Loup Valley Tourist Information
A car is essential for this day trip in the breathtaking Arrière-Pays (back country). Head towards Chateauneuf de Grasse and then on to the places of interest - Gourdon, the waterfalls at Saut du Loup, Bar sur Loup, Pont du Loup and Tourrettes sur Loup before going on to Vence and back to Cannes, choosing your own route.
Gourdon is a small village with spectacular views of both the coast and the valley. It has a ninth century chateau wi
th museums and wonderful gardens. Tip: visit the perfume shop, it holds a surprise, and from one of the food shops buy a ginger cake, yummy.
Bar sur Loup again has great views and a 13th century church. The road around the village has some good restaurants.
On to Pont sur Loup where the remains of the railway bridge bombed during WW11 can be seen. Just after the village is a left turn leading to the waterfalls, open 1 July to 30 October costing just 1€ and there is a bar and restaurant near the entrance.
Tourrettes sur Loup is perched 1300 feet up with sheer drops around it. This medieval town is an absolute delight. It has a 14th century church and a host of craftsmen and women you can watch working – from potters, to woodworking, jewellery making and gem engraving. And of course you can buy anything that takes your fancy. There is a range of restaurants and cafes. Try the Café des Sports, honest country fare at 11€ for the dishes of the day but be prepared, the portions are generous. Another favourite is the Restaurant chez grandmère - in summer you can dine outside in the square. It is then on to Vence, a walled town with five medieval gates. Today painters, sculptors and writers live here and it has many galleries and open air exhibitions in the summer. Outside the old town is the Matisse Chapel.