The first record of Valbonne dates back to 1200 as the Monasterium Vallisbone was established. Today, it is a well known and active town on the Cote d'Azur, with a large international population.
The village of Valbonne was mostly designed in the 16th century, in a rare grid pattern following the layout of Roman cities. In the centre of the village is the lovely Place des Arcades. The central square is surrounded on all four sides by picturesque arcades, cafe terraces and little shops.
At the bottom of the village is the 12th century Eglise Saint-Blaise and the attached Chalasian abbey.
Valbonne is a lovely place to live and visit. It is a beautiful, bustling village attracting tourists from near and far. On Friday there is a very busy market selling everything from Provencal artefacts, fashion clothing, jewellery, pottery, linens, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, local cheeses and even small kitchen equipment. On the first Sunday of each month there is a wonderful Antique market. The village has numerous casual and upscale restaurants (4 of which are on the square where children run around), many shops and boutiques, a spa and a small movie theatre.
The village is located within a large regional forest, and hiking trails abound allowing for picnics by the river, jogging and horseback riding.
Beyond Valbonne, the Cote d'Azur offers a wide variety of activities catering to every interest and hobby. Cannes, Antibes, Nice, St. Tropez, Monaco and Italy are all nearby. |
