Between the Boréon Madone de Fenestre
valleys and set in the middle of 3 600 hectare of forests this large ski
resort at 975 m altitude is both a picturesque, serene but also lively village
in winter and summer. A mountaineering centre since the late 19th
century, particularly appreciated by Count Victor de Cessole - one of the
first mountaineers, to whom we owe the building of several refuges - St
Martin Vésubie truly deserves its nickname of "The Switzerland
of Nice.
Its
territory includes several peaks over 3000 m - such as le Gelas, the highest
peak in the Alpes Maritimes department at 3,143 m - St Martin Vésubie
is also a marvellous, perfectly restored old village - repainted in bright
colours - standing out from the snow-capped peaks.
Start out from the mellow coloured town hall square (1863), go down the
main street where a stream flows, known as gargouille, and
let yourself be charmed by the old stone houses with their wooden balconies,
some repainted in Mediterranean colours.
Take Place de la Frairie for example with its shades of yellow, brown
and red enhanced with trompe-lil designs. Visit the minuscule
Miséricorde chapel, the oldest in the village (15th century) or
the sumptuous baroque church of the Assumption, with its Romanesque bell
tower.
Inside you will see a few 15th century paintings, signed by the painter
Louis Bréa, a native of Nice.
This
is an unforgettable village, that will leave you with memories
of its intoxicating, fresh air and its gurgling fountains, filled with
water so pure that some say it is comparable to Evian
Hikers will also love the paths that run through the locality of St Martin:
Rabon pass, the peak of Clôt de Raut, Tête du Villars, Baisse
de Cangelard, Turini pass, Authion pass, the La Brasque hay barns, etc
They
will be able to enjoy grandiose panoramas from 2,500 m up : you will see
the Côte d'Azur coastline standing out from the Mediterranean, and
weather permitting even glimpse the mountains of Corsica on the horizon
!
Renown for the beauty of its lakes and mountains, this prestigious site
has snow from November to February, in May and June the melted snow gives
way to beautiful pasture lands, adorned with wild flowers where the mountain
air is full of the scents of pine and larch. September is one of our favourite
months, it's still quite warm and the red and yellows of the autumnal
leaves completely change the valley into an impressionist painting. It
really is the most beautiful place! |