La Turbie
Discover the small high-altitude town of La Turbie near Monaco
Overlooking the Principality of Monaco at 1,150m, like a balcony hanging over the Mediterranean, the little town of La Turbie seems to float in the sky, dominated by its gigantic Trophee d'Auguste (35 metres high!).
A famous monument: the Trophée d'Auguste ("Trophy of the Alps")
Built 2,000 years ago by the Romans to the glory of Emperor Augustus, the conqueror of the last Ligurian tribes, the Trophee d'Auguste originally stood 49 metres high and was topped by a giant statue of the Emperor.
Located at La Turbie, on the Alpis Summa, the border between Gaul and Italy and a strategic point on the Aurelian Way, it celebrated the unity and power of the Roman Empire. It was used as a fortress in the 12th century, dismantled by Louis XIV, and was then transformed into a stone quarry. It was subsequently restored by a generous American donor called Edward Tuck.
It is the pride of the town, and a visit to the Trophee and its small Auguste museum is a must. You will learn that the monument consisted of a round tower surrounded by Doric columns, built on a square platform bearing the names of the 44 peoples subdued during the Augustus campaign.
Today all that remains is a fraction of the tower with its columns and niches where the statues where placed. Nonetheless they are imposing remains, still very impressive for anybody who has a little imagination! At the foot of the Trophee, the village of La Turbie has preserved the charm of its glorious past virtually intact, in a harmonious mixture of styles - medieval, classical and baroque.
The pretty houses and narrow streets in the centre of La Turbie
After walking through a gate in the medieval defensive walls, how lovely it is to stroll along these narrow cobbled streets, with their fine stone-built houses, and generous helpings of flowers. Vaulted passageways, little fountains, gemelled window, monumental fountain, beautiful baroque style church with square belltower roofed with varnished tiles, there are many historical features to admire.
Hikes on the Fourna and Tête de Chien peaks.
When you've had your fill of history, why not enjoy some fresh air and nature? After all the area around La Turbie has many paths leading up into the hills - the peaks of La Fourna and Tête de Chien - as well as parks - Plateau de la Justice and Grande Corniche - from where the view will literally take your breath away. You will see Vintimille bay (Italy), Cap Martin, Cap Ferrat, Cap de Nice, Antibes, l'Esterel ... and sometimes even Corsica on a particularly clear day! What could be better?
Where to stay? At the Hôtel Napoléon!
If you're looking for a well-placed, pleasant hotel in La Turbie, we recommend the Hôtel Napoléon:
Hotel Le Napoleon has a bar-restaurant. Some of its rooms have a furnished balcony. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu made with fresh produce, as well as a buffet breakfast. You can relax with a drink in the hotel bar. Hotel Napoleon is 7 km from Monaco and close to historic sites such as the Trophée des Alpes, 200 metres away. Monte Carlo Golf Club is 4 km away.
What to see
Trophee d'Auguste and its museum (documents, history of the Trophee, model of the complete monument).
Roman quarry at Mont de Justice; the only Roman quarry that has remained in use up to the present day.
Roman and pre-Roman dwellings near to the Chapel of Saint-Pierre.
Milestone dating back to the time of Napoleon 1st. Roman fountain.
Remains of the medieval surrounding walls (12th and 13th centuries).
Church of St Michel (1763, historical monument.
Inside is a 15th century Pieta from the Brea school).
Romanesque Chapel of Saint-Jean.
Monumental fountain from 1824 in front of the Mairie (listed).
Barriera cave (Chasseen artefacts). Old rack railway station.
Leisure activities
Hiking. Tennis. Swimming pool. Mini-golf
Grande Corniche departmental nature park (598 ha) extending from Mont Vinaigrier to Mont Bataille, located in the municipalities of Nice, La Trinité, Eze, La Turbie et Villefranche-sur-Mer: nature walking trail, chasm near the Maison de la Nature (caving), orientation table.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Holiday rentals.
Bed and breakfast.
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT LA TURBIE
You have sent us several questions about La Turbie. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What are the names of the inhabitants of La Turbie?
The name of the inhabitants of La Turbie is not easy to find if you don't know it: they're called "Turbiasques". This probably comes from the town's Occitan name, "A Torbia". La Turbie has a year-round population of 3,200 and this figure is rising slightly year on year.
Is La Turbie part of Monaco?
Although it was before 1860, La Turbie is no longer part of the Principality of Monaco. The town has been French since 1860 and belongs to the Alpes Maritimes department. The Monaco football club (AS Monaco) has its training grounds in La Turbie.
Why is this monument nicknamed the Trophy of the Alps?
The Trophée Auguste is also called the "Trophy of the Alps" because it celebrates the victory of Roman troops over the Alpine tribes during the reign of the Emperor Augustus in 7 BC.
Where is La Turbie in France? Near Nice?
La Turbie is in the Alpes Maritimes department (Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region), right next to the Principality of Monaco. The city of Nice is also nearby, 15 kilometres to the south-east of the village of La Turbie.
Where to eat out in La Turbie
If you're looking for a good place to eat in La Turbie, we recommend "L'Hostellerie Jérôme", which serves fine Mediterranean cuisine. For Italian cuisine, go to the "Nonna Francesca", with its traditional Italian dishes!
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Eze (4 km), Cap d'Ail (8 km), Beausoleil (9 km) and Monaco (9 km).