Taxi Nice — Annot

Annot is an extraordinary village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, situated at 700 metres altitude in a unique natural setting where immense sandstone boulders sculpted by erosion dot the landscape, creating a fascinating rocky chaos known as the 'Grès d'Annot' (Annot Sandstones). These spectacular geological formations, some tens of metres high, are set amid the oak and pine forest surrounding the village, offering an exceptional playground for rock climbing (over 900 documented routes) and hiking. Annot's old town is a medieval delight: its winding lanes, arcaded houses, carved lintels dating from the 15th to 18th centuries and shaded squares form a remarkably well-preserved architectural ensemble. The Romanesque gateway, remnants of the ramparts and the Romanesque parish church complete the picture. Annot is a major station on the Train des Pignes, the Nice–Digne metre-gauge railway, and some historic steam trains stop here in summer, adding a touch of railway nostalgia. The Tuesday market is one of Provence's finest mountain markets, with local producers offering goat's cheeses, mountain honey, charcuterie and seasonal vegetables. The journey from Nice ascends the Var valley before turning into the Vaïre valley, an increasingly Alpine and wild landscape.