Travel Guide Châteauneuf-Grasse

Clinging to the slopes of a hill planted with centuries-old olive trees, the village of Châteauneuf-Grasse overlooks the Opio plain and the green carpet of hills that stretches down to the sea. It offers a magnificent panorama stretching from the foothills of Nice to the Esterel mountains. The old village occupies a small area, but the commune has expanded southwards as far as Valbonne. Today, it has a population of 3,188. Châteauneuf-Grasse has built its reputation on the cultivation of perfume flowers, vines, olives and market gardening. The medieval heart of the village offers visitors a picture-postcard setting. Park at the top of the village, on Place de la Mairie, next to a beautifully restored old washhouse. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll come across interesting windows, some with carved shells, two-hundred-year-old lintels and beautiful doors that have stood the test of time. The stone facades of the houses feature shutters in pastel shades of green, grey or blue. Behind the walls, you can make out pretty gardens adorned with magnolias and palm trees. The large 17th-century building resembling an Italian palace that can be seen from the main square, nicknamed "the castle", was built on the ruins of the fortified castle.