Valbonne, French Riviera, France
Valbonne is a charming and historically unique town situated on the famous Côte d'Azur, located just about 10 km from the coastal city of Antibes and 8 km from the perfume capital of Grasse. What sets this town apart is its remarkably regular street layout. Unlike the winding, organic streets common to many medieval towns in the region, Valbonne was built on a strictly orthogonal pattern, a grid-like design that is highly unusual for the French Riviera. This planned structure, combined with its beautiful Provençal architecture, makes it a captivating destination for visitors.
Parking in Valbonne
There we have at least two large parking lots: the first one at the Place des Anciens Combattants (1; GPS: 43.641647, 7.010181), and the second one - even larger - on the Route de Plascassier street (2; GPS: 43.642290, 7.006636).
Choosing between the two depends on your preference for a short walk to the village core. The parking at Place des Anciens Combattants is a great choice as it puts you right on the edge of the historic center, making your stroll into the heart of the village very quick. The larger lot on Route de Plascassier offers more space, which can be useful during peak season, and is still only a short, pleasant walk away.
Strolling Valbonne
The town really surprises with its regular grid of streets - it's particularly well visible on a map. We just stroll narrow streets admiring the houses in ocher colours and surrounding plants. Finally we reach centrally located Place des Arcades (A; GPS: 43.641551, 7.008614). In fact, we find there very nice houses with arcades. You can sit down and relax in cafe or restaurant. You can also do some shopping - cheese lovers can visit the store "365 Fromages" located next to the square, on the Rue Eugène Giraud.
The Place des Arcades is not just a square; it is the historical and social hub of Valbonne, built in the 17th century as part of the village's planned expansion. Its arcades were designed to provide shelter from the sun and rain, creating a perfect environment for markets and social gatherings. Today, this architectural gem is still the center of village life, where locals and visitors mingle, shop, and enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance.
Abbaye de Valbonne
You can also visit the thirteenth-century church of Saint Blaise (B; GPS: 43.640554, 7.008864), located at the southern borders of the town, and the abbey of the Order of Chalais, adjacent to the church. Architecture of buildings is similar to original architecture used by Cistercian Order. Only the bell tower was added to the whole structure in nineteenth century. The buildings were renovated in the 70s of the twentieth century.
The Abbaye de Valbonne has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century when the Chalaisian monks settled in the valley. The church and abbey complex served as the core around which the village was later built in the 16th century. The serene atmosphere of the abbey, with its quiet cloister and ancient stonework, offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets of the village and provides a deep connection to the town's monastic origins.
The trail along the valley of the river Brague
The trail "Sentier de la Brague" (about 12 km) allows you to have a nice relaxing walk on path along the river Brague between the towns of Valbonne and Biot. The trail is partially cobbled with local stone and walking it you have to cross a few times the small river Brague. You have to reserve at least half a day for this walk (about 3 hours one way without stopping). The trail starts nearby the church of Saint Blaise (C; GPS: 43.640492, 7.009405). First we go down the street Avenue de Pierrefeu, and then at the streets fork (D; GPS: 43.6388017, 7.0128672) we turn right into the local road, which in a moment will lead us to the river Brague. Walking along it, we reach the town of Biot (E; GPS: 43.6287494, 7.0904367). In general, the route is fairly simple, but near Biot gets a little steep. Of course, if you left the car in Valbonne, you must also return this route unless someone from the company did not take part in the walk and in the meantime went by car to Biot.
In general, the route is fairly simple and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean landscape, with its lush greenery and natural rock formations. While the trail is mostly flat, it does get a little steep as you get closer to Biot. Of course, if you left your car in Valbonne, you must either return along the same route or arrange for a ride back. It is a fantastic hike for nature lovers, providing a refreshing break from the urban environment and a chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Gastronomy in Valbonne
Valbonne's culinary scene perfectly captures the essence of Provençal cuisine, offering a delightful mix of traditional flavors and local products. The town's cafes and restaurants, especially those around the charming Place des Arcades, provide an ideal setting for a leisurely meal or a quick coffee break while you soak up the atmosphere.
Beyond the delightful cafes, the town is known for its excellent local produce. The mention of "365 Fromages" highlights the importance of artisanal products here. You can also visit the famous Friday market, where vendors sell a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil, local honey, and cheeses, allowing you to create your own Provençal feast. The market is a true sensory experience and a hub of local life.
Be sure to try local specialties like pissaladière (an onion tart), socca (chickpea pancake), and dishes featuring Mediterranean ingredients. The town's restaurants offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere, often with outdoor terraces where you can enjoy the pleasant weather and the unique setting of this grid-patterned village.
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