Châteauneuf-Grasse is a French commune located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The village itself is located at the top of a hill, but the territory of the commune includes other hills as well as the flatter terrain of Pré-du-Lac, where homes and businesses developed in the 1980s. The sources are numerous on the territory of the town (there are several washhouses), and are easily spotted in the groves of plane trees and fig trees which surround them, as in the place called Fouan-Figuière.

Châteauneuf is situated on the French Riviera, just over 4 km from Grasse and 21 km (13 mi) from Cannes and borders the villages of Plascassier and Opio. Châteauneuf extends across 895 hectares and has a population of just over 3,000 inhabitants. It is divided into two districts: Pré-du-Lac, where most of the commerce is found, and Le Vignal.

Châteauneuf both anchored in Provençal and agricultural tradition with its olive groves and its plateau of a thousand truffle oaks, determined to offer you original activities, both artisanal and commercial, in its areas of ‘plural activities. Châteauneuf is energetically committed to the quality of life of its inhabitants with the multi-reception crèche, schools, festivals and cultural and sports activities.

Located at an altitude of 417 m, with an area of 895 ha, Châteauneuf is a dynamic town in the middle-country. Faithful to the agricultural and horticultural tradition which has made its reputation, the town has also been able to develop other economic activities both in the craft sector (ceramics, pottery, sculptures, etc.) and in commerce. With a rich past dating back to the prehistoric period, Châteauneuf has seen its borders change considerably over the centuries. The current boundaries date from 1830. In 1999, the town had 3033 inhabitants.

History
The village was founded in the 12th century by the Lords of Opio. They built a new castle on the highest point of their lordship. There was already a “catellaras”, an enclosure dating from the Iron Age.

The site has been actually been occupied since the early Bronze age, and was an important assembly point throughout the Roman era. From this staging post great campaigns began; history was made.Today, there is still much evidence of the regions historical and dramatic past to be found.

The inhabitants of Opio then came to settle in this Châteauneuf to protect themselves from the incursions of the Grasse and the site became Châteauneuf d’Opio. A troubled period marked the takeover of eastern Provence by the counts of Barcelona, who became counts of Provence. The army of the count of Provence commanded by Romée de Villeneuve took Opio in 1178. Châteauneuf d’Opio was taken in 1229. Châteauneuf d’Opio broke away from Opio in 1257.

One of the main attractions in Châteauneuf, is the Notre-Dame-du-Brusc chapel. Here stands the remains of a vast basilica built around the 11th century. A new era was born in 12th century when the Lords of Opio built a new castle on the highest point in the area, the site of the previous Roman centre of administration. This castle became known as the Chateau Neuf d’Opio, with many people soon relocating to the area, taking advantage of the protection the castle provided.

In 1306, the manor belongs to the family of Grasse, Cabris, then, following a wedding at the Lascaris-Ventimiglia family in 1400, and the xvii th century to Puget San Marco.

The village is experiencing a boom in the xvi th century. The top of the village was destroyed by fire in the xvi th century.

There are conflicts between the inhabitants of Châteauneuf and those of the neighboring villages about the pilgrimages to the sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Brusc, in particular in August 1763.

The town, world renowned for its perfume production, has been a popular tourist resort since the 1800s when the younger sister to the Emperor Napoleon, Princess Pauline Bonaparte, took residency there in the winter of 1807 to recuperate from serious illness. Perched high at around 400 metres, the fresh, cleaner air of the region, was considered healthier, the pace of life slower; all conducive to physical and spiritual well being.

In 1826, the inhabitants of the hamlet of Bergier demanded separation from Châteauneuf because they were deprived of religious assistance and the most useful roads were impracticable. In 1830, Bergier was attached to the commune of Rouret.

Tourism
The old village of Chateauneuf-Grasse is delightful maze of narrow streets and alley ways; perfect for strolling and exploring all this charming time capsule has to offer. The architecture is a mixture of older- medieval, stone-and-mortar quarters, and stucco surfaced houses in the dazzlingly bright Provencal colours, complete with wooden shutters and window gardens. The town hall is a picture… peach-orange with blue-grey shutters. The village of Châteauneuf de Grasse is listed as one of the historic sites in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Perched high on the slopes of a hill, at an altitude of 413 metres, covering an area of 895 hectares, Châteauneuf de Grasse has views that reach far into the distance. From here the surrounding countryside is laid out before you, a canvas of colour and light, and fragrance…no wonder the area has been home to many fine artists and sculptors over the years…each day is inspirational. Châteauneuf de grasse is conveniently located for a wealth of pastimes and activities. As you would expect of the region, the spring and summer months are filled with a number of exhibitions, festivals, and concerts.

The village
The village is built on a hill planted with hundred-year-old olive trees and dominates the Opio plain. The village offers a beautiful panorama from the Italian Alps to the Estérel. An orientation table will complete the point of view offered by the Old Cemetery. Walking through the flowery streets of the village, you can see the buildings dating from the XVI th century, and the remains of the old castle-fort (fortifications walls, tower). The large building that can be seen from the main square, nicknamed “the castle” is built on the ruins of the old castle. It dates from the 17th century and was a seigneurial property.

Châteauneuf is located near the sea and the mountain. In the vicinity of Grasse, it dominates the plain of Cannes and Opio. Nice is only 30 km away. Crossroads of many roads, Châteauneuf is accessible from Cannes, Grasse, Valbonne Sophia-Antipolis, Biot, Villeneuve-Loubet, Gréolières, Vence.

Culture heritage

Chapel of Our Lady of Brusc:
Located atop a small plateau in the plains dominated Châteauneuf, this chapel is the remnant of a vast basilica, built in the 11th century on the site of a former church of the 5th century. The chapel has been restored and classified a historical monument in 1986. The presence of an intermittent source provides probably the reason for the election of this site. The sources have always had great importance in the popular religion, especially those related to the symbolic cycle of the seasons, those who are different from ordinary sources by some unusual characteristic. Occupied since the Bronze Age, the site was quickly served as a gathering place in Roman times, then saw the building of a church and a basilica. This would have a similar size to that of the Abbey of Lerins.

Trinity Chapel:
It was the church of the town of Clermont before it is attached to Chateauneuf. It is beautifully built on a promontory, a former Roman camp, in a pastoral site.

Saint-Martin:
Present at the heart of the village, this 10th century church was restored in 1627. It dominates Châteauneuf its bell tower and houses a 18th century altarpiece. Rue de l’Eglise, rises above some stairs on the west facade which opens the main entrance adorned with a porch (early 17th century). By the Rectory Street along the stately garden, we discovered the church dominated by its square bell tower rebuilt in 1826. In the manner of a chapel, the church stands near the Noble House with which they could communicate directly. This is reminiscent of the first church built with the creation of Châteauneuf in the 12th century and then a small Romanesque chapel located inside the castle that occupied the entire top of the current village.

Laundry Great Fountain:
What are the sources that feed the Brague this recently renovated laundry. One can also observe two troughs and a trough for washing wool and wheat. This site, shaded by ancient plane trees, is worth visiting. The river winds on the plain Opio joins Valbonne, Biot and then flows into the Mediterranean. Its importance in the implementation of these villages is of course significant.

Places and monuments
Church of Our Lady of Brusc: church or chapel of the xi th century, historic monument in 1986, following its restoration. It is built on the remains of a basilica, itself built on the foundations of a church from the v th century. It has become a place of concerts and theatrical performances. The church was classified as a historic monument on August 20, 1986.
Church of St. Martin, overlooking the village, was built in the xvii th century. The church has a single nave with side chapels, a transept and a choir with a flat apse. It is barrel-vaulted with stucco decoration and Baroque altars. The church tower was rebuilt in 1826.
Chapel of St. Sebastian Roman remains including an apse in a cul-de-oven included in a residential building.
Chapel of the Trinity, of medieval origin, built on an old fanum, to the south-west of the village.

San Bastian Museum
The museum is dedicated to objects from the past, highlighted by the association of Messuguié, led by Marie-Claude and Jeannot. Inaugurated in 2017, the museum is regularly enriched with objects or even treasures that were previously stored at the Museum of Art and History of Provence in Grasse.

The objects and tools displayed here remind visitors of the past before the gasoline engine, electricity and modern technologies. Many remind some of us of having used them or only having seen them in grandparents. This is the case with many everyday utensils in our kitchens of yesteryear (mortars, ravioli rollers, crank choppers, coffee grinders, etc.).

The entrance to the museum reminds us of Provence with these mannequins in traditional clothes. On the wall, a few more or less old photos of Châteauneuf with those of the Pré du Lac crossroads at the time of the tram at the start of the last century and more recent ones where we can clearly see where the district takes its name; the meadow completely filled with water after the rain. The main room reminds us of the region’s agricultural past: vine cultivation illustrated by the presses, the still but also the floral cultures and the perfume industry with its enfleurage frames and its bottles. Upstairs the shelves are loaded with hand tools, on the wall the ‘yokes’ of oxen and ‘packs’ to load the mule attest to the help of animals in the work of the fields.

Events and festivals
Celebrations To really engulf yourself in the simplistic way of life the locals enjoy, there are number of events throughout the year to enjoy. They may not be the most riveting or extravagant, but you really get a sense of belonging and community at the events.

Squash Festival
For more than 15 years, the association “La Courge d’Abondance” has organized every year, on the 3rd Sunday of October, the festival of the Squash for the benefit of one or more humanitarian associations.

“L’amour Du Bois” Show
A trade fair on woodworking trades. Extensive information on the wood industry, as well as on wood-based trades; Numerous demonstrations concerning these trades and on-site realizations of wooden objects; Contact craftsmen: Presence turners, basket maker, sculptors, restaurant furniture, cabinetmaker, lumberjack, painter on wood marquetry, model, knife makers, luthier, wood cutter, maker of wooden toys, pens…

Pastoral and Agricultural festival of Our Lady of Brusc – the first Sunday after Easter
Pastoral feast of the Holy Trinity – the first Sunday after Pentecost
Spring of Poets – March
Festival Nights Brusc – 4 nights in July
Pumpkin Festival – mid-October

Activity
There is always something interesting going on somewhere; every hobby is catered for including water sports, walking, golf, fishing, cycling…as well as the expected fine restaurants, cafés and boutiques. If you like to trip the light fantastic…then the nightlife along the coastline is second to none.

Cycling
There are some excellent and exhilarating mountain and road biking routes to take if you’re looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush than a round of golf. Apart from a convertible sports car on the best roads on the French Riviera, cycling is the best way to take in all the beautiful countryside scenery in the South of France. Cycle for fitness or for leisure, you will not be disappointed with the views you encounter around each bend in the road or track through the woods. If you’re an avid cycling fan then Chateauneuf de Grasse might be the perfect place for you as the Tour de France passes through the area.

Hiking
One of the favourite pastimes for the locals is enjoying the picturesque walks through the glorious countryside. It is the best way to admire the scenery because you can take your time and not be rushed. It’s the perfect place to get away from all the stresses of life and simply take in the fresh air, enjoy the warm weather and relax.

Golf
The Golf de la Grande Bastide golf course is one of the most picturesque courses on the French Riviera offing stunning views of the surrounding hills and woodland. It is a very open course which has short, easily navigable rough and a modest sprinkling of water hazards to accompany the tricky sand traps on, which occupy every hole. A very relaxed place to play golf. Enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful views and the great exercise and company whilst swinging away and you’ll soon see why life on the French Riviera is better than life almost anywhere else. The restaurant at the golf course is a wonderful and relaxing place to eat either after a game of golf or when you want to treat the family to a delicious, respectable meal.