Why You Should Visit Sainte-Agnès, the Highest Coastal Village in Europe
It’s hard to leave the twinkling French Riviera behind you, if you do, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a collection of captivating hilltop villages. Sainte-Agnès has an elevated position as the highest coastal village in Europe, and is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Incredible vistas
One of the best things about this area of France in general is that as soon as you turn your back on the coastline, the terrain is immediately hilly, undulating and dramatic. Even though Sainte-Agnès is only about 30 minutes away from the Mediterranean, the landscape here is completely different, and what is unique about Sainte-Agnès in particular is that it is almost completely surrounded by mountains. It’s great terrain for exploring, and there are numerous hiking trails all around this region and around the village.
Dining heaven
See the sights
All the main sights in this village can be visited on foot, even if some of the paths are a little steep. Start with Sainte-Agnès’ Fort de la Ligne Maginot. This impressive bunker was built into the rock as part of the French defences in World War II. Historically, thanks to its hilly location, Sainte-Agnès has always been a coveted defence post, and this visit really brings this fact to life. The underground rooms are particularly impressive. Make sure to leave time to visit Château Sainte Agnès, too. It’s worth the climb, with incredible views and the chance to get up close to the excavations.
Off the tourist track
The village is not completely off the tourist track, but because it is not the easiest place to access, it gets fewer visitors than it might otherwise do. It’s bustling, but not overwhelming. Make sure to wander the cobbled streets and pretty, bijoux squares.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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