Immediately behind the French Riviera is Valbonne, in the heart of Provence. In Provencal Valbonne means “the good valley”, because it enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate thanks to its proximity to the sea which is only 6 km away. The medieval village represents the perfect postcard of Provence, with the shops of artisans and artists.

All around Valbonne opens a magnificent hilly landscape, in which rise the Aleppo pines, the holm oaks and the olive groves and vineyards. Valbonne is an excellent base for exploring Provence, because it’s located in a favorable position for reaching the hinterland and the French Riviera. Its historic center is characterized by a fairytale atmosphere with doors, colored windows and flowered balconies. The heart of the village is the main square surrounded by typical cafés and restaurants. Every Friday the city market populates the streets of the village and fills it with all the characteristic Provencal products, artistic and antiques. At the beginning of September, the town hosts the Antiques, modern and contemporary art exhibition: an evocative event that contrasts the contemporary nature of art with the historicity of the medieval village.

The surroundings of Valbonne also offer many paths to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. The one that joins Valbonne to the village of Biot, for example, allows you to enjoy the variety of the landscape and the freshness of the places along the river, especially during the summer when it is very hot. Crossing the Loup River, you can admire its incredible waterfalls and then head to the small fortress of Gourdon for a breathtaking view of the French Riviera.