Peillon

Visit Peillon, Provence

Peillon is one of several perched villages in the Alpes-Maritimes department, just a few kilometres north of Monaco and the Cote d'Azur. It is in a startling location, on top of a cliff and with higher mountains rising behind the village - and certainly one of the most attractive villages to be found in the area.

The view up to the village as you approach along the narrow road is also one of the highlights, creating a very dramatic contrast with the Riviera coast to the south that you have only just left behind you.

Exploring Peillon

You won't need your car in the village itself (in any case it is pedestrianised), although walking shoes might be appropriate for climbing the cobbled pathways and alleys! The houses cling to the rock, almost seeming to form part of the landscape, making this small but fascinating village a lovely place to visit.

All the ingredients are here that you would expect from a Provencal perched village - steep streets lined with unchanged medieval houses wind up and down through Peillon, often passing through vaulted passageways and offering a fascinating insight into how life might have been 500 years ago for inhabitants of this remote location.

There are numerous features of historical interest and beauty to discover as you explore. One particular highlight in Peillon is found inside the Chapelle of Penitents-Blancs, where there are some highly regarded 15th century frescoes to admire, painted by Jean Canavesio. There is also a 18th century church in Peillon, and an old oil mill.

There are plenty of fine views across the surrounding countryside to enjoy if you need a break while the children run on ahead up the steps and there is also a restaurant at the top of the village.

Note: although only a few kilometres north of Monaco 'as the crow flies' the drive will take at least 30 minutes - there is no direct road and you need to take the D2204B and the D21, starting from La Trinité (north of Nice).

Suggested places to visit near Peillon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sainte-Agnes 7km; Menton 9km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 10km; Cap Ferrat 11km; Coaraze 12km; Sospel 12km; Nice 12km; Vence 22km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 23km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 23km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 27km; Saorge 27km; Saorge Monastery 28km; Biot 28km; Antibes 30km; Juan-les-Pins 32km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Peillon

Peillon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (6km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (10km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (10km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (10km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (10km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (13km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (20km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (27km) :

French version: see Peillon (Francais)