If you’re looking for an authentic French village along the Cote d’Azur, a visit to Peillon should be on your list when visiting Nice. Getting off the train, you can spot the 12th century village perched on top of a cliff with higher mountains soaring behind.
The breathtaking mountain vista is a stark contrast to the Mediterranean views of Nice. Walk the steep, narrow streets and image yourself, 500 years ago, living in one of the houses clinging to the rocks.
There are a couple of restaurants in Peillon if you’re looking for a nice meal. There are no grocery stores or souvenir shops, so make sure to pack water and snacks. The lack of touristy shops is part of what makes Peillon a breath of fresh air when compared to the rows of postcard merchants in Nice.
View of the valley from the mountainside of Peillon village
This was the easy part of the climb – just before reaching the base of the village
Outer wall of the village
Bridges & stairs connect the village domiciles
How to get there:
Car:
I highly recommend a car. You can drive to the village and park at the plaza right at the base. It’s a pedestrian-only village, so pack your walking shoes. Arriving by car is the easiest way to explore the village.
Train:
If you’re looking for something a little more physical, take the train to Peillon-Ste-Thècle. It costs approximately 3.20€ per person each way and takes about 20 minutes. Purchase round trip tickets from the train station in Nice. Peillon-Ste-Thècle is an unmanned station, so you will have to purchase your tickets on the train if you don’t plan ahead.
We took the train and hiked up the trail along the side of the mountain. It is steep climb and not suitable for young children. My kids 8 and 10 made the hike along with my parents (60’s.) My Mom considered turning around, but was happy she completed the trek once reaching the top. The hike affords spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley below while remaining tucked into nature.
I suggest downloading an app just as Pocket Earth PRO Offline Maps to help navigate your way to the village.
We walked down the road to catch our train back to Nice. The switch backs make the descent fairly easy. It would have been rather treacherous for our crew trying to navigate down the steep, rocky trail.
Bus:
Take bus line 360 to La Grave.
This atypical tourist destination is worth a visit when in Nice or Monaco. Have you been to Peillon France or a similar village?
*My photos didn’t come out as well as I had hoped, but I thought it was important to share another type of day trip destination from Nice.
You may also like a visit to the fortified village of Saint Paul de Vence, France.
Hi there! I loved this post! A few questions:
1. How did you find the trail when you arrived at the train station? Is it clearly marked or does it take some searching?
2. How long does the trail take to reach Peillon? We are visiting in June and were thinking of taking the road route. However, we would like to take the trail if it is more scenic and not considerably longer.
Thank you!
Peillon looks incredible – thank you for your post! My question for you is…I would like to go there and stay for two nights. I will, however, be coming from Monte Carlo WITH a large suitcase and no vehicle.
Do you think this will possible to get up to the village? Are there taxis anywhere? If I was to take the train, how difficult/long a hike (with luggage) would you say it is?
I apologize for all of the questions and thank you for your informative review!
No problem at all! We’re happy to help however we can. Just be warned that you don’t have a lot of accommodation choices in Peillion. I would take a taxi from the train station with the luggage. I can’t imagine trying to lug a suitcase all the way from the station.
Once you book the hotel, they may be able to help you. Some places will likely be willing to pick you up from the train station.
More getting to Peillion info: http://www.peillontourisme.fr/?page_id=36
Peillon looks like a beautiful little village! I absolutely loved seeing the details of the village’s outer walls. (Side note- I think your photos turned out great! I especially loved the one showing the view of Peillon with the mountain in the background.) Great post!
Thanks Jessica!
I find the walls of villages to be fascinating. There is so much history and beauty.