Breil-sur-Roya

From the coast to the mountains amidst the olive groves

Welcome to Breil-sur-Roya! A village steeped in history featuring houses with arched doorways. With its banks lined with plane trees, the Roya river, divides the commune in two, giving the bridges that span across it a special charm. Also known as the “Pays des Oliviers” (Olive Tree Country), this bustling village offers a wide selection of local crafts and gourmet specialities. All in all, a delightful combination recommended to anyone who loves cultural heritage and outdoor activities.

Getting there

Surrounded by mountains in a natural setting, Breil-sur-Roya is a charming village with Italian influences and cultural gems such as Santa Maria in Albis Church. You can really feel the tranquillity of nature here!

Fanny

5 great reasons to visit Breil-sur-Roya

The lake and its village, a privileged environment

The Écomusée des transports, with its rare exhibits on our region’s railway history

The Cruella Tower and its panoramic view

The house of local producers

A starting point for white-water sports

A lush green setting

a stone’s throw from the sea

Breil-sur-Roya is a small village with around 2,400 inhabitants, nestling amidst olive trees, and is typical of the Alpes-Maritimes villages established between the coast and the mountains. Situated on the edge of the Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders), the commune of Breil covers part of Mercantour National Park.

Located at around 300 metres above sea level, the village benefits from coastal influences, enjoying a microclimate of mild temperatures and relatively gentle intervals between seasons. Ideally positioned, the village is just 25 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast.

This is also an excellent place for outdoor sports such as hiking, mountain biking and white-water activities like canyoning, rafting, and fishing.

THE "PAYS DES OLIVIERS" (OLIVE TREE COUNTRY)

With around 100,000 olive trees, Breil-sur-Roya is renowned for its traditional olive production. For many years, the olive was the village’s greatest treasure, and its fame reached as far as Russia.

Origins

of the City of Breil

Owing to its lavish history, we can still find Italian and Turkish influences in Breil-sur-Roya today, reflected in its heritage and the local dialect.

Breil-sur-Roya’s origins date back to the Neolithic period, and, over the years, gone through all sorts of challenges. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the village suffered Gothic, Lombard and Saracen invasions, before being subjected to the Counts of Ventimiglia in the mid-10th century, then the Count of Provence and the Count of Savoy-Sardinia, before finally being returned to France in 1860.

Subsequently occupied by the Italians and Germans during the Second World War, the Breil population was transferred to Turin until April 1945.

A STACADA

Part of Breil sur Roya’s history is portrayed in the celebrated “A Stacada” festival (from the Breillois word meaning “to tie up”). This historical re-enactment commemorates the abolition of the Droit de Seigneur. It is one of the oldest traditions in Comté de Nice and has become a symbol of protest against all forms of oppression.

Heritage

& Environment

As part of Mercantour National Park, Breil-sur-Roya offers an unrivalled biodiversity on every level. A special feature of this eco-friendly holiday destination is its location, midway between the coast and the mountains, with just a few kilometres separating the Mediterranean and alpine landscapes.

Remains from the past can be found in its rich military heritage, starting with the village’s iconic La Cruella watchtower. It appears on the commune’s coat of arms, crowned by the eagle from which it takes its name (‘Cruella’ meaning eagle in Breillois).

Notre-Dame du Mont, symbolising the olive tree due to its colour and location, is a typical example of the buildings found along the Baroque Route. Visible from the village, it is a refuge for bats who have made it their home. As such, the site is protected under Natura 2000.

Explore

Breil Sur Roya Eglise Santa Maria Inalbis Ext

Gastronomy

& Local Specialities

Infused with influences from Italy and Nice, Breil cuisine is also quite inexpensive. In fact, originally, all the ingredients used were sourced locally and produced by a population of very modest means.

Culinary Heritage

of Roya

Whether sweet or savoury, some of the key ingredients include olives, squash, and chard. All the doughs are made by hand and require considerable skill, whether for pies, ‘boursouzes’ specialities or fresh pasta.

And let’s not forget the star of the show, the olive. Used in almost all Breil recipes, olive paste (not to be confused with tapenade) is also produced, which contains neither anchovies nor capers, but simply the flesh of the olives, and a little salt.

Menton Marche Des Halles Olives Provencales

SUGGELLIS: FRESH PASTA À LA BREILLOISE

So, what’s the secret of this fresh pasta? It is shaped using a fork and your thumb. Like Italian orecchiette, the shape is similar to small animal ears.