Date and Time (Original) – 2024:09:30 10:44:16
In the autumn of 2024, I embarked on a tour of France’s most beautiful villages, with the second stop being “Entrevaux,” a village in the Alpes-Maritimes department, just like the first destination, Saorge. Like Saorge, Entrevaux is not on the coast but nestled inland among the mountains. However, since it’s located northwest of Nice, I didn’t have to cross into Italy as I did to reach Saorge. Instead, I followed the Var River, which flows between Nice and its neighboring town Cagnes-sur-Mer, traveling northward through the mountains to reach Entrevaux. Most of the journey involved driving along the well-maintained D6202, which runs along the river, making for a very comfortable drive. The only unpleasant part was the heavy traffic leaving Nice.
I arrived in the village just after 10 a.m., having taken about two hours from Nice Central Station (where I had parked the previous day) due to the traffic. I was able to park in front of the village hall. Although there were limited parking spots here, I was lucky to find an open space. There is also a large parking lot by the train station a short 2-3 minute walk away, so parking shouldn’t be a concern for those driving. Of course, one could also reach the village by train.
Entrevaux sits on the northern bank of the Var River, which I had been following. The village hall and train station are on the southern bank, so I had to cross a bridge to enter the walled village. The river meanders here, and the village is positioned on a cape-like area that follows this bend. A castle towers over the village from the northern bank. The village itself is quiet and beautiful, though one can explore it entirely in just about 10 minutes.
Now, I wanted to visit the castle on the hill overlooking the village. At the entrance, there was a vending machine to purchase tokens (which accepted card payments!), allowing entry.
Since I had just arrived in France and wasn’t in perfect shape, it was challenging to climb up to the castle at the summit. However, after about 10 minutes of determined walking, I made it up and enjoyed the breathtaking view from there. The scenery was stunning. Although the weather was cloudy with occasional light rain when I arrived, the sky started to clear slightly by the time I reached the castle, allowing me to appreciate an even more spectacular view.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Summary of Entrevaux: Entrevaux is a historic medieval village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, recently recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in 2023. Perched atop a rocky hillside overlooking the Var River, Entrevaux is famed for its preserved medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and rich heritage. The village, accessible via a charming drawbridge, invites visitors to step back in time and explore its winding alleys, historic landmarks, and impressive citadel, which has stood as a sentinel over the region since the 17th century.
Key Features of Entrevaux:
- The Royal Gate and Drawbridge: Visitors enter the village through a medieval drawbridge that leads to the Royal Gate, a symbol of the village’s fortified past.
- The Citadel: Built and fortified by the famed military engineer Vauban in the 17th century, the citadel offers panoramic views of the Var River and surrounding landscape.
- Historic Streets and Architecture: Narrow, winding alleys lined with ancient houses give Entrevaux its unique medieval atmosphere, with architecture dating back centuries.
- Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral: A striking Gothic structure featuring an ornate Baroque interior, the cathedral showcases the village’s deep historical and religious roots.
- Annual Medieval Festivals: Entrevaux brings its history to life each year with festivals that recreate medieval life, attracting history enthusiasts and families alike.
- 18th-Century Olive Oil Mill: Still operational, this traditional mill offers a glimpse into Entrevaux’s agricultural heritage and longstanding olive oil production.
- Scenic Walking Paths: The steep, zigzagging path to the citadel provides both a challenging walk and a rewarding view, making it popular with hikers and photographers.
Entrevaux’s charming blend of history, architecture, and cultural events make it a must-visit destination in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
