The ruins of Châteauneuf-Villevieille are one of the most scenic attractions of the Riviera. Easily accessible and close to Nice, they may be followed by a walk in a very peaceful dream setting.

Starting from Le Col towards the ruins, we take the small path on the left which is much nicer than the track. The trail climbs a gentle slope to the ruins which can be reached in 30 minutes. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and it is still easy to imagine the way the old town looked like by strolling around the houses. The terraces, on which were once grown barley and wheat, remain.

Be careful if you have young children, do not let them play in the ruins: they are not secure.

The fortified village of Castel Nuovo, now in ruins, was built from the late sixth century, above the village of Villa Vetula when the Lombards and the Saracens were a continual threat.
The village was gradually abandoned when the area became more secure, from the seventeenth century. Therefore, the inhabitants returned to live in Villa Vetula, closer to water points and with better land.

After visiting the ruins, we reach the trail up to the chapel of St. Joseph. We can now start the easy Mont Macaron hike, enjoying the pure silence, only broken by the chirping of locusts - red or blue - and the buzzing of flies - affectionate but not too much - and big hornets - not aggressive which disappear with the first frosts. The walk climbs up gently and the views are spectacular on the surrounding mountains.

At the top (806m), when the mist of the sea does not hide it, the view of the bay of Nice is fantastic.
The place is also perfect for a picnic break and a nap. We go back by continuing the path which begins the descent and then by turning right and taking the path winding below Mont Macaron towards Chapelle St Joseph.

After the walk, we can go back through the village of Tourrettes and visit its castle and its museums. Arriving in the village, we should follow the signs and park in the St. Catherine car park.
The Tourrette-Levens Castle, perched on its rocky outcrop, dates from the Middle Ages. It was a long time a checkpoint of the famous road salt.

The castle and its museum of Natural History and Entomology are open to visitors every day except Monday. Admission is free. The visit of the Maison des Remparts, with its museum of prehistory and its museum of traditional crafts is also original.