Saint Vallier-de-Thiey

St Vallier is a great picnic stop, especially for families with kids. A very large, open park of green grass has space for a multitude of families to play ball and throw frisbees, and it's surrounded by large horse chestnut trees for picnics in the shade. A playground and tennis courts are located in the far-right corner of the open park.

For travelers, there are plenty of shops here, hotels and several gas stations. One garage handles sports cars, and I've often seen MGs, Morgans and such. They also sell a very nice looking Lotus Super Seven replica. [Now out of business, sadly - 2005]

Ponadieu natural rock bridge

The Ponadieu natural rock bridge (pont naturel) requires a hike out to the west of the village. The "pont" is actually a big tunnel where the Siagne flows through the rock. The river is cool and clean there, and some of the pools are big enough for splashing about in the summer. On the face of the rock "bridge", high above the river, are large, shallow caves. The trail up past the caves has some great views from the top, were we once saw goats "grazing" on the vertical rock cliffs opposite.

A walk out the dirt road to the west, towards the Grotte de Baume Obscure, will take you past hundreds of rock walls out in the woods. Many of the rock walls are in parallel lines, only about four meters apart. Others are in large rectangles, with the walls very thick. They have a feeling of real age about them, fitting with the ancient dolmens and tumuli in the region.

Caves

The Grotte de Baume Obscure, only 3 km from St Vallier, is open to visitors all year, and has a tour that will take you 1200 metres into the earth. The caves are west of St Vallier, out a small dirt road (10 minute drive or 45 minute walk). At a constant 12 degrees C (54 F), it's a refreshing idea for the middle of the summer; woolen ponchos can be rented for about 2 euros. Entrance to the caves is arouond 10 euros adults, half-that for kids (5-12).