Escapade Roure village

"perched village"
Destination Roure village, perched high at the entrance of the Haute-Tinée valley, skimming the edges of Mercantour National Park - between its panoramic vistas, walks deep in nature and gastronomic delights, you might well not want to leave this charming mountain spot.

"sheltered aspect"
In the past, Roure’s isolated location meant that its inhabitants had to be self-sufficient as access was only possible on foot or by mule. It wasn’t until 1962 that a 1,850m electrically motorised cable for pulling wooden carts made it possible to transport provisions and post; and the tracked carts were individually motorised enabling them to advance along the village’s steep lanes. Indeed, the existing road wasn’t built until after the Second World War.

Take a seat on the bench at the village entrance overlooking the Tinée valley 1,100m in altitude, and glory in the full measure of this elevated location. Facing full south, Roure enjoys a sheltered aspect that enhances its charming violet coloured houses and farming/shepherd style architecture, characteristic of the valley. Every Sunday, the communal wood-fired oven, dating back to 1710, is used to make bread.

"natural flora"
With its vast collection of trees, the Roure Arboretum’s mission is to preserve the natural flora of the Alpes maritimes, as well as the deciduous and conifer trees of the Alps and other mountains of the world. The Arboretum runs guided walks (wearing either snow- or walking shoes), starting from inside the vegetal museum around one of its trails that features modern works of art scattered along the route. The works have been entrusted to the natural surroundings, which in turn has resculpted them. A highlight of the walk is the figure of a person sitting above a void contemplating the valley – the sculpture overlooks this artistic trail entitled “No Made”.

"gastronomic eaterie"
One of Roure village’s most gastronomic eateries is L’Auberge Le Robur. Christophe Billau, the inn’s chef was named talent of the year for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region by the Gault & Millau guide 2011.

Since 2009, Christophe and his wife, Pauline have been running the inn, part bistrot, part restaurant, using the best products from the region to create “simple fusion” cuisine that allows individual flavours to come through. Why not start with their homemade aperitif (a sparkling wine mixed with spruce syrup), and then perhaps try the chestnut mousse and diced foie gras with vanilla and Bourbon Chantilly cream? The restaurant space offers exceptional views of the Tinée valley - and you can prolong the pleasure right through to next morning by spending a night in one of the inn’s rooms, all positioned to soak up the morning sun.

ROURE VILLAGE
ARBORETUM
AUBERGE LE ROBUR

Valérie Pellegrini