Saint-Martin-du-Var: Landscape and Heritage
Accommodation in Saint-Martin-Du-Var
Saint-Martin-du-Var is shaped by wooded hills cut through by valleys. The RĂ©castron Valley runs through these heights, providing a clear landmark in the landscape. When planning your trip, nature and heritage go hand in hand: walks and a mountain biking route are as much a part of the area as churches, squares and traces of history. Which aspect you focus on depends on what you want to shape your stay.
Landscape and trails
Walks on the slopes of Saint-Martin-du-Var offer views of the meeting of the Var and Estéron rivers, amid waterways and open landscapes. Saint-Martin-du-Var is also one of the municipalities in the Parc Naturel Départemental des Rives du Var. The Circuit de la Roquette starts in Saint-Martin-du-Var at an altitude of 110 metres and is designated as a mountain biking route. For planning, the activities can be easily distinguished: the walks focus on views of the Var and Estéron, while the Circuit is a mountain biking route with a named starting point.
Churches, squares and village history
Saint-Martin-du-Var’s sights include the Church of Saint-Roch, with its 17th-century paintings, and the Notre-Dame del Bosc Chapel on the heights. The chapel was built in a simple Romanesque style. The old village is also designated as a sight. The two main squares date from the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively. The village’s history thus brings together religious buildings and paintings, as well as squares from different centuries.
Since 27 April 2018, a ceramic mosaic version of the Plan «cavalier», focusing on the village centre, has been displayed on the façade of the town hall. This motif complements the churches, chapel and squares with a depiction of the village centre.
Historical traces and visit planning
During the 2017 Heritage Days, ten old views of the village were reproduced from early 20th-century postcards on enamelled lava stone plaques and installed on façades in Saint-Martin-du-Var. This created a historical walking tour around Place de l’Église and Place Maiffredi at the time. The installation connects historical views with two specific squares in the village.
From Nice Airport, the route to Saint-Martin-du-Var covers 20 kilometres along the Var Valley on the RM 6202. Check the route before setting off, as road conditions and directions may change.
The Parc Naturel DĂ©partemental des Rives du Var is open to visitors daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from 1 April to 31 October, and daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from 1 November to 31 March. Check opening hours before your visit; seasonal hours and temporary closures may change.
Discover more destinations: Vence, Opio, Castellar, La Penne, Malaussène, Drap, Rimplas, Bendejun.
Back to the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
