Places & Culture

Rocchetta Nervina is located at the end of the drivable road in Val Nervia, where the torrents Oggia and Barbaira converge. The medieval village at 225 m elevation, only 13 km from the coast, enjoys the best microclimate of the Riviera – protected from noise, traffic, and development. The characteristic Y-shaped layout of the place emerged from its strategic position on the rocky promontories above both waterways. The tall stone houses once formed the defensive wall – even today they stand steeply above the water. Through narrow caruggi (alleys), one reaches the piazza in front of the Santo Stefano Protomartire church and the Oratory of Santissima Annunziata, which commemorates the successful defense against an attack on September 2, 1625. The real highlight are the "Laghetti" – a chain of natural bathing pools in the crystal-clear water of Rio Barbaira. The first pool, "Lago dei 7 Baci" (Lake of Seven Kisses), is just a few steps from the village center. A roughly 15-minute climb on a typical Ligurian mule path leads to further pools and a small waterfall. The emerald-green water remains refreshingly cool even in the height of summer. In August, the village transforms into a magical realm during the "Festival delle Fiabe" (Fairy Tale Festival): actors, music, and light installations bring classic fairy tales to life in the medieval alleys.

Apricale sits on a sun-drenched hill in the Merdanzo Valley, a side valley of the Nervia, about 13 km from the coast and 15 km from Ventimiglia. The name derives from the Latin "apricus" (sunny) – and indeed, the village enjoys the Ligurian sun all day long. The medieval village from the 9th century is one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" (Borghi più belli d'Italia) and bears the Bandiera Arancione of the Touring Club Italiano. With only about 600 inhabitants, it is a living open-air museum: The facades of the stone houses are adorned with around 50 murals, created by Italian and international artists. The centerpiece is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, overlooked by the Castello della Lucertola (Lizard Castle) from the 12th century and the Church of Purificazione di Maria Vergine with its pink neo-romantic facade. The narrow alleys (Caruggi) with their stone arcades and covered passages lead past old washing places, Gothic portals, and hidden courtyards. Apricale possesses the oldest autonomous municipal constitution in Liguria from the year 1267, which is preserved in the Museo della Storia di Apricale in the castle. The village initially belonged to the Counts of Ventimiglia, and from 1276 to the Doria family. In summer, Apricale transforms into a theater stage: "Teatro della Tosse" brings performances to the alleys and squares. Since an art action by Sergio Bianco, a bicycle has been perched on the church bell tower, pointing to the sky – "La forza della non gravità" (The Force of Non-Gravity).

Pigna is located at the upper end of Val Nervia, at around 280 m altitude, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Ligurian Prealps: Monte Toraggio (1,973 m) and Monte Pietravecchia (2,040 m), which are referred to as the "Little Dolomites". The village with approximately 800 inhabitants has held the Bandiera Arancione since 2009. The name "Pigna" (pinecone) refers to the coniferous forests that once surrounded the village. The old town is a fascinating labyrinth of vaulted, dark alleys – locally called "chibi" (from cupi = dark) – which wind up the slope in a spiral-like manner, resembling a pinecone. The cultural center is formed by Piazza XX Settembre with the Loggia della Piazza Vecchia from the 15th century and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Inside the church is a monumental polyptych (4 meters high) by Giovanni Canavesio from 1500, depicting Saint Michael battling the devil – one of the most significant artworks in Western Liguria. The Madonna-Assunta thermal spring with sulfur-rich water (32°C) has been known since the Middle Ages. The modern thermal bath "Antiche Terme di Pigna" was opened in 2000 and offers wellness treatments in a picturesque landscape.

Dolceacqua is located at the entrance of Val Nervia, only 7 km from Ventimiglia, and is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. The name means "sweet water" and is derived from the Roman landowner Dulcius, who once settled here. The village is divided into two parts: The medieval old town "Terra" climbs the slope towards the Doria castle ruins, while the newer "Borgo" from the 19th century is located on the opposite riverbank. The two parts are connected by the Ponte Vecchio – an elegant arched bridge from the 15th century with a span of 33 meters, which the Impressionist Claude Monet referred to as a "jewel of lightness" in 1884 and painted several times. The ruins of Castello dei Doria tower over the village. The mighty fortress from the 12th century was acquired by Oberto Doria in 1270 and expanded into a residence. Partially destroyed during the War of the Austrian Succession in 1744 and further damaged by an earthquake in 1887, it is now restored and houses a museum with rooms dedicated to the history of the Doria family, Monet, and local tradition. The narrow, vaulted alleys (Caruggi) of the old town are built up to six stories high – a medieval solution to the lack of space on the steep slope. Everywhere, there are wine cellars, artist studios, and small shops selling local olive oil and the famous Rossese di Dolceacqua, the first DOC wine of Liguria.

The town hall of Airole is the central point of contact for all municipal matters. Here you can obtain information about the village, the region, and local events. The municipal administration has existed since 1797, when Airole became an independent municipality with the founding of the Ligurian Republic.

Breil-sur-Roya is located in a wide bend of the Roya River, surrounded by around 100,000 olive trees. With approximately 2,400 inhabitants, it is the largest village in the upper Roya Valley and also an important railway junction of the Tenda Railway (Train des Merveilles). The location is situated at about 300 m altitude on the edge of Mercantour National Park and benefits from a mild microclimate thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (just 25 km away). The Roya River divides the village into two parts, connected by several bridges. The artificially created Swan Lake in the town center invites visitors to linger. The old town impresses with vaulted arcades, narrow alleys, and the baroque church Sancta Maria in Albis. The Saint-Jean bell tower with its Romanesque twin openings is the oldest in the County of Nice.

Sospel is located in the Bévéra Valley, about 20 km from Airole, and is a vibrant French town with around 4,000 inhabitants. Its landmark is the Pont Vieux, a medieval toll bridge from the 13th century with a fortified tower – one of the last of its kind in Europe. The bridge was once an important station on the salt route between Nice and Turin. The old town stretches on both sides of the Bévéra with winding alleys, Gothic houses, and painted facades in trompe-l'œil technique. On the Place Saint-Michel stands the baroque Cathedral Saint-Michel (1641-1762) with its Romanesque bell tower from the 13th century. The church is among the largest in the Alpes-Maritimes. Sospel is not a sleepy museum village, but an active place with shops, restaurants, and a lively Thursday market on the Place des Platanes. Sospel was an important trading post and episcopal see in the Middle Ages. During the Great Western Schism (1378-1417), the town supported the Pope of Avignon, temporarily elevating the church to cathedral status. The "Academy of Literary Occupations" was founded in 1702 and attracted historians and poets. During World War II, the bridge was destroyed by German troops in 1944 and rebuilt exactly as it was in 1952.

Capital of the Cote d'Azur. Old town, Promenade des Anglais, museums (Matisse, Chagall), markets (Cours Saleya). A city you don't grasp in one day.

Menton is the first French town after the border and is often called the "Pearl of France". The town enjoys an exceptionally mild microclimate that allows citrus cultivation, earning it the nickname "Lemon Town". World-famous is the annual Lemon Festival (Fete du Citron) in February, when gigantic sculptures made of citrus fruits decorate the town. The old town with its pastel-colored houses climbing up the hill offers a picturesque panorama reminiscent of the Italian Riviera. Jean Cocteau left significant traces in Menton - the museum dedicated to him and his decoration of the wedding hall in the town hall are art-historical highlights.

Jazz Valley is an inter-community concert series in which several villages of the Val Nervia have joined forces to bring high-quality jazz music into their historic town centers. What began in 2024 as a pilot project by three municipalities quickly developed into a fixed date in the valley's cultural calendar. In 2025, already four communities are participating: Pigna, Rocchetta Nervina, Dolceacqua, and Camporosso. The organizers hope to further expand the festival. The special feature: Instead of a large stage with massive crowds, jazz is experienced here on village squares, in community gardens, and on panoramic terraces. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial – locals and tourists sit together under the open sky and enjoy the music. The artistic direction is in the hands of Giuliano Raimondo, one of the most renowned jazz bassists of Ponente Ligure, who also plays at some concerts. He selects the artists and ensures a high-quality program beyond the mainstream.

Non-profit association dedicated to promoting tourism and preserving local traditions. Organizes events, festivals and operates the Adventure Park.