Nestled high in the mountains but almost on the seafront, the village of Sainte-Agnes offers a splendid experience with beautiful panoramas and charming alleyways.
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the village of Sainte-Agnès and the best things to do.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Sainte-Agnès worthwhile?
The village of Sainte-Agnès is well worth a visit.
It’s an unspoilt medieval village with narrow streets, stone houses and a timeless atmosphere. It’s known as Europe’s highest coastal village. It’s perched at an altitude of 800m, overlooking the sea!
What’s more, thanks to its strategic location, it has a long military history, with the ruins of a castle at the summit, and the Fort de Sainte-Agnes (part of the Maginot line), built before the Second World War, which is set deep into the rocky spur.
It has been awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” label.
In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’ Azur. And it’s really less touristy than many, which makes it one of the hidden gems.
Things to do in Sainte-Agnès
Appreciate the access road
Because the village is high up, the road to it is winding. But we didn’t find it too difficult. And above all, we enjoyed seeing the village as we climbed.
Explore the alleys
Sainte-Agnès is a pretty medieval village with attractive houses set around narrow streets.
Here, it seems that each house helps the one next to it to hold a lot. It looks like a big Lego assembly, but with a lot of charm and a few plants to add color.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Go down each aisle / tunnel
We found that this village had retained much of its medieval charm, with numerous arched passageways and houses. This kind of construction gives the impression of time travel.
Visit Notre-Dame-des-neiges church
Take the time to enter the village church. It has classic regional architecture and a yellow facade. There’s been a church here since 1271.
Inside, don’t miss the 17th-century statue of Saint Agnes, the 16th-century gilded wooden tabernacle and numerous anonymous paintings (probably from the Menton school of painting).
Laundry
At the bottom of the village, near the road, you can also see the remains of a washhouse, now filled with beautiful aquatic plants.
Mountain panorama
What we love most about the village of Sainte-Agnès are the views. As the village is high up on the coast, you can enjoy views of the mountains and the sea.
We preferred the view of the mountains with different peaks visible. A map will help you find your way around.
Panoramic sea view
And on the seaward side, you can see the town of Menton, the sea and the coast towards Italy.
Once again, a map helps you find your way around the view.
Maginot Line Fort
Once again, thanks to its hilltop location, the village was a strategic site for the defense of the Bay of Menton.
It is home to a Maginot Line fort built between 1932 and 1938. Built in caverns, it could accommodate 372 men.
Guided tours are available(contact us).
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Climb at least halfway to the castle
Once you’ve visited the village, you can also hike to the summit above the village to reach the castle. The climb is quite steep, with many stone steps.
Even if the climb is a little too much for you, we recommend you do halfway up to enjoy the beautiful views over the village and the mountains. Splendid!
The ruins of the castle
And if you’re brave enough, climb all the way to the castle ruins. Be careful, as these are ruins, and stones may fall. At the very top, you can enjoy 360° views of the mountains and the sea. But it’s also home to birds and mosquitoes, so don’t be surprised when you enter the last tower!
Historians believe the castle may date back to 1180, but it was partially destroyed in 1691.
The medieval garden
Just below the castle is a small garden with breathtaking views of the coast. Apparently, it was already a garden in medieval times.
Hiking around
Thanks to its privileged location in the mountains, there are many hiking trails starting and finishing in Sainte-Agnès.
Village of Sainte-Agnès: access
Where to find Sainte-Agnès
- In the Menton area
- from Menton to Sainte-Agnès = 25min drive
- Monaco to Sainte-Agnès = 40min drive
- Nice to Sainte-Agnès = 45min drive
- Here’s a map of the most beautiful villages where you’ll find Sainte-Agnès to the east:
Access by car and parking
The road is winding and climbs well. There are a few narrower passages, but no major difficulties on the way back to the village.
There’s a camper van park at a chapel under the village and a parking lot at each end of the village.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
A bus runs to the village from the Menton bus station.
Visiting difficulties
To explore the village’s main lanes, there are no major difficulties apart from a few steps.
If you decide to climb up to the castle ruins, take good shoes and water with you. The climb is steep.
Practical tips for visiting Sainte-Agnès
Schedules and prices
Free access to the village.
Free parking the last time we were there.
How long
Allow 30min to explore the village and viewpoints.
Allow 2 to 3 hours if you climb to the castle and/or visit the fort.
There are toilets in the south parking lot (on the sea side).
Best moment
To avoid the crowds on the Côte d’Azur, it’s always a good idea to arrive before 10am.
Mountain views are mainly to the north and northwest.
And sea views are mainly to the south and southeast.
Direction of visit
As the village is easier to explore, you can start with the big climb up to the ruins before relaxing and exploring the narrow streets.
Children
We saw some activity panels for children.
Restaurants
There are two restaurants in the village for lunch, with great views and apparently large portions.
Hotels
You are close to the town of Menton. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Menton
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel de Londres – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Riva Art – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Port side
Easy access to the center and beautiful views of the old town.
- Hotel Napoleon with swimming pool – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Beachside
15 to 30 minutes’ walk from the center between Roquebrune and downtown, to enjoy the sea.
- Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles – view prices, pictures and availability
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Julia Augusta – see prices, photos and availability
