The commune of Coaraze in the canton of Contes is officially recognized as one of the “most beautiful villages in France.”
This perched medieval village is a classic of the former County of Nice. Identified with the culture of the Middle region of Nice, it is characterized by its very narrow streets often topped with arches, its fountains, and small squares. Not to forget its rural architecture, typical of the area.
The castle square is located at the top of the village and offers a panoramic view of the valley. Of the castle, only a symbolic stone and a portion of the surrounding wall remain, which includes to the north, the remains of a sandstone corner watchtower. Until 1876, the year a carriage road was built to Coaraze, an ancient road connected the village to the Vésubie valley, Nice, and Italy.
Of this path, there remains a cobbled street called the “Camin vièlh de Niça” that crosses the commune to the south, allowing access to the top of the village.
Thanks to the Heritage Foundation, the Commune of Coaraze is launching a major public subscription, calling for the generosity of everyone: individuals, businesses, merchants, and artisans. Everyone can contribute and thus become a stakeholder in the preservation of the country’s heritage.
This first phase of work, aimed at restoring the watchtower and the village’s cobbled street, aims to enhance the commune’s heritage, preserve its identity, and highlight its history. The rehabilitation of the cobbled street will lead to its reopening, and a tourist circuit will be created for visitors.
