Just to the northwest of Nice, 15 kilometres inland and at 265 metres altitude, is the small, picturesque village of La Gaude.

Once known as Alagauda and including the neighbouring town now known as St Jeannet, the town's history dates back to 189 B.C. The most outstanding landmark of this area is the Baou, also known as the Baou des Blancs, a sheer cliff, 400 metres high, from which a stunning panorama, extending from the Esterel to the French and Italian Alps, can be seen.

La Gaude has much of interest to offer, especially during the summer but also throughout the autumn. The farmer's market, for example, comes to town each Wednesday and Saturday (8am to 1pm) offering freshly-picked, local farm produce such as flowers, olive oils,vegetables, honey, nougat, spiced bread, and cheeses. On the 14th of September the village will host a Vide Grenier (literally, ‘empty attic'), a kind of large-scale car-boot sale.

Like most villages in the region however, the main action takes place during the warmest months of July and August when free concerts, barbecue parties, performances and even film openings take place. Last year the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra performed classical pieces, there was a Lyonnaise puppet show, a cabaret show, and several dance balls, all funded by the local government with free entry. There are book and art festivals throughout the year as well as sports events for the locals.

To get to La Gaude from the A8 motorway, take the Cagnes sur Mer exit and head East for the D18 (running north). The drive takes about twenty minutes through beautiful forest. The walk up to the village centre from the car park is an easy and pleasant climb.

The Eco Museum, a one-of-a-kind showcase full of local insects and live reptiles displayed in their "natural" habitats. Entry is a few euros and the museum caters for anyone curious about entomology or who simply love squiggly-wiggly creatures. In addition, like many small villages scattered throughout the Cagnes area, La Gaude is also home to artists who display their original creations in their ateliers. At the tourist office a warm welcome by the President, Mr Michel Pignal, awaits anyone who wants more detailed information.

There are few restaurants in the village centre but the main one, La Gaudriole, just across from the church, has an extensive menu that includes Provençale daubes (a rich meat stew) served with baked potato wedges, sanglier (wild boar) and freshly deep fried calamari in house batter. The restaurant merits a detour to the village just to dine. Prices are reasonable (around €15 for a main dish) but desserts are a little pricy at €9 for a fig tarte with nut ice cream). Children are welcome too - and are even given a treat, like cherry bonbons, at the end of the meal. The only other restaurant in town, La Guinguette Gaudoise, serves excellent Nicoise cuisine in generous amounts and is adored by people from all over the region who come to the village just to dine here. It is a good place to host larger events as the name (guingette, meaning open-air dance hall) suggests. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays though. For sundries and snacks there is also a tabac, greengrocers, and ice cream parlour called Fenocchio.

There are several scenic hikes suitable for both amateurs and the super-fit alike but it's wise to tackle them when the temperature's cool. For the less energetic, there is an attractive driving tour, lasting around one hour and 15 minutes, from Cagnes, avenue Auguste-Renoir and D18 towards La Gaude, and back. The views of Vence, the hills, and La Gaude are remarkable on a clear day.

There are four places to spend the night in La Gaude that include the 3-star , and Auberge de la Baronne. There are two other smaller establishments plus further accommodation as well as Bed and Breakfasts can also be found in nearby Saint Laurent du Var, La Baronne, and Saint Jeannet.

In any season, La Gaude and St Jeannet are well worth a visit if only to sample their relaxed atmosphere and they're just a stone's throw away from the bustling activity of the coastline towns.

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WE apologise that the photos are a little general and will do our best to get a photographer up to La Gaude as soon as we can. Meanwhile please do get in touch if you have any that you think would be suitable.

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