A village perched at the summit
Situated at an altitude of around 800 m, Sainte-Agnès is considered Europe’s highest coastal village. It offers exceptional panoramic views over the Bay of Menton, Italy and the Mediterranean coastline. Classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages since 1997, it seduces visitors with its medieval charm, cobbled streets and unspoilt tranquillity.Things to see and do in Sainte Agnès
- Stroll through the medieval village and discover its cobbled streets, stone houses, vaulted passageways, local craftsmen, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church (with its bell tower adorned with glazed tiles) and Saint-Sébastien chapel: a typical, authentic setting to explore without a plan.
- Castle and medieval garden: overlooking the village, the remains of the 11th-century castle dominate a restored hanging garden with aromatic plants. The view from here is spectacular.
- Maginot Line fort: The Sainte-Agnès fort, built between 1932 and 1938, is the last bastion of the Alpine Maginot Line. Now an underground museum, it covers more than 2,000 sqm and offers guided tours of the artillery and observation galleries, with sea views. Open to the public, booking recommended.
- Panoramic hikes: Starting directly from the village, several hiking trails such as the GR51 or the Balcons de la Côte d’Azur trail allow you to explore the surrounding peaks, including the Pic de Baudon at 1,264 m, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
- Belvederes and breathtaking views: observation points can be found near the fort and along the narrow streets. They offer panoramic views over Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and sometimes as far as Italy. Ideal for magnificent photos at sunrise or sunset.
To prepare your visit toSainte Agnès
Saint Agnès Tourist Office: 2-17, place de l’Église – France 04.93.35.84.58
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