The location: Located in the center of the large Jurassic plateau that stretches between the Wolf and the Siagne, small coastal rivers, at an altitude of 170-300 meters, the town of Sophia Antipolis Valbonne meets several geographical areas. The climate is Mediterranean, the sea being only 6 km as the crow flies. However, this influence is mitigated by the maritime forest. The area is protected by hills from the cold winds that descend from the Alps. Rainfall is rare, but violent and abundant. The landscape consists of hills and small valleys, supports a vegetation dominated by Aleppo pine, holm oak and cork oak, accompanied by an undergrowth of woody plants, alongside olive groves and vineyards.
Prehistory and Antiquity: Excavations at the hills surrounding the ancient Valbonne testify human presence on this part of the campaign Riviera. Numerous deposits of Roman tiles, fragments of amphorae and dolia, huge jars using reserves of oil and grain, evidence of the existence of farms from the early centuries AD The ruins, near the site Sophia Antipolis, one of the aqueducts that supplied Antibes (listed as historical monuments) confirm the Roman presence.
The influence of the abbey and monastic Chalaisienne: The Story of Valbonne has long been closely linked to the monastery. The name of Valbonne ("Vallis Bona" - the Good Valley) appears for the first time in the 13th century with the founding of a monastery on land offered to the Abbey of Prada (Diocese of Digne) by Bishop Olivier d'Antibes (Charter of February 6, 1199). Benedictine tradition of pure, monks belonged to the order of Chalais matters at its peak around 1200, up to 13 monasteries, the abbey of Valbonne. After the fall of the Order Chalaisienne the 14th century, the abbey, having united with the Cluniac monastery of St. Andre d'Avignon, was finally offered by the Bishop of Grasse, to the Abbey of Lerins who took possession in 1346 and made a priory. The ravages of the road bands Raymond de Turenne, in the years 1387-1389 were accompanied by outbreaks of plague that ruined the area and many villages depopulated, and the hamlets scattered across the land of the abbey .
The Village:
In 1519 Augustin de Grimaldi, Bishop of Grasse and abbot of Lerins, take the initiative to create, beside the abbey, a village built and inhabited by a community of settlers from the neighboring hamlets and villages the High Country. They will pay tribute to the lord to hold the temporal jurisdiction, and all manorial rights. It is this village that has remained virtually unchanged until today.
Unlike most Provençal villages, Valbonne was built on a grid pattern, orthogonal set by the monks of Lerins. Its rectangular shape is clearly inspired by the plan of Roman camps and the village is limited by the "house walls" and includes an entry in each of its four sides. It may be noted in particular: the Place des Arcades (seventeenth century) in the village, the old Town Hall with its belfry of the 19th century, its fountain and its beautiful bowl or drinking horses and mules until 1950 ; Abbey Chalaisienne being rehabilitated (listed building) which houses the Museum of Heritage "Old Valbonne", the church (early 13th century), a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, the chapel of St. Bernardin and Holy Spirit; doors lintels decorated with emblems of such penitents.
The evolution of Valbonne the 16th to the 20th century:
A traditional economy: Until the mid-20th century, a village Valbonne remained primarily agricultural, olives and vines make up the majority of cultures, with the rose and jasmine for fragrance. Life is tough, people known as "people work and work." In the early 20th century culture develops Servan, grapes late which is unusual to keep fresh, clusters are immersed in jars filled with water. This production is now much reduced, but the tradition continues each year at the feast of St. Blaise on the last weekend of January.
A turning point comes with World War II and the arrival of refugees from the occupied zone. When peace returned, the movement is growing in the years 50. In response to overcrowding and the growing unrest of the coast, the Middle Country becomes denser with the construction of many villas on plots in agriculture and forestry left free by the decline of agriculture. This will be facilitated by improved communication channels and the construction of some facilities. At the same time will develop trade and crafts, as well as institutions related to tourism and recreation.
Sophia Antipolis: an innovative project, now the first European technology. With the creation of Sophia Antipolis, the town will experience its most profound transformation.
1969: decision by creation scientists and personalities of an elected City of Wisdom, Science and Technology in the town of Valbonne Sophia Antipolis.
1972: Establishment of a joint authority for the construction and equipping of the plateau Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, now the SYMISA.
1988: to better adapt to the growth of the Park, the project management operations is delegated to a joint stock company.
1 January 2002: Urban Community Sophia Antipolis (CASA) is part of the policy development of the park, its administration and financial management of the operation.
From 1 600 inhabitants in 1970 to more than 12,000 people to date, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis is facing new challenges.
In all seasons, visitors can enjoy a unique environment, stroll through the streets and the village, he will find many shops, fine hotels, and will include many opportunities to enjoy a varied cuisine in restaurants reputable.
Local products:
In an effort to help preserve the rural heritage and culture, the Municipality has established a vineyard in 1995 commune. 300 vines were planted on a suitable location. The vines now give several hundred kilos of grapes. It is mainly used to maintain the tradition of Servan. This table grapes is kept late by immersing the stem of the cluster in jars filled with water with a piece of charcoal to prevent rotting, inside parts of the town houses remaining at low temperatures due to their exposure to North. It allowed for people and guests from the Côte d'Azur to taste the grapes until Easter. Now it is essentially the delight of gourmets on the occasion of St Blaise, the great feast of local produce which is held late January in the village.
Since 1998, the communal olive grove is located in the heart of the technology. It follows the same approach for the perpetuation of an ancestral tradition. The trees are between 150 and 200 years. The first collection in December 2000, helped prepare 60 liters of salty olives flavored with garlic and herbs. These appetizers are offered to honor offered by the City Council and fiestas. The oil produced by the rest of the olives is served at the restaurant including the elderly.
SIGHTSEEING
The Village:
It was built as close to the abbey by the Prior in 1519, to repopulate a country devastated by the plague since 1351. This is the plan of a Roman camp: a rectangle with a central street (decumani way) and a side street (cardo maximus). At the crossroads, a place (the forum). The streets have two "poles" wide (4 meters). There was a door at each end of the two main streets. The row of houses that lined the village had no doors on the outside: they are "house walls." At night, the doors were closed. No fountain inside: a few wells and tanks. Source ran low on the outside, along the rue Gambetta.
Over the streets, you can discover: trough, fountain, sundial, Hôtel-Dieu, houses the 17th century, lintels and door frames of the 19th century ...
The church and the abbey:
The abbey church high in the early 13th century by the monks of the Order of Chalais, became a parish in the creation of the village by the Abbey of Lerins in 1519. It is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture Chalaisienne: austerity, clean lines, harmonious volumes, all combine to meditation and spirituality. A note inside: in the choir flat apse on the right, a beautiful arch with stone bench reserved for the abbot, the twelve consecration crosses carved in the walls, the gateway to the lay church. On the outside: the portal with three arches supported by semicircular side by three monolithic capitals based on three columns. The bell tower and clock were replaced in 1854 the original bell tower located then above the crossing. Holy Spirit chapel adjoining 17th century, it is a chapel of the White Penitents.
Like all the abbeys of the order of Chalais Valbonne Abbey was built according to a refined architecture specific order. The monastery buildings, an enclosure wall and the church framed the cloister. You can see the stone corbels on the south and east walls, on which rested the structure of the tile roof. On the ground floor of the East Building, are the sacristy, the chapter house and workroom. Upstairs, the monks' dormitory with narrow openings such novel. On the ground floor of the south building, kitchen and dining hall, over two floors flanked by a pigeon in the 17th century have replaced the dormitory of the lay, the building has become the castle of the worker monk of Lerins, Lord Prior of Valbonne .
The Heritage Museum "Old Valbonne"
Museum of the association for the preservation and promotion of the heritage Act 1901, Abbyvalb "Friends of the Abbey and Heritage Valbonnais".
You are invited to a trip in the early 20th century, at a time when Valbonne was a rural village, labor and relatively isolated. Relive the domestic life of the time with the reconstitution of a Valbonnais of yesteryear. Agriculture, livestock, olive, crafts ... various trades were then inhabitants of the old village and are richly illustrated. Do not miss carpentry Roux, the former carpenter from the village opened in 1920, full recovery in a dedicated room. The museum collects household items, agricultural tools, furniture, costumes, pottery, old photographs ... moving testimony of a not so distant past, all these objects were collected with the help of their great and tell Valbonnais history and stories.
Also try one of the specific culture that was valbonnaises Servan, presented in a permanent exhibit remarkable and unique. Table grapes late Servan has the unique ability to be preserved fresh until Easter with a special preservation process. Source of prosperity in the first half of 20th century culture is now endangered.
Hosted in the abbey in the wing of the brothers, the museum also traces the history of this "good valley" and its abbey: it was built by the Order of Chalais its recent restoration, through its supervision by the monastery of Lerins.
Museum open Tuesday to Saturday from 14h to 18h off-season, from 15h to 19h in summer.
Guided tours for groups by appointment Tuesday through Sunday.
Input 2 €, reduced 1 €, free for children under 12 years.
Every Saturday at 16 hours, the "Saturdays at the Museum": Guided tour of the abbey, near the village and the abbey for € 2 per person reservation and regardless of the number of people. Information +33 4 93 12 96 54.
Address: 1 rue de la Paroisse - 06560 Sophia Antipolis Valbonne.
Workshop exhibition of stained glass to adorn windows, doors and walls of houses.
Creator designer porcelain.
Many art galleries and workshops organized throughout the year exhibition on the town: Vasarely exhibition, Combas ... 2011, 2010 Dali exhibition, exhibition Daum 2009, Van Lith 2009 exhibition, exhibition Tobiasse 2008, Paco Rabanne exhibition 2007 ...
A quality environment for hiking and walking:
The town of Sophia Antipolis Valbonne proud to have kept the 2 / 3 of its territory in the green zone. The forest and green space, crossed by tracks and many marked trails are at the very gates of homes and is a vast space for recreation and relaxation for everyone.
The beautiful park Bouillides, with a lake, offers sports such as families enjoyed a relaxing place.
9 circuits of small hiking trails allow visitors to discover the town and the county forest parks and Brague Valmasque. The pleasant hiking trail allows the Brague Biot up along the river, shaded by lush vegetation.
Every Friday morning, Provencal market in the streets of the village and every Tuesday afternoon at Sophia Antipolis.
The first Sunday of each month: antique flea market in the village streets: professional exhibitors.
Feast of St. Blaise, grapes and local products: end of January. She was born there about fifty years Valbonne order to honor the local culture of the grape Servan. This is an event that combines tradition and modernity: a visit to the vineyard communal free tour of the Heritage Museum, farmers market, cooking demonstrations, folk dances, grand Carnival Parade ...
Heritage Day Country: in June Themed guided tours to discover the architectural heritage and the rural municipality of Valbonne.
Feast of St. John in June. The opportunity to celebrate the shortest night of the year: appetizer music, torchlight procession, fire of Saint John. The villagers come out tables and chairs to eat in the village streets.
Rue (z) & You: Festival des Arts de la Rue: July. During three days, the streets of Valbonne become a playground and issues, through which multiple artistic expressions: from theater to visual arts through music, dance and circus.
Nights of the abbey in July. Free concerts of early music, classical or jazz.
Saint-Roch: 14,15 and 16 August. In the heart of August that the festivities of Saint-Roch attract tourists and villagers. In a traditional and festive atmosphere, many activities are available: bullfighting on foot, ball, visit the vineyard communal blessing of the animals. The presence at this time Arlette Gruss circus can offer the public a magnificent parade through the streets of the village.
Antiques Fair: end of August.
Exhibition of Contemporary Art: early September.
Market potters in September. Thirty potters exhibit their creations, one can find many specialties: raku, stoneware, glazed earthenware, porcelain. To share their expertise, potters are demonstrations of turning, carving, cooking. An exhibition of ceramics is held annually in September in the gallery Loumani.
European Heritage Days in September. An invitation to discover the rich history and heritage of the ancient abbey of Chalaisienne Valbonne (thirteenth century), the convent buildings being restored are open for the occasion. Guided tours throughout the weekend of the abbey, the village and the Heritage Museum "Old Valbonne".
Christmas Market: An event that drives several districts of the municipality during the second half of December. Animations that start at Garbejaire then, the village in turn becomes a magic show, children's workshops, petting zoo, carousel, fireworks ... One hundred stands composed of artists, artisans and producers make up the Christmas market in the village. Visitors can find local products (honey, cheese, foie gras, tapenade, etc.). And a thousand and one gift ideas for the holiday season.
ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND
Close to the sea and the mountains, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis offers many recreational opportunities: 11 golf courses nearby, the Mercantour ski resorts, outdoor activities, hiking, water sports, visits to villages in the hinterland , museums, etc..
Photos of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to view and download
WEATHER
Monday 4 June
Day
Night
Min. 16°C - Max. 26°C
Tuesday 5 June
Day
Night
Min. 17°C - Max. 25°C
Wednesday 6 June
Day
Night
Min. 15°C - Max. 24°C
RESTAURANTS
Casa Mia
Cannes
A haven of peace in a sumptuous house from the 1930'S. Right in the heart of Cannes. Right in the centre of Cannes, a stone's throw from the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette,...
Located 9.9 km from Valbonne
From 50 € to 150 € per person
Passoa Beach SPECIAL OFFER
Golfe-Juan
Restaurant sandy beach, facing south at Cap d'Antibes. Feet in the water taste our specialties of seafood and salad and pastry giant house. Specialty cutting frozen. Rely on our deckchairs...
Located 10 km from Valbonne
From 20 € to 30 € per person
Ecrin Plage
Cannes
L'Ecrin Plage. Tucked away off the Croisette on the east side of Port Canto, L'Ecrin offers a private setting for beach private receptions. Open in the day time as a private beach with...
Le Cheneau is an owner-occupied private host home in a large Provence style house with a big terrace faced on a shaded private quiet park, located between the old village of valbonne...
Located in Valbonne
From 75 € to 85 € the double room
Chambres d'hôte de charme Il Monticello
8.7
Grasse
Il Monticello is a privately owned stone villa full of charm and character situated on the Plascassier hill near Grasse, the world capital of perfume, about 20 minutes from the international...
Located 3.3 km from Valbonne
From 75 € to 100 € the double room
Le Mas Shabanou
9.3
Roquefort-les-Pins
5 charming guestrooms starting at 100 € 2 P. breakfast included. / pool 12x6, parc 7000 m²-15 km de Nice and 7 km to the sea. + 2 appartments from saturday to saturday starting at 750...
Villa du Bois Doré à Valbonne 6 + 2enfant SPECIAL OFFER
Valbonne
Modern Provencal villa (2003) : 3 double bedrooms with double beds 2 bunk beds, 3 sdb. Convient specially for families, heated swimming pool with electric cover, spa, many games, air...
Located in Valbonne
From 1950 € to 3000 € per week
La Cigalière à plascassier
Grasse
All charming 3 bedrooms at La Cigalière are comfortable and pleasantly decorated with antiques and glimpses of the owners time abroad. Each room has a large and modern bathroom. The...
Located 3.6 km from Valbonne
From 2800 € to 3600 € per week
Location vacances mougins SPECIAL OFFER
Mougins
Apartment in a residence in Mougins: 2 room apartment for 4 people, quiet, surrounded by natural woodland. The apartment is fully equipped with separate entrance, kitchenette, dining...
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 6.4 km from Valbonne
Camping les Pinèdes SPECIAL OFFER
La Colle-sur-Loup
Between Nice, Saint Paul de Vence and Monaco, at 7 km from the Mediterranean coast, the camping site 'les Pinèdes' will charm you by its specific location. Our camping site has all...
Located 7.9 km from Valbonne
From 16 € to 30 € per day
Camping Panoramic
La Roquette-sur-Siagne
Betzeen the cities of Cannes and Grasse, in the valley of Siagne, in the centre of the beautifull holliday area of the Cote d'Azur, you will find thre peacefull family camping Panoramic....
La Bastide De Valbonne is an extraordinary charming and nicely decorated hotel, situated in a quite and nice surrounding between the Provencal Villages Valbonne and Mougins. All rooms...
Located in Valbonne
Room from 95 €
Hôtel Omega
8.1
Valbonne
Surrounded by a large park area, Hotel Omega is located in the heart of Sophia Antipolis Activity Park. It offers an outdoor pool with a furnished terrace. Each air-conditioned room...
Located in Valbonne
Room from 86 €
Media Garden Hotel
7
Valbonne
This hotel is located in Vabonne, a 20-minute drive from Antibes and Cannes, in the Sophia Antipolis Technopole. It features an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. The rooms at...
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