The southern part of the valley offers villages with the colors of the Riviera. Heading north, the scenery changes: you’ll see the eagle’s nest village of Saorge, with its unmissable monastery, followed by La Brigue and its medieval ambience. A stop at Notre Dame des Fontaines is a must! Final stop: Tende, a pretty village typical of the high mountains, with its Musée des Merveilles.
The Roya Valley,
a paradise for thrill-seekers!
The Via Ferrata de Tende or Via Ferrata des Comtes Lascaris from Tende offers a magnificent but daring route through the history and beauty of the Roya Valley. Its special feature: impressive zip lines! Only for the most experienced!
Mountain biking on the Mercantour crests and valley trails is the ideal way to discover the valley. Introductory courses are available for the youngest riders!
For families or experienced hikers, the valley offers a wide range of trails. There’s something for everyone: multi-day hikes with an overnight stay in a refuge, or day hikes for the little ones. Guaranteed to amaze!
The Valley of Wonders,
Europe’s largest open-air museum
At an altitude of 2872 metres, theVallée des Merveilles isone of Europe’s largest rock carving sites! 5,000 years ago, around Mont Bego, men engraved the signs of their beliefs: 50,000 prehistoric engravings in a mineral sanctuary in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. Glacier-polished red and ochre slabs rub shoulders with lakes and rocky peaks. The Vallée des Merveilles is magical and secret: a vast terrain of discovery for the whole family! Discover it from spring to autumn. And for the ultimate experience, opt for the tours organized by the Park’s guides.
A preserved
preserved
An unspoilt site with protected flora and fauna, the Roya Valley is a fragile treasure trove… Chamois, marmots, ibexes and bearded vultures may well cross your path. Not forgetting the famous Brigasque ewe! But it’s above all its flora that’s unique and precious: Ligurian gentian, Allioni primrose, thousand-flowered saxifrage and very rare orchids such as the woodcock and butterfly orchids, as well as mimosa and ovoid cornflower. So, while you’re out hiking, keep your eyes open for this generous natural environment, but above all, don’t touch anything…
A culinary heritage
with an Italian accent
There’s no better way to understand the history of a region than through its cuisine! Pies, barbajuans, chestnuts, mushrooms, ewe’s milk cheeses… The influence of the mountains, the Mediterranean and Italy creates a gourmet register that tells the story of the valley. But every village has its own speciality! The valley’s restaurateurs will be delighted to tell you all about it. And to make the most of our culinary traditions, we invite you to traditional village festivals all year round!
To reach the Roya Valley
- Roya access
The Roya Valley and its villages are waiting for you! Road and rail access has been improved. Only the Col de Tende tunnel is currently closed.
