Valbonne

You can take numerous walks along the footpaths in the commune of Valbonne Sophia Antipolis and the Departmental nature reserves of the Brague and the Valmasque or you may choose one of the discovery, botanical or fitness trails.

The exceptional countryside of the Valbonne Sophia Antipolis region is ideal for cross-country riding throughout the year. There are riding schools in Valbonne, but also throughout the wider Sophia Antipolis area, that offer a range of activities for children and adults.

In 1995, the local authority created a municipal vineyard in order to help preserve its rural and cultural heritage. 300 vines of a late variety called "servan" were planted in a suitable place. The produce is mainly consumed with great pleasure by gastronomes at the festival of Saint Blaise in the village, which celebrates the products of the earth at the end of January.

There are many craftspeople at Valbonne Sophia Antipolis who find it has a living environment that fosters creativity. Most of them are happy to welcome you into their studios so that you can see the quality of their work for yourself and, why not, buy original and unusual works.

You must take a look round a traditional Provencal market at which craftspeople show their skills. Don't miss: the Valbonne Village market, every Friday; the Valbonne Village second-hand market, on the first Sunday in each month; the Provençal country market, in October; the Provençal Christmas market, in December; the Festival of St Blaise, the last week-end in January.

Relax and make the most of your holidays in perfect calm, take advantage of the Valbonne municipal swimming pool, with its a paddling pool and small and large swimming pools. It is open for the whole of the summer season.

The Valbonne Sophia Antipolis art galleries regularly exhibit works by known and less well-known artists and guide art lovers in their discoveries and acquisitions.