The hilltop village of Gourdon

Remarkable hilltop village Alpes-Maritimes Gourdon is nicknamed the "Eagle's Nest" for its extreme situation cliff edge to almost 800 meters. The village overlooks the sublime Gorges du Loup, while offering views of the Mediterranean coast close between Nice and Théoule-sur-Mer.

Ranked among the "most beautiful villages in France", the Gourdon village grew around its medieval castle, the beautiful towers draw a recognizable figure far. Building emblematic of the hilltop village of Gourdon, the castle was built in the 9th century and rebuilt on the foundations of the 12th century. Enlargements were then made to the 17th century. The three round towers are the remains of the 12th century fortress built by the counts of Provence. The village also has a cave fortress accessible from the tray Cavillore.

The path of Paradise, mule track that once provided access to the castle on foot, always borrowed today. It starts from the town of Bar-au-Loup at the foot of rock to reach the castle perched Gourdon. The elevation to climb is 500 meters.

The castle gardens can be visited. Designed by André Le Nôtre, they are organized in terraces and landscaped in French, with centuries-old boxwood. These exceptional hanging gardens also offer panoramic views of the Riviera and the foothills of the Alps.

At the foot of the castle, the Gourdon streets full of houses with remarkable facades are animated and many craft workshops and shops dedicated to local products. Victoria Square is a tribute to the British queen whose Gourdon had the honor to be visited in 1891. It offers the most beautiful view of the entire village on the landscape of the gorge to the sea.

The religious heritage of Gourdon, also very rich, including the Roman church Notre-Dame, the 12th century chapel became a parish church in the early 17th century and the Saint Vincent chapels, St. Pons and St. Ambrose.

Below the cliff, the village of Pont-du-Loup houses the remains of a viaduct of the old railways of Provence, bombed during World War II. In this unique setting nestles the famous Confiserie Florian, known for its gourmet creations made from flowers and plants from Provence.

Gourdon The surroundings are conducive to sublime hikes: the Great Hiking trail GR51 runs along the Gorge du Loup and to discover in turn the sites waterfalls of Saut du Loup and the waterfall of Courmes. Other tours offer trips on the sets of Cavillore or Caussols, with the key unique views of the gorges and coastline in the background. The way to heaven that connects the valley to Gourdon castle is in itself a small walking challenge.

The contrasting countryside Gourdon is also a privileged playground for mountain bikers, canyoning, climbing or paragliding. In the near vicinity, perfumeries and museums in Grasse are must in the region not to miss visiting. Gourdon also houses a scented garden managed by the director of the Grasse historical perfumery Galimard. The garden of the Source Scented includes the most valuable species of perfumery: lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, thyme or pink. Students botanists come to learn in this special place the art of distillation.