Valbonne

The Plateau de Valbonne slopes gently from the Grasse Pre-Alps to the coast with an average altitude of 200m/650ft. It comprises some 2000ha/4940 acres of pines and holm oaks and is drained by the Brague and its tributaries, the Boullide and the Bruguet.

This hospitable spot (vallis bona in Latin) has been occupied since antiquity. In 1199 the Chalais Order founded an abbey, which came under the control of Lérins before becoming the parish church. The building in the form of a Latin cross with a square chevet, has been badly restored on several occasions but has retained the austere character typical of Chalais buildings.

The village is a curious example of ribbon development, with its houses with ramparts and chequer board districts, having been rebuilt in the 16th Century by the Lérins monks.

The main square with its 15-17th Century arcades and old elm trees makes an attractive sight. Every year around St. Blaise's Day (3rd February) the Feast of the 'Servan' grape (which ripens late) is celebrated.

There are several golf courses, horse riding and excellent tennis clubs within a few minutes drive and easy access to the coast, motorways, airport, and further afield to Monaco and the Italian border makes for pleasant excursions.