Gorbio, Alpes-Maritimes
A pretty medieval village away from the crowds
On arriving in Gorbio you’ll find yourself in the Place de la Republic - a traditional village square complete with historic fountain, 300 year old elm tree and two restaurants.
Unlike some of the area’s medieval villages, Gorbio still has a very lived-in feel to it; there aren’t so many ex-pats or holiday-makers here and there are plenty of locals who have lived here for generations. The village square is a real focal point with children playing football round the fountain, elderly folk chatting under the ancient tree and neighbours stopping for a chat and a pastis at the café.
It's certainly a bit less “polished” than some of the other villages but this adds to its charm - some of the streets are a bit ramshackle and some of the houses look like they’ve been deemed 'beyond repair' and left to the elements. However, the village is still extremely pretty and has plenty of character.
Gorbio is an excellent starting point for exploring the Alpes-Maritimes, just take a quick stroll around the village and see how many hiking signposts there are. From here you can start the GR51 that runs all the way up to Lake Geneva in the northern Alps.
History & Culture in [locality]
Chateau Lascaris is documented as far back as 1040, so is pretty well-qualified to host the local museum.
Other historic monuments include the Fountain of Malaussene built in 1882, two chapels from the 12th and 15th centuries, and the church of Saint Barthelemy which dates back to 1683.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Monaco
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Parc Princesse-Antoinette
Created in 1917 when Prince Albert I saved the area from industrialisation and created the park to protect the olive groves.
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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Eze
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
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Jardin Animalier, Monaco Ville
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
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Bastion Museum, Menton
The bastion was built in the 17th century by Honoré II, Prince of Monaco, as a fort to defend the entrance to Menton. It now exhibits artwork by Jean Cocteau.
Events in [locality]
Surprisingly, Gorbio is quite a happening little place!
As well as regular events such as the annual flamenco festival and various religious fetes, there are also regular entertainments going on throughout the year - African dancing, traditional folk music, art exhibitions, etc.
If you visit in June you might be lucky enough to see one of their more unusual events - the Procession des Limaces, or the Slug Procession. The village is decorated with flowers and ribbons and little candles are placed inside snail shells that illuminate the village as night falls.
They also have random art works displayed high up on the walls throughout the village - they don’t stick to any one style or theme, they’re just there to be enjoyed.
Events in Monaco
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Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
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Palermo - Monte Carlo Regatta
The course leaves the Gulf of Mondello bound for the Principality of Monaco. Contestants will have to pass through a “gate” off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, then onto Corsica before reaching Côte d’Azur shores.
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Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe
First held in 1994, Monaco Classic Week took shape from an idea of the Yacht Club de Monaco to mark the first motor-boat meetings of 1904 and to celebrate ten years at the helm of Club President Prince Albert II.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Monaco
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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Le Grill Restaurant
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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La Maree Restaurant
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
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Blue Bay Restaurant
Whether you’re sitting on the terrace with a panoramic view or opposite the open kitchen, the Blue Bay offers an unforgettable culinary experience and is located in the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
Things to do in [locality]
As well as hiking, Gorbio is also a great place for trail runners. There are two annual events that are embraced by the locals and get great support.
Les 12 Bornes de Gorbio is a short but challenging little 12km jaunt starting in Gorbio and looping round Roquebrune Cap Martin to return via La Coupiere.
The Trail de Gorbio is a full marathon (42km) that traverses some of the steepest terrain in the area and clocks up 2,895m of positive altitude gain.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Where to stay in [locality]
Gorbio doesn’t have a huge choice of hotels but there are plenty of decent campsites and a gite, Maison Raimondi, which all make a great base for exploring the area.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Monaco
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Hermitage Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsOverlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
Price: €13,132
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Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsThe Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury resort. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 602 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar and a new pool space on the roof which integrates a contemporary touch.
Price: €6,510
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsIn 2004, the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo was refurbished to keep it in tune with its time, but has kept all its spiritual qualities to uphold its concept of luxury.
Price: €8,614
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsClassic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €13,363
Directions
You can reach Gorbio on public transport but plan ahead as you’ll need to change at Menton and the bus up into the mountains does not run as often as the coastal service. Getting to Menton is easy using the train or the no.100 bus from Nice, you then take bus no.7 from Menton train station - you can see the timetable on our buses page.
