To the far south of the Alps, in Alpes-Maritimes, the Moyen Pays (meaning "Middle Country") is a place of magnificent valleys, gorges and peaks, with the ochre roofs of villages and hamlets emerging from amongst them.
In this agricultural region, the forest reigns supreme and spreads onto the restanques (cultivated terraces), between limestone plateaus, streams and waterfalls tumbling down the gorges. These vast forest zones also exude delightful Mediterranean scents: thyme, lavender, broom and other vegetal treasures make the paths smell gorgeous for lucky walkers. Sometimes, snow suddenly falls on this immense palette of colours and envelops the jagged peaks in an immaculate white coat. Yet the mild Mediterranean climate soon reasserts itself, so you can go walking in this region in all twelve months of the year.
From the big towns downhill like Cannes, Nice and Menton, you can head skywards along the trails winding their way between the dizzying gorges. In the Moyen Pays, all kinds of valleys form a varied relief, from the Siagne Valley in the west of Alpes-Maritimes to the Roya Valley in the east, through Var, Estéron, Vésubie or Paillon.
Among all these treasures, the Gorges du Loup are a local star attraction. This Natura 2000 site features lush waterfalls that soothe ramblers with their peaceful song and wash over the rugged rock draped in greenery. Not far from there, the medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, perched at 400 metres in altitude, boasts a thousand years of heritage whose traces can still be seen amid its winding, steep streets lined with cute, flower-adorned houses.
Above the Paillon Valley stands the small village of Lucéram in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by remarkably well-preserved forests. This pearl of the Nice hinterland has wonderful narrow streets, intertwined like a maze beneath the pretty balconies. As well as the homes built in the Middle Ages, the fortified gates of the village are also a precious reminder of that time. A few kilometres from the coast, the Moyen Pays is a source of inspiration for its residents and for the curious explorers who come to admire its treasures.
