In the valley of Estéron, Pierrefeu is probably one of the most beautiful hilltop villages of the Alpes-Maritimes. It is distant 45 km from Nice and it takes 45 minutes to get there. The town now has 246 permanent inhabitants and 500 in summer.
Pierrefeu comprises two main cities: Pierrefeu the edge of the CD 17 where there are points of life such as the Town Hall, the school and the Halle des Festivals, the oldest village on the CD 217.
A 4 km from the junction, on the last turn, appears the silhouette of the old village overlooking the valley of Riou and whose sight plunges on Estéron and surrounding countryside. A veritable stage set is offered to visitors: the old-timers say that Marcel Pagnol wanted to acquire it to shoot his film "Regain".
The church, with its square tower, do not let them run over by two impressive rocks, placed there by the hand of a few giants that surround it: the right of Baou Tourre, left the Baous Redou.
Built with stone from the hills, the village blends harmoniously into the landscape. We arrive at the square foot, passing under a porch. The sloping street winding around it, is paved in Roman and partly dirt road, opening onto a stunning panorama of mountains. Houses covered with round tiles, facades high and narrow, very well restored, huddle against each other.
Pierrefeu, Pietra Ignaria, is a former Roman outpost, part of the chain that was used to transmit messages by signals from Scotland to Rome.
At the time of Caesar, 70 BC, the telegraph was commonly used by the Romans. They established wherever their conquests extended, a rapid communication system, which greatly favored the exercise of their authority over the peoples under their domination. It took only forty-eight hours on a clear day, to send a message to Hadrian's Wall in Scotland in Rome.
Under the emperors, all countries under Roman rule were furrowed admirable roads. Along these roads amounted towers designed to transmit signals. The Asian and African continents were connected by towers ranging from Syria to Egypt in Alexandria and Antioch. Gold Pierrefeu, away from traffic lane, did not of strategic interest sufficient to justify maintaining a permanent Roman garrison. This suggests that Pierrefeu and its transmission tower was part of the chain used to transmit messages from the Hadrian's Wall in Scotland to Rome. Recently we found the code that has probably helped Julius Caesar won the war in Gaul. The site has probably been chosen because of its isolation, keeping it safe from invasion for over 2000 years. As proof, the path leads to the Old Village does anywhere else.
In 1722, Pierrefeu was a manor built in fee whose arms relatively recent recall, three heated stones, the exploitation of flint that was used for flints (peirafuec in Nice, the so Peiris fuec Flint, probable indication of a prehistoric flint - Pietra fuoco under Italian rule). Excavations made in discovering these places remains of tombs built into thick bricks, human remains, funerary vases, coins and bronze medals bearing the likeness of various emperors "Roman."
In its heyday in the 17th century, Pierrefeu no fewer than 375 inhabitants, its population, composed mainly of farmers, hardly survived for centuries thanks to the cultures gathered on boards that are traditionally called "terraces" constructed and maintained with great difficulty by the "Ancients".
Like most villages in the middle and high country of Nice, Pierrefeu was reached at the beginning of the 20th century by the depopulation: people who, since the Middle Ages were grouped lived in Old Town, began to live off along the slopes, close roads, the most fertile land and water. Security, agricultural and industrial developments have led the majority of the population to look to the Coast a life less harsh. While the Old Town became deserted and abandoned homes, many.
The rebirth of the village began in the wake of the popularity and development of the automobile, with road improvements that abolish distances and allow those who want to return to basics to plunge into a pure nature, wild and unusual .
SIGHTSEEING
Out of Time Museum:
Originally a small Roman temple in the 12th century, this church was rebuilt in the Romanesque style of the time (the barrel vault half cylinder placed on two buttresses), and has been modified under the influence of Lombardy (the square bell tower) and the influence of Provence (the nave, apse and rounded vault of the apse). After restoration, the church of St Martin-St Sebastian was transformed into a museum since 1981 and houses a unique collection of contemporary paintings on the theme of Genesis (the creation of the world at the birth of Moses).
The church is the ideal setting for the Museum "Out of Time" out of time because the gallery of paintings is not installed for a few days, but "always". Over 50 artists come together in this permanent exhibition that combines abstract and figurative among them Yves Brayer, Valadie, Carzou Bernard Kapfer, Jean-Michel Folon, Raymond Moretti, Hans Erni, Andrew Vicari, Yves Corbassières Bernard Villemot and many others who, in celebrating the birth of the world, helped in the rebirth of a world, that of a small midlands town of Nice.
The creation of the world, Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, the Original Sin, the tower of Babel, the Ark of Noah, Joshua stopping the sun, Moses, Sodom and Gomorrah, which were for centuries, patterns of inspiration, find out, the symbolic ritual of painting in the religious life. These artists come from 15 countries and 5 religions whose origins are common. This museum is both ecumenical and international, figurative, abstract and especially surreal. It is the reconciliation of people and trends.
Chapels:
Chapel St Nicolas: Located next to City Hall.
St. Joseph's Chapel: 17th century chapel of penitents small bell on the old village square.
St. Anthony Chapel: 17th Century, on route of the Dead, a small chapel on the cutting interest that has been fully restored.
Chapelle Sainte Baume: between Toudon Ascros and built on a mountainside and dug into the rock. A pilgrimage takes place every Monday of Pentecost.
Oratoire Saint Sebastian: XVIII-XIX centuries.
Fountains: climbing on the route of the old village, you will find fountains built on the transition from one source and built by shepherds and farmers.
Hotel restored the statue of Christ by Joseph Aquilina.
Library: free, open Tuesday and Thursday.
Workshops on Wednesday: proposed activities for schoolchildren on the town, music workshops, reading, art, gardening.
Tour of Old Town: in 15 minutes, you will discover magnificent views, the charm of old village houses and oratories, via the Church Street-Museum which runs from the site. Then to the rock work around the church and return to the spot following a narrow path that dominates the valley of Riou. If you have a little more time, visit the Museum of Time Out. View towards Mount Brown, the old cemetery behind the church.
Fishing: Estéron is a wild version of Verdon, no dam on the river where you can fish for brown trout, chub and the blageons.
Kayaking in Estéron:
The best time to get Estéron canoe / kayak is in the autumn rainy season, and those of the spring (March-April). Two courses of ten kilometers each, 3rd-5th level are described in the guidebooks:
From Vascogne to Roquestéron: The Clue of the sporting career of Cherry. The rafting is a very good run wild and varied through the turbulent waters of emerald green, and beautiful forest landscapes: Many kayakers say we should have done at least once in their life!
Please note that these sections are still sections syphonées and should be especially vigilant.
Mount Auvière, 968 m: trekking with two options to get to the summit of Mount Auvière:
On the road D17, pass the village of Pierrefeu, Roquestéron direction, cross the bridge Pierrefeu, and start walking to the beacon 74. The road climbs steeply over the first part, then softens, continue along a ridge line. About 650 m in altitude.
From the old village to start the beacon 70. Down the road that leads you to Riou, then back towards the west, along the course of a stream. Fork on the left, the tag 118 to reach the mountain of the Content. You then find the path shown above, the beacon 117. Mont Auvière, you can go up Roquestéron, continuing along the ridge (provide a shuttle for a return by car: 10 km).
Mount Brown, 1518 m: two possible routes:
For a family hike, easy, up Toudon drive (after Gillette, turn right onto the D27, direction Revest-les-Roches). Toudon exceed 5 km, and begin walking to the marker 97 on the right, just beyond the neck Végautier. The climb takes place on a large forest road. Allow about 2 hours for 4 miles, with an elevation of 170 m.
For a very sporty ride, from the old village of Pierrefeu. Down to the north, a path that will lead you to Riou. Then drive up the beacon 119, and you leave the track for a trail located on your right. The climb is quite steady along the ridges of the Brasque until vee neck Gautier. Then follow the previous route. About 800 m elevation, a distance of 8 km.
The clue Riou:
The clue Riou presents no particular difficulties: you will alternate between snorkeling, some technical sections including the 2nd part, and some jumps and slides in beautiful bowls with turquoise water (watch out for submerged rocks, sometimes barely visible) .
You'll be able to rappel down a beautiful waterfall, 25 meters high The descent then ends in the waters of the warm and generous Estéron, for a moment of relaxation.
You'll be delighted by the breathtaking wilderness you will encounter.
The pedestrian access is via a walk of 30 minutes after parking the car to the marker 75, in the parking lot along the road D17, which goes to the old village.
It takes about 3 hours to get the clue of Riou, and 30 minutes for the return walk from the Estéron (shuttle vehicle: 5 km).
Photos of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to view and download
WEATHER
Monday 4 June
Day
Night
Min. 19°C - Max. 23°C
Tuesday 5 June
Day
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Min. 17°C - Max. 26°C
Wednesday 6 June
Day
Night
Min. 19°C - Max. 24°C
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Cassini
Levens
Located at the crossroads of the valleys: The Vésubie the Esteron, the Var, the Cians, the Tinée, at the entrance of the gorge village map Var marks the transition between two worlds:...
Located 9.5 km from Pierrefeu
From 25 € to 55 € per person
Cote jardin
9.7
Vence
Restaurants in friendly atmosphere, warm decor and Provencal, private terrace garden with panoramic views baous (small mountains). Selected products. Theme nights except July and A...
Located 17.1 km from Pierrefeu
From 25 € to 40 € per person
Le Cantemerle
Vence
The Cantemerle hotel is a corner of paradise in Vence between the sea and the sky. Nestled in a private park perched on hilltops of the Baous the hotel offers a panoramic view of the...
Marielle and Jean-Claude (they speak French, English, German and Icelandic) welcome you in their house in the countryside just inland from Nice (40 km). According to the seasons, you...
Located 7.1 km from Pierrefeu
From 50 € to 70 € the double room
La Lidicast
9.4
Le Broc
Furnished studio tourism. For 2 people. You can spend a night or a few days in any Independence. Located in the ground floor of the main dwelling, it is equipped with a bedroom, a kitchen,...
Located 9.6 km from Pierrefeu
From 60 € to 80 € the double room
Les Mas du Baou
8.7
Saint-Jeannet
Close to Vence and Saint-Paul de Vence, just at the base of Baou de Saint-Jeannet, the B&B Les Mas du Baou are welcoming you in its 2 bedrooms, for a calm rest in a villa with swim...
Charming village overlooking the valley of the Esteron 30 km from Nice airport. Ideal for visiting the Riviera. Near Vence and St Paul. In the village courts, pool shop, bar restaurant...
Located 6.5 km from Pierrefeu
From 250 € to 350 € per week
Le jardin du Serret
9.4
Bouyon
A charming vacation village for a family or 2 couples. We can advise you on country drives & walks or visits to festivals, museums & historic sites on the Cote d'Azur. Bouyon alone...
Located 6.5 km from Pierrefeu
From 756 € to 896 € per week
La maison de la rose blanche
9
Bouyon
Bouyon 06,510 small village perched on a rock 650 meters above sea view and fresh air Nice area. 3 room 44 m² on two floors renovated village house in a double bed 1 single bed 1 extra...
Smart campsite(camping) of the coast(rib) of azure. You come get fresh ideas in a campsite(camping) quiet and full of charm in 15 minutes of beaches(ranges), it is the ideal place for...
Located 15.7 km from Pierrefeu
From 17 € to 28 € per day
Camping Au Vallon Rouge
8.4
La Colle-sur-Loup
Ideally situated in the golden traiangle between Cannes, Nice and Grasse-Saint Paul de Vence, Between the sea and the mountains, 9 km from the coast, come and enjoy the green, shaddy...
Located 21 km from Pierrefeu
Les gorges du loup
9.5
Le Bar-sur-Loup
Under the sunshine of the Côte d'Azur in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the calm with greenery all around, the campsite « Les gorges du Loup » and Bar-sur-Loup the provencal village...
Located 4 km from Levens, a perched village in the French Riviera, this family-run hotel features en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a garden with a children’s playground....
Located 12.9 km from Pierrefeu
Room from 60 €
O Bai Pie
6.9
Levens
This country hotel is situated 5 km from the medieval village of Levens and 25 km from Nice. It offers free parking, 24-hour reception, and free Wi-Fi access from the business centre....
Located 13.3 km from Pierrefeu
Room from 46 €
Résidence Le Bellevue
Utelle
Situated in the Provencal hills 50 km from Nice, Résidence Le Bellevue is 400 metres from the centre of Utelle. It features an outdoor swimming pool and self-catering apartments with...
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