There is a quaint old village between Cagnes sur Mer and Saint Paul de Vence that is well worth a visit. If you like authenticity, peace and quiet and unexpected natural havens, set aside time to explore la Colle sur Loup on your next visit to the Côte d’Azur.
Old cobbled streets, remnants of an bygone era.
Pretty little squares, huge crafted wooden doors, succulents in pots in front of each house, old paving… The charm of Colle sur Loup first leaps out at you as you wander through the village, along the famous Rue Clémenceau where artisans and shops await.
Rue de l’Eglise also has a number of impressive manor houses. No doubt from a not too distant past when la Colle was the capital of scented roses which were then sent to neighbouring Grasse to be processed. The very old Saint Jacques church, (earliest date 1580) with its elegant steeple, houses rare stained-glass windows.
In the day time, the village offers you its hospitality and authenticity. Whilst at night you will marvel at the beauty of its delicate illuminations which accentuate its mineral harmony.
Les Rives du Loup, the jewel in the crown of la Colle sur Loup:
-
Take a walk along the banks of the Loup:
The lovely river that gave the town its name flows directly from the surrounding mountains. Every summer its very cold, pure water is popular with bathers. The walk of a few kilometres is known for its welcome shade in the middle of the summer and for the biodiversity on display. Ducks, teals, Eurasian crag martins and eagles in the sky; rainbow trout and barbels in the water.
The beauty and poetry of this walk means it is not to be missed.
-
Rent a kayak on the banks of the Loup
A recreational centre on the outskirts of the village gives you the opportunity to access a range of sports, including paddle boarding and, of course, kayaking, with safe routes thanks to this calm stretch of the river. A perfect blend of sport, nature and tranquillity, a few kilometres from the excitement of the Azur coastline.
-
Enjoy the thrill of cliff climbing
Here, the banks of the Loup are embedded between two granite cliffs topped with lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Perfect for fans of this relaxed style of climbing. Installations on the rock face allow you to try your hand at this intense sport in a picture postcard setting.
Have a casual lunch or dinner or a slap-up meal:
La Colle sur Loup est décidément un village dédié à la convivialité.
There is no doubt that the village of La Colle sur Loup is a place for socialising.
The budget family restaurants “Comme à la Maison” and “Les Mûriers” serve up fresh, local produce that is popular with patrons, as is the warm welcome.
Whilst Stéphane Garcia’s creative restaurant, “l’Altiers des Saveurs” and Alain Llorca’s Michelin-starred establishment offer a magnificent panoramic terrace in addition to Mediterranean fine-dining.
La Colle sur Loup is the perfect stop-off between a shopping trip to the Polygone Riviera. Cultural outing to the Fondation Maeght in Saint Paul de Vence. Relaxation and authenticity are the order of the day before returning to the comfort of your Riviera Holiday Homes rental property.
Read Also > 10 great things to do in Villefranche sur Mer