Peille & Peillon

"two very ancient villages"
Our destination is about twenty kilometres outside of Nice (on the Nice Est motorway exit), towards two very ancient villages, attractively perched on our surrounding summits: PEILLE and PEILLON.

"dating back to the Middle Ages"
Perched 630m in altitude, PEILLE is a characterful village clinging to the mountain side. Strolling through the village, you will come across cobbled lanes and grand residences dating back to the Middle Ages, gothic fountains and vaulted passages. On elevated ground stands the old parish church, and to the south of the village, the communal olive mill where once stood the Chapel of Mercy. The Chapel of St. Joseph (18th Century), located in the middle of the village was the seat of the white-robed penitents.

Several enclosures predating the Neolithic period can be found dotted around the territory. The surrounding forests are run through with thyme and lavender-lined paths: there are five walking paths to choose from, lasting between 20 minutes and 3 hours.

"many ancient tools"
The Peille Terroir Museum (open on weekends, free-entry) is dedicated to the village’s history, ways and customs, and ancient professions. Objects collected from here and there, from local residents’ cellars, wardrobes and attics form the museum’s collection. Here you can see old machines restored to working order, many ancient tools witnessing to the harsh living conditions of the late 19th Century, clothing that was probably worn by several generations, and the list goes on. The museum is special in that it gives the name of each object in the Peille language, a derivative of the Oc regional language.

"vertiginous mountain peak"
At 10km from Peille, along a narrow twisting road is the village of Peillon dangling on a vertiginous mountain peak, 376m in altitude. All its houses look like they are stuck together, typical of the architecture of fortified mountain villages. At the top of the village, dominating the landscape, is the 16th century parish church of St. Sauveur. The Chapel of the White-robed Penitents (15th and 16th centuries), houses one of the village’s treasures: the remarkable Jean Canavesio frescoes, one the famous painters of the Primitive Nicois school.

"haven of peace"
This area just outside Nice is home to one of the most charming and gastronomic stops, namely the AUBERGE DE LA MADONE. Standing in the middle of 5 hectares of orchards and olive groves, this 3-star inn offers pleasant stays and a restaurant passionate about local produce and good food. Authentic flavours and creativity reign at this inn, whose outdoor tables and panoramic terrace are surrounded by flowers and ancient olive trees. Beauty and fine flavours, an attentive service and blessed environs, makes this welcoming inn, a haven of romantic and gastronomic peace.

Peille
Auberge de la Madone
Peillon

Valérie Pellegrini