Tende

Visit Tende, Provence

Tende is a small town perched on a hill in Provence inland from the the French Riviera, in the mountains close to the border with Italy. The town was established in its impressive location because of its position on the route between Provence and Piedmont. It is within the eastern part of the Mercantour National Parc.

Exploring Tende

The town appears almost a part of the landscape, with the medieval houses built sturdily from the surrounding rock - even the rooves are in the local lauze. This could be expected to give Tende a rather sombre appearance but in fact is very attractive. The renaissance period painted houses in the central square were built later than the smaller stone houses.

The town of Tende itself is interesting, with numerous unique architectural features to be seen on the houses and shops, such as carvings and frescoes, as the steep streets climb the terraces of the hillside.

The main religious buildings in Tende are the Collegiale Notre-Dame that dominates the centre of the town with its tower and baroque facade incorporating statues of the 12 apostles, the 15th century Church of Saint-Michel, also with a painted baroque style facade.

There are also several chapels of interest including the Chapel Saint-Sauveur, built in the ruins of a castle tower, and the Chapel of the Annonciation

The ruins of the 14th century castle that once stood above Tende - the Chateau Lascaris, largely destroyed in the 17th century - can be visited by following the steep path at the top of the town. Particularly notable here is the adjacent cemetery. Be sure to turn and look behind you as you stagger up the steep path towards the castle ruins because there are frequent lovely views back across the town and surrounding mountains.

Attractions nearby

There are various scenic routes to follow into the valleys around the town - check at the Tende tourist office for details. The Col de Tende is one of the most attractive, and found a little way north of the town.

Vallee des Merveilles

One big attraction close to Tende is the Valley of Merveilles, with literally thousands of prehistoric carvings to be seen in the rocks - your guide will be able to show you the highlights of these. Further examples and replicas can be seen at the museum in Tende, if you don't have the time, inclination or hiking boots to venture into the mountains of the Mercantour National Park.

There are also several caves that can be visited, including notably the 'Heretics cave' - a hideout for calvinists during the 16th century.

La Brigue

A visit to the medieval village of La Brigue close to Tende is recommended. Highlights include the 15th century collegiate church and the 15th century frescoes at the Notre Dame des Fontaines Sanctuary.

Granile to the south and Vivola to the north are also hamlets worth visiting, while at Saint Dalmas you can see the substantial train station built for Mussolini...

Tourist classifications for Tende: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Tende, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Coaraze 34km; Gorbio 36km; Menton 36km; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 38km; Peillon 38km; Monaco 40km; La Turbie 41km; Mercantour National Park 42km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 48km; Cap Ferrat 50km; Nice 50km; Vence 56km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 58km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 59km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 59km;

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

Tende tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Cirque du Gelas - site of natural beauty (17km) : Caires de Cougourde - site of natural beauty (21km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (36km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (36km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (36km) : Col de la Lombarde - site of natural beauty (38km) : Arboretum Marcel Kroenlein - remarkable garden (40km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (43km) :

French version: see Tende (Francais)