HILLTOP VILLAGES
Around Pipa Polaris, there are many hilltop villages, each with its own character. Some are known for their sweeping views, others for their winding streets, markets, cafés, art galleries or village squares. Here are a few of the places we particularly enjoy and return to regularly, whether for a stroll, a leisurely lunch or simply to soak up the atmosphere.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the region’s most famous villages, and for good reason. Although we no longer wander its streets as often as we once did, we still believe it is worth visiting at least once for its atmosphere, art galleries and rich heritage.
We recommend visiting in the morning, when the streets are still relatively quiet.
Fondation Maeght
Set among pine trees, the Fondation Maeght houses an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art. Miró, Giacometti, Chagall, Calder and Braque are showcased alongside remarkable architecture and gardens that we particularly enjoy. Even visitors with little interest in modern art often find the place captivating.
📍623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 32 81 63
La Colombe d’Or
A legendary address whose history is closely intertwined with that of many twentieth-century artists. At a time when some painters paid for their meals or accommodation with their artwork, the hotel gradually built a collection that is now renowned worldwide.
The garden is especially pleasant for lunch or dinner. Prices reflect the prestige of the place, but the experience remains truly unique.
Main courses: €22 to €65
Desserts: €13 to €24
📍Place du Général de Gaulle, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 32 80 02
The Village
Take time to wander through the narrow streets, step into a few galleries and stroll along the ramparts. The visit combines perfectly with a morning at the Fondation Maeght or lunch at La Colombe d’Or.
📍Saint-Paul-de-Vence
🚘 40 mi
We recommend visiting in the morning, when the streets are still relatively quiet.
Fondation Maeght
Set among pine trees, the Fondation Maeght houses an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art. Miró, Giacometti, Chagall, Calder and Braque are showcased alongside remarkable architecture and gardens that we particularly enjoy. Even visitors with little interest in modern art often find the place captivating.
📍623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 32 81 63
La Colombe d’Or
A legendary address whose history is closely intertwined with that of many twentieth-century artists. At a time when some painters paid for their meals or accommodation with their artwork, the hotel gradually built a collection that is now renowned worldwide.
The garden is especially pleasant for lunch or dinner. Prices reflect the prestige of the place, but the experience remains truly unique.
Main courses: €22 to €65
Desserts: €13 to €24
📍Place du Général de Gaulle, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 32 80 02
The Village
Take time to wander through the narrow streets, step into a few galleries and stroll along the ramparts. The visit combines perfectly with a morning at the Fondation Maeght or lunch at La Colombe d’Or.
📍Saint-Paul-de-Vence
🚘 40 mi
Biot
Known for its master glassmakers and glassblowing workshops, Biot has a character all of its own. Its narrow streets, artisan studios and galleries make it a delightful destination for a stroll or a leisurely lunch.
The Glassmakers of Biot
The village is renowned worldwide for its glassmaking tradition. Several workshops welcome visitors and offer the opportunity to watch artisans at work while discovering their creations.
Les Arcades
This is the main reason we enjoy coming to Biot. Housed beneath the village arcades for generations, Les Arcades feels almost like a museum. Works of art, antiques, photographs and countless objects tell a story that has been built up over decades.
The cuisine is traditional and generous, but it is above all the unique atmosphere of the place that keeps us coming back.
📍15 Place des Arcades, 06410 Biot
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 65 01 04
📍Biot
🚘 35 min
The Glassmakers of Biot
The village is renowned worldwide for its glassmaking tradition. Several workshops welcome visitors and offer the opportunity to watch artisans at work while discovering their creations.
Les Arcades
This is the main reason we enjoy coming to Biot. Housed beneath the village arcades for generations, Les Arcades feels almost like a museum. Works of art, antiques, photographs and countless objects tell a story that has been built up over decades.
The cuisine is traditional and generous, but it is above all the unique atmosphere of the place that keeps us coming back.
📍15 Place des Arcades, 06410 Biot
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 65 01 04
📍Biot
🚘 35 min
Mougins
Old Mougins is one of the most elegant villages in the region. Its flower-filled streets, art galleries, artists' studios and charming squares make it a pleasure to explore. We particularly enjoy visiting in the late afternoon, when the village becomes a little quieter. A stroll through the streets, an aperitif on a terrace, followed by dinner: this is often how we enjoy Mougins.
Although Pablo Picasso spent the final years of his life here, it is above all the atmosphere of the village that appeals to us today. Art seems to be present everywhere. As you wander through the streets and squares, you will regularly come across sculptures and open-air exhibitions. This artistic presence contributes greatly to the charm of Mougins and naturally encourages visitors to slow down and take their time.
L'Amandier
An institution in Mougins. During the warmer months, we recommend reserving a table on the terrace to fully enjoy the view. The cuisine celebrates Mediterranean and Provençal flavours with elegance and generosity.
📍48 Place du Commandant Lamy, 06250 Mougins
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 90 00 91
Resto des Arts
A charming address in the heart of the village, equally enjoyable indoors or on the small square outside. The cuisine is creative, seasonal and carefully prepared. A restaurant we particularly appreciate for its balance of originality and simplicity.
📍Place des Patriotes, 06250 Mougins
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 90 40 47
📍Mougins
🚘 25 mi
Although Pablo Picasso spent the final years of his life here, it is above all the atmosphere of the village that appeals to us today. Art seems to be present everywhere. As you wander through the streets and squares, you will regularly come across sculptures and open-air exhibitions. This artistic presence contributes greatly to the charm of Mougins and naturally encourages visitors to slow down and take their time.
L'Amandier
An institution in Mougins. During the warmer months, we recommend reserving a table on the terrace to fully enjoy the view. The cuisine celebrates Mediterranean and Provençal flavours with elegance and generosity.
📍48 Place du Commandant Lamy, 06250 Mougins
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 90 00 91
Resto des Arts
A charming address in the heart of the village, equally enjoyable indoors or on the small square outside. The cuisine is creative, seasonal and carefully prepared. A restaurant we particularly appreciate for its balance of originality and simplicity.
📍Place des Patriotes, 06250 Mougins
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 90 40 47
📍Mougins
🚘 25 mi
Gourdon
Perched more than 700 metres above sea level, Gourdon overlooks the Loup Valley and offers one of the most spectacular views in the region. On a clear day, the panorama stretches all the way to the Mediterranean.
The village is small and easy to explore on foot. We enjoy wandering through its narrow streets, discovering local artisans and soaking up its mountain-village atmosphere, so different from the coast.
Francis Saunier's Gingerbread
We never leave Gourdon without stopping at Francis Saunier. Well known far beyond the village itself, this family-run business has been making traditional artisan gingerbread for several generations. A wonderful souvenir to take home, or simply to enjoy while you're there.
📍12 Place Victoria, 06620 Gourdon
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 42 92 13
📍Gourdon
🚘 30 min
The village is small and easy to explore on foot. We enjoy wandering through its narrow streets, discovering local artisans and soaking up its mountain-village atmosphere, so different from the coast.
Francis Saunier's Gingerbread
We never leave Gourdon without stopping at Francis Saunier. Well known far beyond the village itself, this family-run business has been making traditional artisan gingerbread for several generations. A wonderful souvenir to take home, or simply to enjoy while you're there.
📍12 Place Victoria, 06620 Gourdon
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 42 92 13
📍Gourdon
🚘 30 min
Valbonne
Valbonne has a very different atmosphere from the other hilltop villages in the region. Its lively streets, boutiques, galleries and numerous terraces make it a vibrant destination throughout the year.
We enjoy wandering through the village without any particular plan, browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere of Place des Arcades, the true heart of Valbonne.
Place des Arcades
Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this large square lined with arcades is one of the most pleasant spots in the village for a drink, lunch or simply watching local life unfold.
La Pigeot
Located in the heart of the village, La Pigeot serves Mediterranean cuisine with subtle oriental influences in a setting inspired by traditional Moroccan riads. During the warmer months, tables spill out into the surrounding streets, creating a particularly charming atmosphere. We enjoy coming here at the end of the day, after a stroll through the village, before settling in for dinner.
📍 6 Rue Eugène Giraud, 06560 Valbonne
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 12 21 45
📍Valbonne
🚘 25 min
We enjoy wandering through the village without any particular plan, browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere of Place des Arcades, the true heart of Valbonne.
Place des Arcades
Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this large square lined with arcades is one of the most pleasant spots in the village for a drink, lunch or simply watching local life unfold.
La Pigeot
Located in the heart of the village, La Pigeot serves Mediterranean cuisine with subtle oriental influences in a setting inspired by traditional Moroccan riads. During the warmer months, tables spill out into the surrounding streets, creating a particularly charming atmosphere. We enjoy coming here at the end of the day, after a stroll through the village, before settling in for dinner.
📍 6 Rue Eugène Giraud, 06560 Valbonne
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 12 21 45
📍Valbonne
🚘 25 min
