Saint Jeannet
Alpes Maritimes Departement - Population : 4,174 inh.
14 km north of Saint Laurent du Var by the D18. 
Nestling at the foot of an immense "baou", i.e. an impressive cliff overlooking the entire village, Saint Jeannet is a charming little village located between Vence et Nice.
It was a stronghold of the Villeneuve from the 13th century to the Revolution, and today it is a beautiful residential village in the Nice hinterland with a panoramic view of the coast.
Built in the Middle Ages, with its houses constructed from local stone huddling together to form a rampart surrounding the church, it is still dominated by a fortified castle and the ruins of a keep.
Not for nothing did it attract many painters, writers and poets, such as Dufy, Trachel, Poussin and Prévert.
In an exceptionally beautiful and peaceful setting the village of Saint Jeannet seems to have been blessed by the Gods. Few tourists are to be seen, yet the village is particularly enchanting with its well-kept pretty streets, some beautiful 17th century houses, its gate hollowed out of what remains of the ancient defensive walls.
After a maze of shady alleyways, you will arrive at the square where a large church stands topped by a square bell-tower, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
It dates back to the 17th century, and in the adjoining chapel of Saint-Bernardin, you can admire a beautiful altar piece dated 1652.
When you return to the square you can refresh yourself at the Fontaine du Boeuf (1875), before ending your visit on the most remarkable terrace on the whole of the Riviera: sheltered by a roof and adorned with medieval balusters, it offers a wonderful view of the countryside and the sea in the distance.
Thanks to its natural environment, Saint Jeannet is a true paradise for climbing enthusiasts.
Numerous climbing routes have been laid out on its colossal Baou. The main face surges up in a single movement 200 metres high.
If you're a novice, or want to be accompanied on your climb, there is a climbing school in the village.
On the way, potholers can discover several caves in the Baou cliff, including one that is 350 metres long.
If you prefer hiking, several walks (45 minutes to 2 hours) have been waymarked so that you can discover the marvels of the natural environment around Saint Jeannet at close quarters.
Don't leave Saint Jeannet without tasting the local wine, made using "servan" grapes, a white variety maturing at the end of the summer, which can be kept until Easter, thanks to a conservation technique using jars. Cheers, and good health!
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What to see:
Keep of the ruined castle at Castellet.St Jean Baptiste church built in 1666.
Chapels of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, 1753 in the village and Sainte-Petronille,
(17th century altar piece, 15th century wooden statue of Saint-Antoine).
Numerous caves and cavities: cave of Saint-Michel with wooden statue of the saint, Scelo cave (concretions, galeries at - 50m), Gours cave (350m of galeries), numerous small caves in the Baou cliff.
Leisure activities:
Hiking. (excursions to Baous, to the Parseguier Signal).Climbing. Caving.
Exhibitions and cultural events.
Municipal and patron saint's feast day (St John the Baptist, late August).
Art handicraft.
Accommodation:
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Self-catering holiday rentals. Furnished rentals.
Campsite.
