The Gorges du Loup

Jewel of Grasse hinterland, the Gorges du Loup offer an idyllic setting for the practice of hiking and that of water sports like climbing and canyoning. Small coastal river less than 50 km long, the Wolf was born on Mount Audibergue above Grasse and flows into the Mediterranean near Cagnes-sur-Mer. The grooves begin after the pretty village of Bar-sur-Loup, with remarkable sites like the waterfall of Courmes over 40 meters tall, Great Marmite and waterfalls Demoiselles. Hiking in the gorges and mountains can be taken from the village of Courmes.

The Gorges du Loup appealing for their beautiful scenery, between bright cliffs, lush vegetation and turquoise waters, but also because they are the preferred site of a multitude of outdoor recreation. hiking trails, from easy to more dizzying, invite the family rides like the more technical tours. The site is also discovered by snorkeling or canyoning, with experiences of all levels offered by local professional guides. The galleries of the cave Mescla to explore during hazing to caving.

From the entrance of the gorge to the natural park of the Rives du Loup downstream, the river is lined with remarkable sites. Several charming villages surround the canyon, which all have a beautiful built heritage and past of historical interest.

At the entrance of the gorges, the hilltop village of Bar-sur-Loup is a medieval defensive town which retains its stronghold spent several remarkable sites: the old city walls, the castle of the counts of Grasse built between the 14th and the 16th century, a pedestrianized old town and the medieval church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur.

A popular destination in the thirties, the hamlet of Pont-du-Loup was served until the Second World War by the Chemins de Fer de Provence. renowned tourist resort, the Pont du Loup hosted repeatedly Queen Victoria. The site still houses the remains of the monumental viaduct bombed during the last war, and a renowned confectioner, Florian House that transforms the flowers and fruits of Provence refined sweets or chocolate tart.

medieval charming village, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is also called the "city of violets" because the culture of the flower is a secular specialty. An annual festival is also dedicated to the violet in March. Tourrettes invites you to stroll among its flowered staircases, archways, cobblestone alleys and art and craft workshops from the Grand Street. Villeneuve Castle, built in the 15th century, houses the municipal services and many temporary exhibitions.

Village perched historic and essential site of the Alpes-Maritimes, Saint Paul de Vence has a rich ancient heritage: his fortified wall under François 1st, his sublime collegiate church, chapels, the old market square and its wash his gate tower machicolated his tour of Esperon, his stronghold dolphin, its keep, its pontis of the High Street and its oil mill. Artists Village, Saint Paul de Vence home to many galleries and streets become the heyday of open workshops.

Other must the Gorges du Loup, the villages of Gourdon and La Colle-sur-Loup also well worth a visit. A few kilometers south of the waterfalls of Saut du Loup, the walled medieval city of Gourdon, ancient city of weavers and clothiers, has kept its prosperous past an important architectural heritage. It has the label of the most beautiful villages in France. La Colle-sur-Loup also attracts artists for its atmosphere and its location at the edge of the Wolf, in an exceptional natural setting.