Coaraze

Visit Coaraze, Provence

Coaraze is a small 'perched village' in the hills north of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence, south-east France. Officially classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', Coaraze is in a lovely setting running up the side of a hill with mountains rising dramatically behind the village.

Exploring Coaraze

There is a lovely medieval centre to explore in the village which is easy to explore - simply walk up through the village along the narrow cobbled streets lined with old houses that meander towards the top of the hill. En route you will see many lovely buildings, some in stone and others painted in pastel colours, and pass through lots of quiet vaulted passageways before reaching the church and open square that stands at the top of Coaraze.

There are several sundials in Coaraze to spot as you explore - not surprising given the alternative name for Coaraze - 'sun village' - and some of these are the creations of famous artists such as John Cocteau. The village continues to attract an active artist community.

There are also a couple of religious monuments of interest in the village: the Chapel of Saint Sebastien (containing some 16th century frescoes); the Blue Chapel (also with frescoes); and the Church of Saint John the Baptist.

Stop in the Coaraze tourist office for a guide when you arrive to make sure you don't miss any of the little features and architectural highlights.

The views that await you at in the open square at the top across the surrounding hills and olive groves from the square are especially impressive.

Close to Coaraze

The mountains and wilderness of the National Parc of Mercantour are close to Coaraze and offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities, from picnics and gentle walks to rock climbing and white water rafting.

Note: photo of Coaraze is copyright

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-Maritimes (the region and department for Coaraze) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Coaraze, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sainte-Agnes 15km; La Turbie 16km; Monaco 16km; Eze 16km; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 18km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 18km; Beaulieu-sur-Mer 18km; Nice 18km; Menton 19km; Breil-sur-Roya 19km; Cap Ferrat 20km;

Coaraze tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Trophy of Augustus - national monument (16km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (17km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (18km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (18km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (19km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (19km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (19km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (19km) :

See more places and a map at places near Coaraze