Annot
Charming village in the hills above Nice
Annot combines medieval charm with modern Provençal style in a wonderfully relaxed fashion. It's also a great centre for mountain sports.
On the scenic train line from Nice to Dignes, on arrival at Annot train station the main village is a 10-minute walk away through a pleasant residential area; it’s easy to find, just look out for the red roof tiles and head in that direction.
First of all you’ll pass by the tourist office on the main square, a wide shady area lined with tall Plane trees. Beyond is a quiet intersection where the terraces of a few different cafés and bars face a large petanque pitch beside the river Vaïre. The bridge that crosses the river is the Pont de la Donne, built in 1709 and registered as an historical monument.
On turning right at the intersection you’ll enter the old village; a fascinating tangle of medieval alleyways and beautiful stone buildings. The tiny streets all loop round to meet each other, so it's easy to double back and find yourself back where you started without realising.
Annot is not just a monument to the past, there is also lots to do and it is a popular site for rock climbers thanks to the sandstone of the Grès d'Annot.
History & Culture in [locality]
The legend of the Chambres du Roi dates back to the 10th century when Saracen marauders were sweeping France.
Apparently a Christian prince of Lower Provence was on the run from the Saracens and was granted refuge in a rocky cavern, where he and his princess lived in safety until their hiding place was revealed by a traitor and they were slaughtered by the Saracens, along with the people of Annot who had helped hide them. The entire village would have been wiped out if it were not for a plague that swept through the Saracen ranks, mysteriously stopping once all the infidels were dead.
All good stories obviously end with a ghostly presence and this one is the restless soul of the traitor, who apparently appears as a strange glowing vision as dawn breaks over the rocks.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
In the heart of the old village is the solid stone church of Notre-Dame, call into the smaller Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs next door to see the beautiful 17th century altar painting by François Mimault.
The stone vaulted archway that leads to the old village marks the start of the Grand Rue - the main road of Annot since the 14th century.
Sights in Nice
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Estienne d'Orves Natural Park
Located in Nice
The natural park of Estienne d'Orves sits on Saint-Phillipe hill and was opened to the public in 2008. Its 15 hectares are located on the old terrain of the Chateau Miramar, near the centre of Nice.
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Maeght Fondation Museum, St-Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
Just outside Saint-Paul de Vence lies one of France's most famous modern and contemporary art museums. Surrounded by pleasant gardens, this is a nice place to spend your afternoon.
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Natural History Museum
Located in Nice
Founded by Jean Baptiste Barla in 1850 (locals know it as Museum Barla), this museum showcases a rich collection of zoological, botanical and geological specimens.
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Tour Bellanda
Located in Nice
Guarding the Bay of Angels, this 19th-century tower is where composer Hector Berlioz created the opening of the famous King Lear overture in 1831, whilst staying here.
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Musee Renoir, Cagnes sur Mer
The world-famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir lived at La Ferme des Collettes with his family from 1907 until his death in 1919. Renoir moved to Cagnes-Sur-Mer in the hopes that the warm climate would improve his arthritis, which eventually confined him to a wheelchair. The house in which he spent the last 12 years of his life is set in a beautiful estate full of citrus and olive trees, looking out along the coastline all the way to way to the Cap d’Antibes.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Eze
Located in Eze
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Nice
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Located 52.1 km away
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Located 52.3 km away
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Located 52.9 km away
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Located 53.6 km away
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Located 53.7 km away
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
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Plage du Carras Beach
Located 54.8 km away
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Events in [locality]
Annot has a regular market every Tuesday morning and a foire on Saturdays.
Things to do in [locality]
Call into the tourist office and pick up a town map, it has all the historical monuments listed on it so that you can go on a self-guided walking tour.
The Grès d'Annot is a site popular with rock climbers for its massive sandstone boulders, some more than 100m high. You can also see the impressive rock formations by following the Chambre du Roi; a hiking trail that starts behind the train station and loops round through forests back to the village. It takes around three hours and is reasonably flat.
There are also many other hikes signposted from the village that lead into the mountains and gorges of the Vallée du Var.
Things To Do in Nice
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Provence self-guided motorbike tour
Located in Nice
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Dining in [locality]
The centre of Annot has a small collection of cafés, bars, bakeries and crêperies. If you want to feel like a true local then head to the Café du Commerce beside the river and sip on a pastis whilst watching the locals play petanque.
Restaurants in Nice
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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Located in Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Located in Grasse
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
Located in Eze
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Located in Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
Located in Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
Located in Nice
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Master Home Nightclub
Located in Nice
Right on the corner of the Place du Palais de Justice is a little cluster of bars, our favourite of which is Master Home.
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Snug & Cellar, Vieux Nice
Located in Nice
An intimate pub with open mic and acoustic nights, a good atmosphere and happy hours!
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
Located in Nice
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Le 6 Nightclub, Vieux Nice
Located in Nice
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
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Shapko Bar
Located in Nice
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Nice
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0081 Villa
Located in Nice
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
Located in Vence
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
Apartments in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0081 Villa
Located in Nice
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
Located in Vence
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Price: €21,700
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Located in Cap Ferrat
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €17,752
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Price: €41,825
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Located in Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
Price: €8,960
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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Located in Nice
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
Price: €3,825
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €257,250
Directions
Annot is situated between Nice and Dignes-les-Bains and can most easily be reached on the Train des Pignes, a slow-moving but very scenic train ride through the Var valley.
If you're driving, Annot is on route D908 just off the RN202.