Opio

Visit Opio, Provence

Opio is a very small village a few kilometres north-west of Valbonne and to the east of Grasse (perfume capital of France) in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence.

Exploring Opio

Little more than a church and a sprinkling of houses around a hilltop, Opio is a perched village with far-reaching views and while a visit will only take half an hour it is recommended that you stop by if you are passing.

In a very picturesque spot surrounded by hills covered with olive and pine trees, from the belvedere next to Opio church you can also look down on the golf course in the valley below, which is popular with visitors, and miles of unspoiled countryside.

The Church of Saint Trophisme with its tall square clocktower dates originally from the 12th century, although substantially modified in later centuries.

There is also a traditional olive mill nearby that has been active since the 15th century (although the mill is now driven by electricity rather than water). At the Moulin d'Opio (on the Route de Chateauneuf) you can taste and buy their home pressed olive oils.

Opio and Coluche

The village is well known by the French because the the well known French actor Coluche was killed here in a road accident in 1986. His name continues to be well known in France because shortly before he died Coluche started a charity called Les Restos du Coeur which is still a leading charity with events every year supported by the best known French actors, comedians and musicians.

There is a commemorative plaque in Opio to mark the spot where Coluche was killed.

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

Photos of Opio

Click any picture to start the gallery

Suggested places to visit near Opio, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mougins 7km; Valmasque Parc 8km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 8km; Biot 10km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 12km; Vence 12km; Cannes 13km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 13km; Mandelieu-la-Napoule 14km; Juan-les-Pins 15km; Antibes 15km;

Opio tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la Villa Fort de France - remarkable garden (5km) : Abbaye de Lerins (Cannes) - religious monument (13km) : Grottes de Saint-Cezaire - site of natural beauty (14km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (15km) : Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret - remarkable garden (15km) : Parc du château de la Napoule - remarkable garden (16km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (16km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (23km) :

See more places and a map at places near Opio