Visit Thorenc: what to see?

From the Alps-Maritimes, visit Thorenc, in the middle of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park.

A small hamlet attached to the town of Andon – in the middle of the Regional Natural Park of the Préalpes d'Azur -, Thorenc is nicknamed the "Swiss Provencal" because of its very mild microclimate and yet surrounded by high mountains. A climate station known since the 19th century, this town was in the early 20th century a high place of luxury tourism for the French, English and Russian aristocracies. Before falling into disuse, Andon was indeed the privileged resort of the Niçois and the Grassois to the Belle Époque.

To escape a bit of the coastline and mass tourism where all the tourists come to climb on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, climb on the heights, to the fresh and to the green! A few kilometers away Grasse only, take the Napoleon road, then the D 79 to reach the village of Andon, which is next to Thorenc. Here's what you can see by visiting Thorenc and its surroundings.

1. The biological reserve of the Monts d’Azur

Located in the north of Grasse, in the middle of the Haut-Thorenc estate, here is a biological nature reserve of more than 700 hectares where there is a rich diversity of ancestral species of fauna and flora. Emotions, Przewalski’s horses, European bison, elaphant deer, royal eagle, wild vultures, passers-by and ravens, especially the Bavarian pie... It is an impressive population of animals concentrated in the wetlands of this reserve, fully dedicated to preserving European species. Spend a night in this crossroads between ecological tourism and scientific research, going to visit Thorenc to enjoy wild animals and other mountain activities such as calf safaris, snowshoe or sleigh rides (in winter), observation cabins, natural swimming pool, climbing wall and playground for children.

2. Lake Thorenc

Accessible from Castellane Road, Thorenc Lake is an artificial lake of one hectare, at 1120 meters above sea level. Located 60 kilometers from Grasse, you will feel much more fresh in this setting of coniferous wooded greenery than in the Mediterranean valley, crushed under a torrid heat. trout fishing, pony walks, hikes, etc., the site has been designed for tourism. It is always pleasant, in the Midi, to be able to moisten the pure air of the mountains.

3. Le Castellaras de Thorenc

The ruins of this ancient Ligure oppidum on the edge of the old Ventiane lane have a history that dates back to the Roman era, which is located on a rocky sparrow at 1,400 metres above sea level. And yes, the region was occupied by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. The site is surrounded by imposing walls that dominate the entire Esteron. During your visit, explore the ruin of the Château des Quatre-Tours: a fortified mansion of the 15th century. The Castellaras, going to visit Thorenc, is a must: hiking is easy, although there are some peaks. Upstairs, a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the Mercantour await you.

How to go to Thorenc?

Thorenc is located north of Grasse, 1 hour from the Riviera, on the Departmental 2. To get there, you can take the tourist itinerary that runs the beautiful Loup valley from Cagnes-sur-Mer to Gréolières. To find cheap flights to Nice, you can search our partner's website Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Thorenc?

You can find a cheap hotel in Thorenc by looking for this Compare hotels .