Located in Alpes-Maritimes, the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park was created in 2012 and ranges in altitude from 300 to 1,800 metres. Like a wonderful balcony over the French Riviera and the Alps, it encompasses some forty municipalities, at the heart of the Grasse Prealps, on the first mountain foothills to the west of Alpes-Maritimes, and between the Valleys of Le Loup, Le Cagne, L'Estéron, La Siagne and Le Var.
Between the high mountains and the Mediterranean coast, this veritable water reservoir for the French Riviera is home to over 2,000 plant species, or a third of all plant life in France, but also has a sizeable underground network of nearly 2,000 cavities and around 140 kilometres of tunnels accessible to humans. It also boasts some major historical and architectural heritage features, ranging from the dolmens and tumuli of the Neolithic era to the famous Napoleon Road, through the medieval castles of Gilette and Gréolières, and charming hillside villages like Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Bouyon. The Préalpes d'Azur area also has a rich rural heritage of fountains, washhouses, chapels, dovecotes and oil mills.
Within this exceptional territory, which is ideal for hiking with its variety of plateaus, forests, gorges, restanques (hillside terraces where vineyards are planted) and picturesque villages, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying your favourite hobby. You will also have the chance to meet many artists and craftspeople, as well as tour guides and mountain guides offering a wide range of activities.
In terms of activities, the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park has a programme of events entitled Les Rendez-vous du Parc, between October and June. This includes guided tours, cookery workshops and participatory building sites.
