Coaraze, Medieval commune in Nice hinterland, France
Coaraze is a mountain village sitting at about 650 meters elevation on a sandstone hill in the Paillon Valley, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. The settlement spreads across the hillside with narrow streets and old stone houses, offering accommodation options from campsites to small local hotels.
The village was founded as a barony in 1629 and experienced a period under Spanish rule from 1744 to 1748. It subsequently returned to French control and has remained part of the Alpes-Maritimes region since then.
The Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste displays baroque art from centuries past, while modern artists have created sundials that decorate the building facades throughout the village. These artworks give the place its distinctive character, showing how tradition and contemporary creativity exist together here.
The village sits about 8 kilometers from Contes and is easily explored on foot since the houses are clustered closely together. The best way to enjoy the area is to walk slowly through the narrow streets and visit local shops and craftspeople.
A small chapel called Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs features interior walls entirely painted in blue with scenes from Christ's life, created by artist Angelo Ponce de Léoné in 1962. This unexpected artistic creation makes the chapel a memorable discovery for visitors exploring the village.
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