The journey begins: from coast to village #Cannes #Gréolières #NiceToKnowNews
A winding road leads us from the sunny coast to the village of Gréolières, which has existed since 1033. The name Gréolières comes from the Old French word “greolier,” meaning “crow.” At an altitude of 850 meters, we are greeted by a breathtaking view over the Loup valley, which continues its path to the Mediterranean Sea.
As we stroll through the village, we discover a heritage trail that takes us through 800 years of history. Informative signs accompany significant landmarks, such as the ‘lavoir,’ the communal washhouse. This type of washhouse was an important facility for the locals in the past, where people gathered to wash their clothes and socialize. The route also passes the 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre and the ruins of the Gréolières Basses castle; each step feels like a journey back in time.
We take the car and continue to Gréolières les Neiges, about a 20-minute drive away. The journey is worth it. Along the way, we pass the ruins of the Hautes Gréolières castle, which was once a mighty fortress before the religious wars brought it to ruin. Although it’s summer, the ski lifts of Gréolières les Neiges are in operation, offering the opportunity to hike at higher altitudes.
In winter, this place transforms into a ski resort with 20 runs over 30 kilometers of slopes. But in summer, as it is now, the area invites hiking, cycling, and paragliding. The nature here is unspoiled, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
As we drive along the winding roads, we are surprised by beautiful wild lavender, which grows like a blue-purple carpet among the rocks. We park the car along the road to enjoy this picturesque landscape and the delightful scent. This wild lavender has been growing here for centuries and is highly prized by perfumers from nearby Grasse. We see hikers picking lavender and can’t resist picking some ourselves. Once we get back in the car, we notice it smells wonderfully of the fresh, relaxing scent of lavender.
In July, the locals celebrate the Lavender Festival here, a local event around the blooming of lavender. There is a market, local crafts, and folk performances that provide an authentic insight into life here.
welcome to grer a beautiful village where history and nature come together it is located at an altitude of 850 M with a lovely view over the valley where the loop river flows which empties into the Mediterranean Sea The Village was founded in 133 and is known for its Rich Heritage here you can discover the ancient ruins of castal and the 12th century St Pier church for adventurers there are amazing hiking trails in Winter you can enjoy the ski slopes in the higher grer L which offers about 30 kilm of ski slopes here at gr you will find wild lavender and every year at the end of July they celebrate its Blossom during laett de la la and did you know that Lavender is the symbol of the provance because of its color and its perfume nice to know right [Music]