Tour "Baroque" in the Alpes Maritimes

The Baroque period started to flourish at the end of 16th century. The movement began in Rome, and was therefore resisted in much of France, which preferred to continue to favour the classical style in such iconic buildings as Versailles.

At that time the County of Nice was Savoyard and therefore the style was readily adopted in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Important large towns such as Nice and Menton were the first to raise fine Baroque churches and chapels.

However the style gradually spread out to the hills behind what is now the Riviera.

There are over 26 buildings which can be enjoyed along the coast, and its hinterland.

Season

Departures to date

2008 - contact us for further details.

Pricing

Standard weekly package :

For non-standard periods and programmes, contact us to discuss the options. Read about our flexible way of working.

Walking Grades

grade

Your Accommodation

Gîte

Enjoy the beautifully secluded situation of La Zourcière in the small hamlet of Berthemont les Bains in the Vésubie valley. The gîte sits on the ground floor of the house and is fully self contained. There are shops about 10 minutes drive from the hamlet, and an organic farm just 200m down the road from the house. Follow this link for more details.

Hotel or Chambre d'Hôte

Le Chalet or La Bonne Auberge are situated in the town of St Martin Vésubie, a thriving small community that has been the centre of life in the valley since the 12th century. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants to choose from, and the Bonne Auberge has its own restaurant.
Le Grand Chalet is a homely chambre d'hôte run by Christine and Luc and is situated overlooking the small village of St Dalmas Valdeblore. A good week of outdoor activity is well fuelled by Christine's great cooking, crafted from home made (mainly organic and local) ingredients. Vegetarians are welcomed.

Other accommodation options can be found here.

What's included

Seven nights accommodation 4 nights self catering gîte in Berthemont. Three nights B&B in La Parare, Châteauneuf VieilleVille.

Evening meals can also be provided at La Parare. Guided visit in Saint-Martin-Vésubie.  Map and information on sites of interest.

Transport not included.

Itinerary

• Day 1. Arrive in Nice – drive to Berthemont les Bains, which will be used as a base to explore the treasures on the western side of the Alpes-Maritimes.
• Day 2. Enjoy a tour round Saint-Martin-Vésubie, with an experienced guide who will introduce you to the Baroque period, and bring the rich history of Saint-Martin-Vésubie to life. Overnight in Berthemont.
• Day 3. Enjoy other Baroque sites in the Vésubie valley, including the magnificent look out at La Madone d’Utelle, above Utelle village.
• Day 4. Drive north into the Tinée valley to feast your eyes on the stunning altar in the Saint-Pierre church in Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, before wending your way back to Berthemont, via the pretty hanging villages of Péone, Roubion, Roure and Clans. Overnight in Berthemont.
• Day 5. Head down to the coast via sites in Lucéram and l’Escarène. Overnight in the charming village of Châteauneuf VieilleVille at La Parare which is a lovely B&B (with a pool) run by Karin and Sydney Van Holen.
• Day 6. Head north into the Roya valley.  The day starts in Tende (which is also the site of the fine Vallée de Merveilles museum for visitors interested in the history of the Bronze Age) and the Notre Dame de l’Assomption church.  Heading south is the village of La Brigue, Fontan, the beautiful hanging village of Saorge and Breil.  Enjoy the sites of Sospel and a beer by the river before heading back to La Parare for the night.
• Day 7. Spending a day on the coast you will be rewarded by excellent views across the Mediterranean from sites in Eze village (one of the prettiest coastal village on the Riviera), and the bustling Italianate town of Menton. Overnight at La Parare.
• Day 8. Explore four fine churches in Nice before heading back to the UK.

Suitable for

Adults

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