La Colle-sur-Loup

SUMMARY

Ideally situated between the sea and the mountains, in the immediate vicinity of the major cities of the French Riviera and the international airport of Nice, La Colle-sur-Loup is a typical reminder of the bygone times in Provence.
It is an ideal escape from the nearby bustle of the coastline to enjoy tranquillity and leisure. La Colle-sur-Loup, is formerly famed for its roses that are used to create wonderful perfume’s. The town is nestled in the lush green hills. Its welcome awaits you and will entice you to share its peaceful and authentic lifestyle.

History of the town

Come and discover the cultural testimony of a typically authentic Provençal heritage.
Leaving an ancient well behind, intoxicated by the scent of orange blossoms. Escaping the passage of time and discovering the secrets of the village, on the carved doors and facades, in the chapels or in the 12th century abbey …
La Colle sur Loup has an historic prison, dating back from the 17th century. Amaze yourself by its original wicket door, which relates back to the early independence of the village.
The old hospital was created in 1723 in a house granted to the town by a local surgeon. It later became a school and has now transformed into private residential apartments.
From the edge of the town admire the breath-taking view of the ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence, glimmering in the setting sun. It is from here that the tram line of the 19th century passed.
The Abbey of La Colle sur Loup was built in the 10th century, it is the oldest heritage of the village. Its 12th century chapel is classified as a historic monument. Surprise yourself at this monumental building from centuries ago.

LOCATION

25 min from Nice
35 min from Cannes
20 min from Nice Airport

Environment

It is a wonderful place to live, thanks to its particularly mild climate, the quality of its environment and its natural open spaces.
At the gates of the valley of the Loup River, it is a starting point for many country walks, hiking paths and water sports. The town’s surroundings offer wild and unspoiled landscapes.

Lifestyle

Start your visit by entering the Canadel porch to get in the mood and visit the city centre with its lively shopping streets and small quaint alleyways, where you can enjoy shaded squares, fountains and beautiful, ancient, carved doors.
Long ago, La Colle sur Loup was known for being the capital of rose perfume and now of today the town displays its antique dealers, decorators and its collection of delightful restaurants.
Over the generations La Colle sur Loup has attracted artists, many of whom gained fame in their lifetimes, including Yves Klein, founder of the “New Realists”, who is buried here. Artists such as Jacques Ferrandez, a well-known cartoonist, and Yves Bayard, celebrated architect, artist and poet passed away in 2008.
The river “Le Loup”, after which the town is named, is one of the main attractions of La Colle sur Loup. Its shores are veritable oases of freshness with its peaceful murmuring waters which are much appreciated in the hot hours of summer and the river is also famous for the trout that can be caught there.

Our favourites

Saut Du Loup waterfallThere is a waterfall named Saut Du Loup which is situated in the middle of lush vegetation, on a bend in the road traversing the valley. Discover the entrance to the private site of the “Saut du Loup\” or the “Jump of the Wolf”. Here we admire, far below, the magnificent pool of water, resulting from sea and ice erosions of past eras.
In this pool swirl, the waters of the Loup River are even more impressive in the spring time, when the torrent is up at its most forceful.
Want to go rafting? The valleys of the Loup River are ideal for hiking or cave exploration which attract visitors from around the world.

To see & discover

St Jacques Church – 1726 with Renaissance facade,
Château de Montfort 16th century.
The 16th century hunting lodge of King François the first.
Canadel Priory, currently restaurant “ l’Abbaye” and its Romanesque chapel (12th century, with single nave, semi-circular arches, barrel-vaulted vault, semi-circular vaulted apse and cloister).
The mill of Saint-Donnat.
Tower with engraved plaque “Concordia et labore 1623”.
Chapels of the white penitents, Saint Donat (17th) and Saint-Roch (classic well restored facade).
Neolithic sepulchral cave (Bronze Age) and Bianchi Cave, partly destroyed.