Breil-sur-Roya travel guide

Visit Breil-sur-Roya (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)

The small town of Breil-sur-Roya is at the southern end of the Upper Roya Valley between Sospel and Tende, in an attractive location on a broad meander in the river Roya with steep hills rising all around the town.

Exploring Breil-sur-Roya

There is parking space in the centre of Breil-sur-Roya, close to the tourist office and old town, and the best place to start your visit. The town is also a stop on the train line called the Train des Merveilles that operates between Nice and Tende.

First take a stroll along the river front to better appreciate the town and the surrounding landscapes - very impressive with the forested hills rising steeply on all sides of the town.

The central square contains a cafe and the tourist office and also the three principal religious monuments in Breil-sur-Roya are close by:

- the Church of Sancta Maria in Albis is the principal church for the town. It was built over the last four decades of the 17th century and a baroque facade added early in the 18th century. The rear of the church (the side of the river) shows more of the original design of the church. Be sure to enter to see the extensive use of marble decoration, the painted ceiling and the gilded capital stones.

- the Chapel Sainte Catherine was built against the ramparts of the medieval town, has a neo-classical facade and was used by the Penitents Blancs community in Breil-sur-Roya

- the Chapel of the Misericorde is a baroque style chapel of the 17th century, and has the most interesting facade of the three churches (although rather neglected). Note the belltower and dome covered in coloured tiles to one side of the chapel.

Behind these squares and running parallel to the river the narrow streets of the old town are interesting with several of the tall buildings painted in attractive pastel colours.

Attractions nearby

Most visits to Breil will be part of a tour of the picturesque Upper Roya valley. Particular highlights include the village of Saorge, a few kilometres north of Breil-sur-Roya, La Brigue, the mountain town at Tende, and the chance to explore the Mercantour National Park and the Valley des Merveilles.

You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-Maritimes guide and the Provence guide.

Photos of Breil-sur-Roya

Click any picture to start the gallery

Arrange a visit to Breil-sur-Roya

Reserve excursions

Book hotels, car hire and flights

Organise your visit using the options shown...

Hotels in Breil-sur-Roya

Booking.com: best prices

For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com

Map of Breil-sur-Roya and places nearby

Visit near Breil-sur-Roya with France This Way reviews

Saorge

The village of Saorge is spread along a high ridge, with dramatic views to the Tende Valley

Saorge guide

Sospel

Between Menton and the mountains, the river and fortified bridge are a very scenic part of the town of Sospel

Sospel guide

Sospel cathedral

The cathedral in Sospel is an impressive example of baroque architecture in a small town

Sospel cathedral guide

Castellar

Castellar is a small 15th century village in the hills above Menton with various historic monuments to see

Castellar guide

Sainte-Agnes

Sainte-Agnes is the highest coastal village in Europe, 800 metres above sea-level and close to Menton - although the road here is rather steep and winding!

Sainte-Agnes guide