Discover Gorbio

In Gorbio, medieval buildings, sacred art, local traditions and traditional crafts come together. The Chapelle Saint-Lazare and the Château-Musée Lascaris date back to the 12th century; the Eglise Saint Barthélemy was built in 1683 and has a 17th-century Baroque interior. The museums have different focuses, ranging from art collections to village life in the past. If you are considering Gorbio for a hotel stay, you can weigh up which of these topics interest you most.

Medieval buildings and sacred art

The Chapelle Saint-Lazare is a medieval building dating from the 12th century. A procession to the chapel is held every July. It was built at the beginning of today’s GR52, which connected La Turbie with Gorbio, Sainte-Agnès and Sospel. Its history therefore also includes a specific link to a route that connected these places.

The Eglise Saint Barthélemy was built in 1683. Its interior architecture and decoration are considered examples of 17th-century rural Ligurian Baroque. Its furnishings include polychrome wooden sculptures and paintings from that century attributed to Vento, Puppo and Ferrari. The construction date, style and works attributed to these artists offer different points of reference for understanding the church’s architectural history and furnishings.

Two museums with different focuses

The Château-Musée Lascaris is a 12th-century building and the oldest structure in the local cultural heritage. From July to November, it presents a permanent exhibition of paintings and works of art from the Raza-Mongillat collection, as well as temporary exhibitions. As the exhibition programme may change, check the current programme before your visit.

The Musée « D’A Font » offers insights into village life in the past through cultural and religious customs and traditions, work tools, agricultural equipment, household utensils, clothing and everyday objects. It also documents Gorbarin music and songs, the dialect, and a collection of Gorbio postcards. Its focus therefore differs from that of the Château-Musée: traditions, language and everyday objects are at its heart. Check the visiting arrangements for the Musée « D’A Font » before your trip.

Local topics beyond the museums

According to the A.R.B.R.E.S. classification, the Orme de Gorbio is one of France’s 100 remarkable trees. It adds another aspect of the cultural heritage to the history of the buildings and collections.

Traditional crafts are another tangible part of the town. In his workshop in Gorbio, hatmaker Clément Crochez handcrafts unique, made-to-measure hats that are fully customisable, using traditional techniques. Visitors can try on the hats there; visits are by appointment. If you are interested in trying on a hat, plan your visit accordingly by making an appointment.

Au Moulin de Gorbio produces extra virgin olive oil, salted olives, olive paste and Citrolive, an olive oil flavoured with lemons. If you are looking for a particular product, check in advance whether it is available, as the range may change.

Getting there and finding your way around

Gorbio can be reached from Roquebrune via the D.50 and from Menton via the D.23. Both roads are very winding and narrow in places. Free parking is available above the village. Road conditions and parking regulations can change; check the latest information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Cipières, Valderoure, Fontan, Tourette-Sur-Loup, Pierrefeu, Grasse, La Roquette-Sur-Var, Saint-Jeannet.

Back to the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.