Opio

Last update on Jun 15, 2026

31 km. from Nice, 8 km. from Grasse and 18. km from Cannes.

Discover the hilltop village of Opio on the French Riviera

Looking to explore an authentic Provençal village between Cannes and Grasse? Opio awaits you in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, in the south of France, nestled in the hinterland of the French Riviera.

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The Opio area bears traces of an ancient oppidum, a remnant of a Celtic-Ligurian presence. This history is reflected in the local heritage. The Church of Saint-Trophime, with its 12th-century bell tower, still dominates the heart of the village. All around, you can admire the restored bastides and historic stone buildings.

The landscape blends olive trees, pine trees, and rolling green hills. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails and bike paths invite you to explore. From the lookout point near the church, the view looks down on a renowned golf course below and the surrounding countryside.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover Opio’s history, heritage, activities, and top spots for lodging and dining. You’ll also find all the practical information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your stay in Provence.

Rose and Olive Cultivation

Thanks to an exceptional microclimate, roses and jasmine are grown here for the Grasse perfume industry, while the Grande Bastide olive grove, one of the largest in the department, produces a delicious olive oil that you can pick up at the Moulin d’Opio, one of the few mills still in operation in the region: it dates back to the 15th century!

The village’s history

With a name derived from oppidum (Latin for “fortified settlement”), Opio has a long history: a fiefdom of the Bishopric of Grasse until the Revolution, the village also boasts several Roman-era ruins, including a beautiful marble bust of a woman currently on display at the Grasse Museum.

Ideal for a vacation

Those who choose to spend their vacation here will not regret this peaceful setting, perfect for long walks or horseback rides through its 450 hectares of forests.

Opio golf course

Golf enthusiasts can combine business with pleasure: the Golf de la Bégude features facilities housed in a former 19th-century château built on medieval foundations.

What to see

St Trophisme church. (12th century, altered in the 15th century).
The 17th century residence of the Bishops of Grasse, with a beautiful stairwell.
Oil mill (15th century). Oratories.
Remains of the medieval monastery (Poudeirac quarter).
Begude cave (150 m long), Mayol cave (125 m long).

Things to do

Hiking. Tennis. Opio-Valbonne 18-hole golf course.
Mosaic factory

Accommodation

Golf course hotel.
Vacation rentals.
B&B.
Campsite.

Your questions about Opio

We’ve received several questions from you about this hilltop village in the Alpes-Maritimes. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What things to do in Opio?

Opio has plenty to offer for your vacation. You can enjoy hiking trails and bike rides through nature, between hills and olive groves. Golf lovers will find several courses right next to the village. The Opio leisure park also hosts events throughout the year. For culture, head to Saint-Trophime church and discover the village's heritage and history. Between the sea and the mountains, Opio is an ideal destination in the Alpes-Maritimes, in Provence, in the south of France.

How to get to Opio?

Getting to Opio depends on where you're starting from. By car, take the A8 motorway, exit at Mougins or Villeneuve-Loubet, then follow the road toward Valbonne or Le Rouret to reach the village. From nearby cities like Nice or Cannes, the distance is around 30 kilometers, about a 30-minute drive. Without a car, bus lines connect Opio with Valbonne, Grasse, and Cannes. For your map or GPS, use the town hall's address, Place de la Liberté, postal code 06650, in the Alpes-Maritimes, Provence, on the French Riviera. For any questions, the town hall can be reached by phone during regular office hours.

Where to stay in Opio?

Opio offers a range of places to stay for your trip. You'll find hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts, both in the village and nearby. Whether you're looking for a house with a pool or a simple apartment, there's something for families and couples alike. Grasse, Valbonne, and Cannes, all close by, offer a wider choice of properties, with their own reviews on booking platforms. Opio's location is a real draw: just a short drive from both the sea and the mountains, you get the best of the Alpes-Maritimes and the French Riviera.

What is the History of Opio?

Opio's history goes back to ancient times. The village's name likely comes from an old oppidum, settled as far back as the Celto-Ligurian era. This hilltop site has weathered the centuries and still bears traces of its past. Saint-Trophime church, with its 12th-century bell tower, remains the village's most striking historic landmark. Around it, restored bastide farmhouses reflect the heritage and traditions of Provence. As you explore the village, you step into a culture shaped by centuries of history.

What are the key facts about Opio?

Opio is a town in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It covers an area of about 9.5 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 150 to 360 meters. The population is just over 2,500 residents. The village's postal code is 06650. These figures make Opio a human-scale town, set among hills and neighboring Provençal villages.

What events take place in Opio?

Opio keeps a busy events calendar all year round. The Sainte Floride patronal festival, held at Pentecost, brings the community together with Provençal dances and a shared meal, a long-standing local tradition. In May, the rose centifolia festival celebrates a historic local activity, while the music festival livens up the village in June. In summer, between vacation and relaxation, the watermelon festival and other events take place at the leisure park. At the end of the year, a Christmas market wraps up the season. For the full schedule, check the town hall's website or Opio's tourism calendar, in the south of France.