Alex (2)A lush natural setting with picturesque villages, the Roya Valley is an ideal place to get away from it all and unwind. A true source of serenity. It is paradise for nature-lovers! Truly authentic.
Alex (2)
Vallee Roya Pango VisualVallee Roya Pango Visual|
The Roya Valley
Alex (2)The villages of the Roya Valley,
a shared history
Each village in the Roya Valley has a rich cultural heritage. Along the ancient Salt Road, the valley’s Baroque legacy tells of this shared history. However, each village has its own identity. The southern part of the valley features villages with Riviera influences. As you head north, the scenery changes. You’ll find the hilltop village of Saorge, perched like an eagle’s nest with its outstanding monastery, and La Brigue with a more medieval feel. A visit to Notre Dame des Fontaines is an absolute must! The last stage is Tende, a picturesque village, typical of the high mountain region, and home to the Musée des Merveilles.
The villages of the Roya Valley
Exceptional places
The Roya Valley
a paradise for thrill-seekers!
The Via Ferrata des Comtes Lascaris which starts in Tende, offers a spectacular yet daring route to discover the history and beauty of the Roya Valley. What makes it so special? Its impressive zip lines! A must for the more experienced among you!
Mountain biking on Mercantour crests and along the trails throughout the valleys is an ideal way to explore the area. There are also introductory paths for younger riders!
For families and seasoned hikers, the valley offers a host of different trails. There’s something for everyone, from hikes lasting several days with overnight stays in mountain refuges, to one-day hikes more suited to youngsters. You’re sure to have an amazing time!
The Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders)
Europe’s largest open-air museum
The Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders) is one of the biggest cave art sites in Europe, peaking at an altitude of 2,872m. Early Man carved their signs and beliefs around Mont Bégo some 5,000 years ago, resulting in 50,000 prehistoric engravings in a natural sanctuary, deep in the heart of Mercantour National Park. Red and ochre slabs polished by glaciers stand next to lakes and rocky peaks. The Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders) is a magical and secret place with a vast terrain waiting to be explored! Visit from spring through to autumn. To get the most out of your trip, book a tour led by one of the park’s expert guides.
A Conservation Area
in nature
The Roya Valley is a conservation area and custodian to a vast precious treasure of rare flora and fauna. You may even come across chamois, marmots, ibexes and bearded vultures, not forgetting the famous Brigasca sheep! However, it is especially the flora that is so unique and highly-prized. Discover Ligurian gentian, Allioni primrose, thousand-flowered saxifrage, and extremely rare orchids such as woodcock orchids and pink butterfly orchids, as well as mimosa and oval-leaf blueberry. Keep on the lookout for these gems of nature on your hikes, but make sure you don’t touch anything…
The Nice-Breil-Tende line
a wondrous piece of railway engineering!
Running from Nice to Tende, passing through Breil-sur-Roya, the Train des Merveilles is an architectural and technological masterpiece. The single-track route is punctuated with spectacular structures, shaped by the unusual relief of the narrow Roya and Vermenagna Valleys, with viaducts and tunnels winding their way up to higher ground. You will notice the stations and the old level-crossing houses designed in a French style typical of Nice, which, as you continue your journey, give way to neo-classical Italian architecture. This is a unique way to discover the valley!
A Culinary Heritage
with Italian Accents
There’s nothing quite like cuisine to understand a region’s history! Tarts, barbajuans, chestnuts, mushrooms, local cheeses made from sheep’s milk… The mountain, Mediterranean and Italian influences form a gourmet repertoire that tell the story of the valley. However, take note. Each village has its own speciality! The valley’s restaurateurs will be delighted to share this history with you. And, to experience these culinary traditions at their best, we recommend attending the various village festivals that take place throughout the year!
To reach the Roya Valley
- Roya Valley Access
Having been severely impacted by Storm Alex, the Roya Valley and its villages are now ready to welcome you this summer! Road and rail links have been developed to offer you the best possible experience.
