Levens: Village History, Panoramas and Hiking Trails

For a stay in Levens, you can focus on different aspects: the visitor trail through the old village, the history of the Ancienne abbaye de la Madone-des-Prés, or hiking and climbing. Decide whether the village scenery and cultural history or outdoor activities should shape your trip more. For planning purposes: the trail passes through the old village; the Circuit de l’Arpasse is a moderately difficult, three-hour hike covering 9.5 km.

Location and landscape

Levens lies in the hinterland of Nice and close to the Côte d’Azur coast. North of Levens, the ridge of Mont Férion reaches an altitude of 1,414 m.

On foot through the old village

The visitor trail through the old village leads along cobbled lanes and through narrow passageways. Arrows made of solid bronze and set into the ground mark the route. Along the trail, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama stretching from the Mediterranean to Gélas. The circular walk lets you experience both the old village’s fine-grained layout and expansive views over the landscape. If you want to discover Levens on foot, this contrast is a defining part of the trail.

History and culture

The Ancienne abbaye de la Madone-des-Prés was built in the second half of the 11th century and was first mentioned in 1075. The choir and crypt of the church of the Ancienne abbaye de la Madone-des-Prés were protected as historic monuments by decree on 5 October 1965.

The Galerie du Portal is built against the surviving remains of the 14th-century fortification walls and has a medieval cellar. Unlike the history of the Ancienne abbaye, whose construction dates to the second half of the 11th century, the walls point to a later period. The gallery hosts temporary exhibitions; events, conferences and concerts are also planned there.

Hiking and climbing

Seven hiking trails are offered in Levens to help visitors explore the municipality’s landscapes on foot. Check locally before setting out to see which trails are available. The Circuit de l’Arpasse is a moderately difficult hike covering 9.5 km, with 420 m of ascent and 420 m of descent; it takes three hours. Its length, ascent, descent and duration provide a specific framework for planning your day. The “la grotte du rat” climbing area has 30 routes. The Circuit can be planned as a three-hour hike, while the climbing area offers a different activity, with 30 routes.

Once you know what you want to focus on, you can weigh up your personal requirements for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Roure, Moulinet, Saint-Paul-De-Vence, Le Broc, Massoins, Revest-Les-Roches, La Gaude, Bouyon

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.