Pierrefeu offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: heritage in Vieux Pierrefeu, hiking trails and a canyoning route, as well as a race held every year in July. If you want to plan your stay around a specific activity or event, these options are quite different—from the historic village and outdoor activities to an event tied to a particular date.
Church and traces of history
In Vieux Pierrefeu stands the former parish church of Saint-Sébastien and Saint-Martin. It was listed as a historic monument by decree on September 24, 1968. The church of Saint-Sébastien-Saint-Martin in Pierrefeu also houses the painting “Vierge à l’Enfant avec saint Sébastien, saint Jean Baptiste et saint Martin.” Jean André signed and dated it in 1661. A protected church building and a specific, dated work of art thus offer distinct points of reference for the village’s cultural history.
Pierrefeu is mentioned as early as the 11th century; Roman remains found in Pierrefeu attest to settlement in antiquity. La Caïnée adds another chapter to this history: it was inhabited until the end of the 18th century and is now abandoned. Those interested in the village’s history will find several points of reference from different periods—from ancient settlement and an early written mention to an abandoned settlement.
Natural landscape and trails
Pierrefeu is one of the 48 member municipalities of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park. The Pierrefeu area extends to the banks of the Estéron at an elevation of 226 m. Mont Brune is 1,494 m high.
Numerous hiking trails start in Pierrefeu. They include circular routes lasting several hours and walks that are not particularly difficult. The circular routes take several hours; the walks are not particularly difficult. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The Riou de Pierrefeu canyoning route starts in Pierrefeu on the RD 217 at an elevation of 544 m. The descent begins with a 25 m rappel, followed by a long stretch of water hiking. This activity is therefore quite different from the hiking trails described above. Check the technical conditions before planning the route. This will help you assess each activity based on its specific features, rather than grouping them together simply as outdoor pursuits.
Course de carrioles in July
For the Course de carrioles, drivers build their soapbox cars entirely themselves. During the race, the cars are driven down a 1.2 km descent through old Pierrefeu; the route is closed to traffic for the event. The race takes place every year in July. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the date and route of the next event in advance.
Members of Pierrefeu’s sports association prepare pan-bagnat for participants and spectators at the Course de carrioles. This offering is tied to the event. Confirm availability with the organizers if you would like to include it in your plans.
Chapel of the Annunciation
East of the hamlet of Les Crottes, the Chapel of the Annunciation lies at the foot of a rock, near map point 304 and on the boundary between Pierrefeu and Ascros. A short path of a few dozen metres leads from there to the chapel. Check the path’s condition locally.
Discover more destinations: Cimiez, Grasse, Vallauris, L'escarène, La Trinité, Cannes, Saint-Martin-Du-Var, Clans.
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
