Famous seaside resort on the French Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is located between Monaco and Menton. In addition to its magnificent natural setting, the municipality has a medieval village and a castle, much to the delight of lovers of old stones.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department located between Monaco and Menton, a few kilometers from the Italian border.
This beautiful seaside resort on the Côte d'Azur covers 933 hectares and 7 kilometers of coastline. Its different neighborhoods range from the seafront to the perched village, located at an altitude of 225 meters.
The commune gets its name from the color of its brown rock "Rocabruna" and enjoys an exceptional natural setting, including Cap Martin, a magnificent promontory into the sea.
From the top of its medieval castle, which has an entrance fee, the view extends to Monaco when walking along the ramparts.
Renowned seaside resort, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has welcomed illustrious personalities such as Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, and Jacques Brel.
The splendor of some residences reminds us that crowned heads, writers, and artists came here to seek inspiration and rest.
One can also see the Cabanon Le Corbusier, which the architect nicknamed "my castle on the French Riviera," and the Villa E-1027 by decorator and architect Eileen Gray, built in 1924 on the seaside.
In the actual village, the narrow cobblestone streets and small squares are very picturesque with colorful facades and abundant flowers in the summer.
Neighboring municipality of the Principality of Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has many tourist attractions:
• The Vallonnet Cave: a prehistoric site dating back a million years where archaic tools made by "Homo erectus" and animal bones have been found.
• The Tomb of Lumone: the only remains of the Lumone station, this Roman funerary monument was built a century before BC.
• Sainte Marguerite Church: an ancient chapel built in the 13th century, restored several times, it houses a miniature copy of Michelangelo's "Last Judgment".
• The Chapel of La Pausa: built in the 15th century following a vow by the inhabitants during the plague epidemic in 1467. Interior frescoes.
• The Medieval Castle: this fortification built at the end of the 10th century by Conrad 1st, Count of Vintimille, has the oldest keep in France (castle open daily, admission fee).
• A Millennial Olive tree which is part of the Remarkable Trees of France (probably planted by the Romans around 400 AD).
• The Olive Tree Park: this former olive grove in Cap Martin is the ideal place for a peaceful walk among trees that are over a hundred years old.
Note: pedestrian paths allow you to discover the municipality in a different way: the tour of Cap Martin, the path to Menton, and Mount Gros.
Author Audrey on 17 October 2007
Travel and Tourism : Stay
Author Audrey on 12 February 2021
Travel and Tourism : Hotel by region