The picturesque, medieval hill-top village of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is situated between Monaco and Menton on the French Riviera. Due to its geographical location, and its upmarket atmosphere, with first-rate hotels and gourmet restaurants, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin makes for the perfect luxury retreat.
In pre-Roman times, the region fought off the Huns who attacked while trying to invade further north, and in medieval times came under Italian control. In 1355, Roccabruna as it was then known, fell into the hands of the Grimaldi family of Monaco where it remained for almost five centuries until 1793 when it became part of French territory for the first time. Between 1814 and 1861 the region was claimed by Monaco, Italy and France and this has led to the beautiful mixture of Mediterranean styles which can be seen in the architecture and design of the village.
Despite gaining its freedom from Monaco in 1861, the village is only a stone’s throw away from the borders of the Principality. Striking panoramic views can be seen from the hilltop across the landscape of its previous rulers, Italy and Monaco, and over the glorious Mediterranean above which the village is situated.
Hotels in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Sights and Places to Visit
The Carolingian Castle of Roquebrune is one of the oldest stone towers in Europe and is one of the best sights in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Originally built with walls up to 2-4 metres thick in the 10th century to keep the raiding Saracens out of the region and updated by the Grimaldi family, the castle offers breathtaking views across to Italy and Monaco as well as the waterfront below.
The Cave of Le Corbusier can be found in the village cemetery. This is the final resting place of the celebrated Swiss-French architect and designer Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris who died whilst swimming in the clear Mediterranean Sea at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in 1965.
Sainte-Marguerite, the sacred church of Roquebrune is hidden within the maze of medieval houses that fill the winding streets of the village. First constructed in the 12th century and later redesigned in a baroque manner, its bell-top is clearly visible above the red rooftops of Roquebrune and helps form part of the remarkable panorama of the village. Within the impressive building the interior is rich in colour with much gold, silver and marble, as well as unique paintings and sculptures.
Markets and Fairs
Open air markets and antiques fairs can be found in the village, or in nearby Nice , where there is a larger market every Friday. Luxury shopping can also be experienced at in the unique shopping areas of nearby location Monaco, Nice, St Tropez and Cannes.
Travel
For travel to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the nearest airport is Nice-Côte d’Azur which is located 25km from the village, while the nearest major train station is Monaco Central Station which is 5km from the village.
Tourist Office
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Tourist Office
218 Aristide Briand
06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
+33 (0)4 93 35 62 87
