Escapade The Castellaras of Thorenc

The hinterland of Grasse is full of wealth, cultural as well as panoramic. The Castellaras of Thorenc is one of the most fascinating.

A fascinating story

The Castellaras is located 1400m high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the whole Esteron. It still appears majestic, surrounded by fortified walls. Its history dates back to Roman times but it is best known, it seems, as shelter for the Templars, which gives it an air of mystery, an invitation to a land of dreams.

Throughout the Middle Ages, it was coveted: the family of Andon, Romee de Villeneuve, the first Baron of Vence, the Count of Provence, a robber named Vita de Blois in the service of the Count of Savoy... Besides, it was destroyed in 1391. Today, you can still see the ruins of the walls of the enclosure of the castle, a chapel, stables and a tank.

A panoramic view

A visit to this remarkable site is required. The walk is easy and can be done throughout the year. In winter, when there is snow, it can be done on snowshoes. It is also an ideal spot for a family walk. Be careful on the site: children should not be left unattended due to some pics.

To mount the Castellaras from the D5, we need to take the trail which follows the old Roman road. At marker 146, turn right and then climb up Castellaras. After passing the wall, we reach the site: the views are breathtaking. The view is 360 degrees on the mountains nearby and on more distant Mercantour, on Thorenc or Andon.

The calm is incredibly relaxing: you only hear the sound of wind and birdsong. In the distance we can see bisons... Bisons? Yes, we are not dreaming: they are bisons. They are raised in the Biological Reserve of Monts d'Azur close by.

Alas! We must go down, back to civilization. However we will keep a bit of that magic with us.

The Mont d'Azur biological Reserve

On our way back, we can make a stop at the Biological Reserve of Monts d'Azur. Its mission is the preservation and protection of nearly 500 endangered European species such as : the European bison, Przewalski's horse, deer, birds, pre-Alpine flora ... The reserve covers 700 ha and offers walking, snowshoe or horse-drawn carriage safaris. You can even stay for a short while.

From Nice, take La Colle sur Loup, the gorges du Loup and reach the village of Gréolières. Continue to Andon and Thorenc on D2.

Shortly after the junction to Gréolières des neiges is left on the right, you reach the D5 by turning left to Andon.

3 km later, when you come up to the marker Thorenc 5km, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey 21km, you park in the car park on the right.

A few meters further on the right, you can see the big wooden sign indicating the trail of Castellaras.