Sospel, Alpes-Maritimes

Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

Sospel is a more of a mountain town than a quaint little village; as well as having its fair share of crooked back streets and ancient buildings, it also has quite a large population of residents and attracts lots of hikers and bikers, so it doesn't rely entirely on coachloads of sightseers to get by.

On leaving the train station it's a short walk cut through a charming little park to get to the Place des Platanes; a large square with benches, shaded promenades, flowerbeds and a boules club. There is a large market here every Thursday morning and you can still see some 15th century columns dotted about – they are all that remains of the old church of Saint Pierre.

Once you arrive at the River Bévéra look left for a wonderful view of the colourful houses with their trompe l'œil façades on the opposite bank and the old bridge with its fortified gate house. Le Pont Vieux was built as a toll bridge for travellers in the 12th century and was damaged in the Second World War, then rebuilt using the original stones.

Sospel has lots of faded charm in its chipped stones and peeling paintwork; the dark alleyways and hidden courtyards are cool even in the height of summer and far less frenetic than some of the more touristy villages.

History & Culture in [locality]

If you're a fan of military history then it may be worth making a short journey to the outskirts of Sospel to visit the three forts – Saint-Roch, Barbonnet and Agaisen – all of which are open to the public (although check opening times before you visit as they can be limited).

The famous Maginot Line runs past Sospel, just 3km from the town.

To get a sense of the full history of Sospel (and to have a peek at the locals' gardens), follow the signposts up to the “Ruines du Donjon Romaine et Remparts”, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Sospel, home to the Counts of Provence. Not much more remains than a few crumbling walls but it's evocative nonetheless and gives you an insight into a different aspect of the town.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

The magnificent Catédral de Saint Michel dominates the centre of “old” Sospel; its vivid colours glowing against the dark wood and sombre grey stonework of the neighbouring streets.

The cathedral soars higher than all the surrounding buildings and the square in front has been recobbled with white and grey stones that contrast beautifully with the warm yellow and red tones of the façade.

The 13th century Romanesque bell tower is the only original part of the building, the rest having been rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century.

Musee du Vieux Monaco

Located in Monaco

A surprisingly diverse museum exhibiting a range of artefacts from sculpture and paintings, to military uniforms and musical instruments.
Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, Menton

Located in Menton

This chapel belonged to the White Penitents, Catholic laymen living under a common rule. It was built between 1680 and 1687 on land outside the city's walls.
Exotic Garden, Eze

Located in Eze

Eze's exotic gardens were created after the Second World War, in the ruins of Eze castle. Located on steep terrain, it boasts wonderful panoramic views of the sea, the Esterel mountains and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
Museum of Stamps and Coins, Fontvielle

Located in Monaco

There are rare philatelic specimens from the postal history of the Principality, as well as related documents used in the stamp-printing process dating back to Monaco's Prince Charles III in 1885.
Monastere de Saorge Monastery

Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
Palais Princier de Monaco

Located in Monaco

The grand palace of the Prince of Monaco was built in 1215 by the Genoese and has been transformed into one of the most luxurious residences in the world.

Beaches in [locality]

Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton

Located 11.8 km away

Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton

Located 12.2 km away

Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune

Located 13.0 km away

Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune

Located 13.1 km away

This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
Plage du Larvotto Beach

Located 14.6 km away

Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail

Located 17.3 km away

Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.

Dining in [locality]

The old bridge leads to Place Saint Nicolas, a small but very charming square with an 18th century fountain, colourful buildings and Italian-style loggias. Here you'll find a typically French café with a pretty terrace and daily specials.

Alternatively, there is a small cluster of café-bars and brasseries beside the river at Place de Cabraïa, which is local dialect for “goat” and refers to the days when farmers would gather their herds here before leading them to the pastures. The fountain is split in two levels, the lower one for animals and the upper one for people.

Nobu Restaurant

Located in Monaco

Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
L'Orange Verte Restaurant

Located in the prestigious Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, this restaurant serves Chef Marcel Ravin's travel-inspired cuisine, with tartares, salads, burgers, fried noodles and a wide selection of “Tchôk” pastries.
La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze

Located in Eze

The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze

Located in Eze

This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
Le Grill Restaurant

Located in Monaco

Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer

Located in Cap Ferrat

The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.

Things to do in [locality]

Sospel is a nature junkie's paradise with no less than five GR trails heading out from the town as well as various other hiking and mountain biking routes – you'll often see people checking tyres and brakes in Place des Platanes prior to a day out riding the cross-country trails.

It's also a popular destination for road bikers, with plenty of cols and long challenging itineraries within reach. Rock climbers can find limestone crags with bolted routes up to grade seven – check at the tourist office for information on where to find them.

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.
Luxury Rehab Yacht Trip

Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Road bike hire

Located in Menton

This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
Motorbike hire

Located in Menton

Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip

Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Luxury A4A Yacht Trip

Located in Antibes

Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.

Nightlife in [locality]

Monte-Carlo Bay Casino

In the heart of the spectacular Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this ultra-modern casino offers a choice of around 150 new generation slot machines which all work without tokens.
Crystal Bar & Terrace

Located in Monaco

Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar

Located in Monaco

Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
Brasserie du Cafe de Paris

Located in Monaco

With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
Blue Gin Bar

With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar

Located in Monaco

The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...

Villas in [locality]

Serra Villa, Calvi

Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
La Vigie Villa

Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.

Holidays Rentals in [locality]

Serra Villa, Calvi

Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
Le Metropole Apartment

Located in Monaco

This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
Palazzo Leonardo Apartment

Located in Monaco

This most luxurious building makes up the Southern tip of the Principality. It sits directly on the waterfront, with over 180 degrees of sea view.
Chateau Perigord Residence Apartment

Set on a high floor of an exclusive residence with 24h security situated walking distance to the beach, this fantastic 4 bedroom apartment provides renovated interiors and a panoramic sea view. Casino Square is 10 minutes away.
Park Palace Apartment

Located in Monaco

At the heart of the ''Golden Square", set within one of the most prestigious building in the Principality with indoor pool, fitness, sauna and 24h security service, this 2 bedroom apartment enjoys pleasant views of the gardens and the city.
La Vigie Villa

Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.

Hotels in [locality]

Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze

Located in 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.
Hermitage Hotel

Located in Monaco

Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €18,375
Columbus Monte-Carlo Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel

Located in Monaco

The Columbus hotel's style is Riviera chic, where beautifully glamorous and barefoot elegance sit easily side by side. The service is graceful, genuinely friendly and always attentive. The feeling is cool, exclusive and laid back. An excellent choice.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €2,997
Cap Estel Hotel, Eze

Located in 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.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €41,825
Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze

Located in Eze

Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €21,700
Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel

In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €19,094

Directions

Getting to Sospel is relatively easy on public transport; you can either take the Train des Merveilles from Nice or there is a bus that runs from Menton.

If you're driving you can take the A8 and the D2204 from Nice (40km), or the A8 then D2566 from Menton (15km).