Théoule-sur-Mer, French Riviera

Théoule-sur-Mer is a French commune located at the southeast end of the department of Alpes-Maritimes in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The town is located east of the Esterel massif which it is located in the foothills, and west of the Bay of Cannes. It is part of the agglomeration of Cannes. Its inhabitants are called the Théouliens.

Its coast and its wild beaches, more preserved than those of Cannes, make it a particularly appreciated place, although relatively little frequented by mass tourism in summer.

Geography
Théoule-sur-Mer is the first town in the Alpes-Maritimes by the Var coast to the Alpes-Maritimes. It is located about ten kilometers from Cannes and 40 kilometers from Nice. It is also a few nautical miles from the Lérins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat). Théoule-sur-Mer is close to Mandelieu-la-Napoule where you can find an aerodrome.

History
On order of Richelieu, a defense tower was built at the beginning of the 17th century for the defense of the Bay and the Islands. It was largely destroyed a few years later for budgetary reasons. The Château de Théoule has been transformed over the centuries. It was built on an old Savonnerie built in the 17th century which remains some vestiges in the basement, and took its current architecture during the various enlargements built since the beginning of this century.

The Legend of the Smuggler: Mr. Gardanne has left his name to a natural cave. On April 10, 1863, the first train made its entrance at the station of Cannes and as of 1882, while its population did not exceed 50 inhabitants, the district of Théoule saw itself endowed with a station thanks to the beauty of its enchanting site which had seduced the board of directors of the company PLM.

Théoule, its balcony on the Azure, its red rocks, red Porphyry but also the blood of the 11 sailors of the naval group of assault who died there when they landed in the night of 14 to August 15, 1944 and whose The companions of this long night come to perpetuate the memory every August 15th. Near the monument to the dead on which are engraved the names of the 11 sailors and overlooking the only place in the Alpes Maritimes where took part of the landing of Provence, the town erected a huge Cross of Lorraine in memory of the Appeal of 18 June.

In 1888, thanks to the donation of the Pierron family, Fr. François Virgili created Villa St Camille, a welcoming home where Monsieur Abel Ballif, founder and first president of the Touring Club de France, came to rest. region, came to settle and finish his days in Théoule where he was buried in the small communal cemetery. Imported from Australia to Bocca by a sailor in 1864, the mimosa quickly reaches Théoule where, at the beginning of the century, we find one of the largest farms of the south (more than 4000 trees): mimosa ambassador of the Côte d’Azur and from Théoule, where every year there are 400 to 500 mountain bikers participating in the “Mimosa route”.

Theoule was able to tribute to a great man, General Bertrand, hero of the resistance, having been several times Mayor of the commune, and his wife “Mary” (his name of resistance code). Man and woman of the shadow, which allowed to discover the secret of this extraordinary Enigma mechanism used by the Wermarcht to decipher the most secret messages. The architecture of the beautiful villas at the beginning of the 19th century, with La Galère harbor in the middle of the 20th century or the more recent Anti Lovag bubble houses, was once again able to mark and give its stamp to Théoule sur Mer. The story of Theoule sur Mer would not be complete without a thought for the big names who live in Theoule, we will only mention one example, which is one of the patrons: Pierre Cardin.

Places and monuments
Villa Io Ra Na, home of singer Jean Sablon, rue Abel-Ballif.
Théoule Castle, avenue de Lérins.
Palais Bulles by Pierre Cardin de Antti Lovag. Property of designer Pierre Cardin.
The Concrétion fountain on Place du Général Bertrand, carved directly on site from a block of stone, is a work by Jean-Yves Lechevallier.
The caryatids of the Résidence Aurélia are also signed by the artist Jean-Yves Lechevallier.

Religious building
Sainte-Germaine Church, 1927

Hilltop and Artisanal villages

Perched villages

Auribeau
The old village is perched on a hill 130 m above sea level while the new Auribeau stretches out along the Siagne River at only 20 m altitude. To see: The 18th century church, the fortified gate (SOUBRAN gate), its flowery streets. From the orientation table, point of view on the Tanneron, the forest of Peygros, the Prealps of Grasse, the Pic des Courmettes and the plateau of Valbonne. Not to be missed: Auribeau’s cirier (handcrafted candles).

Breil Sur Roya
This village, French since 1947 is now attached to the town of Breil Roya. Once important, it has lost its importance since the construction of the RN204 and the railroad. (Perched at 615 m above sea level, it dominates the Roya Valley).

Cabris
From its height of 550 m it overlooks Peymeinade and Spéracèdes. Near the church, the Mirabeau square where the castle was demolished in 1794, beautiful viewpoint of Nice to the Massif des Maures. To see: The 17th century church, the Saint Jean chapel (one of the two octagonal chapels of the Alpes Maritimes), the Sainte Marguerite chapel, the streets of the old village.

Carros
The old village is 5 km from the new town. It dates from the 12th century with its castle which now hosts the “International Center of Contemporary Art”. Carros village is definitely worth the strolls of its old streets and stairs, charming and relaxing. From its 380 m, it offers a panorama of the Alps and the Mediterranean.

Coaraze
Medieval village called “the village of the sun”, Coaraze is perched at an altitude of 640 m. From the public garden, beautiful view of the valley floor and surrounding mountains. Inside the village there are old streets with long vaulted passage. Its 14th century church and the various sundials adorning the facade of the Town Hall are to be seen before leaving.

Eze
Perched on top of a cliff, it is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alpes Maritimes and one of the most visited. Many artists, art galleries and shops have invaded. To see: the chapel dating from the Middle Ages, the church of the eighteenth century, the exotic garden that surrounds the ruins of the castle and which rises to 429 m. From the orientation table, beautiful point of view of St Tropez to Italy.

Gourdon
Built at the end of a rocky outcrop, Gourdon “La Sarazine” towers 300 meters above the hamlet of Pont du Loup, marking the limit of the Gorges du Loup. From the Victoria Square beautiful panorama on the coast, from Nice to Esterel. The castle, restored in the seventeenth century can be visited. The streets of the village welcome many artisants (art glass, perfumeries, ciergeries, paintings on silk, soaps, honey and nougats.

Le Bar Sur Loup
The village is built on a rocky outcrop 350 m above sea level. The view extends over Gourdon, the gorges and the Valley of the Wolf. Its houses are grouped around the church built from the 13th to the 15th century and the castle (whose foundations date back to the 13th century), this one can not be visited. The Tourist Office is in the remains of the old dungeon demolished after the revolution.

Luceram
Built on a rocky peak at 650 m altitude, it has retained its authenticity. See the Sainte Marguerite church, its altarpieces and treasure, the Saint John chapel which houses the Museum of old tools, the tower and its ramparts. In the lower part of the village (not perched) almost as old as the upper part, see the chapel Saint Pierre.

Tourrette Sur Loup
This medieval town, fortified in the 10th century is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking precipices. The Town Hall is located in the old castle and hosts exhibitions. The 12th century church has undergone several restorations, it is built outside the village. The streets of the village host many workshops and galleries (olive wood, weavers, painters, leather, jewelry, bronzes, mozaïques, pottery and fayence). To see: Confiserie Florian.

Sospel
In the heart of the verdant Bévera Valley, south of the Mercantour National Park, near the Italian border, Sospel is a quiet village, which triples its population in summer. Episcopal city from the fifth century, Sospel was a milestone on the royal road from Nice to Turin, also called the road salt mule, where we crossed the Bévéra on a toll bridge. Built in the 13th century, this “old bridge” still exists: rebuilt in part after the last war, it is occupied today by the Tourist Office.

Saint Paul de Vence
Built on a rocky spur, surrounded by ramparts built under François 1st, Saint Paul is the most visited village of A.M. The houses with beautiful stone facades perfectly restored home to many art galleries. Not to be missed: the royal gate, the big fountain, the church, the college, the old dungeon, the chapel Saint-Clément, the ramparts and superb views of the hills and the sea.

Villages Artisanaux

Biot
“The glassware of art” It is in 1956 that the first glassworks is born: The glass factory of biot. Under the impulse of Eloi MONOD, a ceramist engineer, the first forms of domestic glass objects were born: carafes, glasses, goblets that were initially shaped by potters. Inspired by the work of the glass craftsmen of Venice, Mallorca and Barcelona, he created with a former glassmaker and a young glassblower a glassware: The glass factory of Biot.

Grasse
“The City of Perfumes” The tourist perfumeries open their doors to the public and offer free guided tours so that visitors discover an exciting experience in the mysterious alchemy of perfumes through raw materials, distillation, enfleurage, perfumer and his creations, to finish their visits in a sales room.
Fragonard: since 1926, Fragonard has created its perfumes by combining artisanal methods with the most modern manufacturing techniques. To reveal their secrets, their factories in Grasse and Eze village open their doors for a free guided tour every day of the year.
Molinard: since 1849, Molinard House contributes largely to the celebrity of the world capital of perfume. She has been able to develop her traditional and artisanal know-how, since 5 generations, which makes her international fame. A guided tour, free to discover the various stages of perfume manufacturing, as well as the old bottles MOLINARD signed “Lalique” and “Baccarat” and a unique collection of labels.
Galimard: Jean de Galimard, Lord of Seranon, great friend of Goethe, lived in Grasse where he created in 1947, the Perfumery Galimard. Two and a half centuries later, Galimard Perfumery continues the tradition of its illustrious founder. Today, perpetuating the processes that have made its products famous, it invites you to come and learn about its techniques and even its secrets! A free guided tour of the perfume laboratories will comment on the methods of extraction of aromatic materials: you will have the pleasure of meeting this “composer” of perfume they call the “Nose”.

Opio
“The oil mills, a heritage of more than 150 years …” “Historical Heritage”, the mills of Brague are located in the town of Opio, not far from Grasse. For 7 generations this country house belongs to the same family of mills that has perpetuated its art and traditions of the Culture of Olives. With strength and perseverance, the Michel family has been able to modernize its activity and develop its productivity to become one of the first 3 Millers in France. The oil is made from mid-November to the end of March as the harvest progresses. During the crushing season, guided tours take place in the mill. Opening hours: 9am / 12pm – 2pm / 6pm closed Sunday and public holidays. Annual closing: 2nd half of October.

Vallauris
“Art ceramics” Very early on, mullet was exposed to traditional pottery called “terraille” where “pignates” are the most common production. The end of the nineteenth century corresponds to the rise of culinary ceramics that are exported from Golfe-Juan by land and sea. Vallauris specializes in cooking utensils (round pot, tail, bass, round pan …) simply coated with a colorless varnish. Towards the middle of the 18th century a brown, orange or white slip covers the parts. Around 1920, Societe Generale offers three types of finish: “ordinary” pottery (raw earth exterior and red or light yellow enamelled interior), “varnished” pottery (yellow gold enamelled exterior and red or light yellow enamelled interior).), the pottery “jaspée” (enameled exterior yellow lemon red or light yellow). Traditionally, these potteries bear on their paunch a number corresponding to ancestral measurements deriving from the foot and the thumb.

Museums
Théoule Galery. Jean Laniau, a painter during the first half of his life, turned from his mastery of drawing, pastel and watercolour to the art of sculpture in 1981. His works will be quickly exhibited, recognized and are part of large collections. Jean Laniau participated in some exhibitions and a retrospective at the Cultural Space of the city to which he donated 30 works exhibited to Theoule Gallery.

Natural heritage
From Théoule you can do a nice hike which allows you to discover the forest of the Esterel massif, passing through the Esterel departmental natural park, the crossroads of Monges, the Trayas pass, the Cadière pass and the col of the Three terms. At the Pointe de l’Aiguille is the departmental park of Pointe de l’Aiguille (7 ha). The Estérel-Théoule departmental maritime park covers an area of 353 hectares.

Hiking
Théoule sur Mer / Miramar is surrounded by the Estérel massif and the departmental forest park of the pointe de l’aiguille. This environment will appeal to all lovers of green spaces and hikers …

“Pointe de l’Aiguille” Park
At the western end of the Alpes-Maritimes, in the municipality of Théoule-sur-Mer, stop on the Corniche de l’Estérel and take the time to discover the extraordinary spectacle offered by the meeting of red rocks plunging into a sea where the blue and the green are charged of nuances according to the seasons. Presentation the western end of the Alpes-Maritimes, in the town of Théoule-sur-Mer, stop on the Corniche de l’Estérel and take the time to discover the extraordinary spectacle offered by the meeting of red rocks plunging into a sea where the blue and the green are charged of nuances according to the seasons.

In ancient times, the natural loop of Théoule was a place of watering for the ships calling for supplies of fresh water to the many springs born in the Estérel. In the early nineteenth century, the installation of a couple of Italian fishermen in the northern beach cave gives birth to the legend of troglodyte fishermen.The traditional fishing remains, but another form of exploitation of the sea appeared: aquaculture.Today, Theoule-sur-Mer has become a seaside resort appreciated for the beauty of its site, clear waters and wild coves.

Departmental Forest Park of Pointe de l’Aiguille
Small park constitued by a steep wooded hillside, cut in 2 parts halfway up by the Corniche D’or (RN98): The top rises until the height of 200m, the other part falling on beaches.The afforestation consists exclusively of Mediterranean oaks and maritime pines.

Estérel Forest
The National Forest of Esterel, grand, intact and only site on the Mediterranean coast is equipped for the public, in the respect for the wild character of the site. Paths are marked out by signs mentioning their names, the color of identification, the duration of circuits or the distance of access to the served sites. A detailed guide, as well as a map of these paths, are at your disposal in the Tourist Office.

Beaches
Maurin Beach – Access, in front of the Théoule train station (avenue de Lérins).
Needle Beach – Access, parking “door of the year 2000” (in front of the Tourist Office) 800m by walk.
Suveret Beach – Access, parking Magellan (promenade Darse) just after the Théoule Harbor.
Vallon de l’Autel beach – Access, left of the restaurant “Le Marco Polo”.
Vallon de l’Autel Nord beach – Access, in front of the Tourism Office.
Castle Beach – Access, parking Magellan, just before the Théoule Harbor.
Figueirette beach – Access, road to the Corniche d’Or (6 km after Tourist Office), access to parking just after the entrance to the Figueirette Harbor.
Beach of the small fountain – Access, parking “door of the year 2000” (in front of the Tourism Office) 500m by walk.

The Antibes Cap – “Bay of Billionaires”
Walk in the sea in the enchanting site of “Billionaires Bay”. A yellow boat dolly embarks you for a sea trip of about an hour. In its hull of glass, touching rocks and meadows of posidonia populated with schools of saupes, sea urchins, and starfish, you will discover the wonders of the world of silence in “Bay of Billionaires”. From the bridge you will admire the cliffs of Eden Roc, sea side palaces, dream villas in the pine forest, doubling the cliff of the Rascouis and lighthouse of the island of Antibes Cap. Then return on Juan-les-pins with beautiful panorama, and on the west, on the Esterel, the Lérins Islands

French Riviera
The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is usually considered to extend from Cassis, Toulon or Saint-Tropez on the west to Menton at the France–Italy border in the east, where the Italian Riviera joins. The coast is entirely within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. The Principality of Monaco is a semi-enclave within the region, surrounded on three sides by France and fronting the Mediterranean. Riviera is an Italian word that corresponds to the ancient Ligurian territory, wedged between the Var and Magra rivers.

The climate of the Côte d’Azur is temperate Mediterranean with mountain influences on the northern parts of the departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes. It is characterized by dry summers and mild winters which help reduce the likelihood of freezing. The Côte d’Azur enjoys significant sunshine in mainland France for 300 days a year.

This coastline was one of the first modern resort areas. It began as a winter health resort for the British upper class at the end of the 18th century. With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, it became the playground and vacation spot of British, Russian, and other aristocrats, such as Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II and King Edward VII, when he was Prince of Wales. In the summer, it also played home to many members of the Rothschild family. In the first half of the 20th century, it was frequented by artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon,h Wharton, Somerset Maugham and Aldous Huxley, as well as wealthy Americans and Europeans. After World War II, it became a popular tourist destination and convention site. Many celebrities, such as Elton John and Brigitte Bardot, have homes in the region.

The eastern part (maralpine) of the Côte d’Azur has been largely transformed by the concreting of the coast linked to the tourist development of foreigners from North Europe and the French,. The Var part is better preserved from urbanization with the exception of the agglomeration of Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël affected by the demographic growth of the maralpin coast and the agglomeration of Toulon which has been marked by urban sprawl on its part West and by a spread of industrial and commercial areas (Grand Var).