Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ALPES-MARITIMES
Technically, The Riviera is part of the Alpes-Maritimes département, but in-
land from the coastal highway the landscape changes dramatically and the
region's forested mountains, deep river gorges and medieval hilltop villages
seem a million miles from the busy seaside resorts. High in the mountains is
the Parc National du Mercantour, a region of rocky summits and glaciers
which shelters chamois, ibex and rare lammergeier vultures. In winter heavy
snowfall makes this one of France's favourite ski areas.
1. VENCE
A gem of the region, with an unbeatable location on a high crag and sweeping views.
The old medieval centre is ringed by formidable battlement walls and is entered
through a massive stone gateway, to a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tall stone
houses. A small cathedral, dating from the 11th century, stands on place Clemenceau.
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2. VALLEE DES MERVEILLES AND MUSEE DES
MERVEILLES
High in the
Parc National de Mercantour
, this valley shelters a treasury of Bronze
Age art. Rock carvings dating from 1800-1500 BC are scattered over the slopes of the
2,870-m (9,400-ft) Mont Bégo. They are almost impossible to find without a guide,
but there are fascinating examples in the Musée des Merveilles.
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Musée des Merveilles • ave du 16 Septembre 1947, Tende • Open 10am-6:30pm
Wed-Mon (to 5pm mid-Oct-Apr; daily Jul-Sep) • Closed 1 Jan, 2 wks mid-Mar, 1
May, 2 wks mid-Nov, 25 Dec • Free • DA
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