Bonjour! Welcome to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, or simply Roquebrune. It’s one of the most picturesque places on Cote d’Azur often overlooked by many, even despite its privileged location right between Menton and Monaco. But thanks to that, Roquebrune is a more peaceful and quiet travel destination. Whether you want to explore charming old town streets, relax on the beaches, or go on a walk in picturesque settings – you’ll find it all there. Keep reading and discover great things to do in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin can be divided into three parts: the hilltop historic village, the Cap Martin peninsula, and the new town/resort.
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Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France FAQ
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. The town is just a short drive from popular places nearby like Menton, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Eze.
Yes, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a pleasant and fairly quiet town on Cote d’Azur worth visiting, even if only for just a few hours. It can offer a wide range of various activities, from exploring a historic hilltop village with an authentic medieval feel to spending relaxing time on the beaches. In Roquebrune, each traveler will find something perfect for themself for sure.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is best known for its charming old town perched on the hill, providing breathtaking views over the French Riviera coast. It’s also known for its beautiful peninsula area full of luxurious villas and many opportunities for spending time in nature while being surrounded by picturesque views.
Things to do in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Old Town streets
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin old town is located about 3.5km inland from the coastal areas. It’s fairly small and there’s no better way of getting to know it than just getting lost in a maze of its streets and slowly exploring every corner. Cobblestone winding streets, quaint colorful or stone houses adorned with flowers, secret passageways, striking views over the coast… Wherever you turn, you will find something interesting in Roquebrune.
Among Roquebrune-Cap-Martin’s old town streets, you’ll find points of interest like the Medieval Castle, Church of Sainte-Marguerite, Place des 2 Frères square with a viewing platform, Rue de la Fontaine street with a small square with great coastal views, dark secret Rue Montcollet street, or around a 2000-year-old olive tree.
Discover: Accommodation options in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Place des 2 Frères Square
At the foot of the castle, you’ll find a lovely square called Place des 2 Frères. There you’ll find a viewing platform with amazing views over the Cote d’Azur, views over the castle, and a beautiful olive tree in the middle. And of course, some restaurants and cafes, perfect for a short break and watching locals going by with their lives.
Medieval Castle
Roquebrune Medieval Castle (fr. Château de Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) is located at the highest point of the village and is its most famous landmark. It was built in the late 10th century but most of what we can see today was added later when the Grimaldi family was in control of the village, sometime around the 14th century. In 1921 the castle was given to the village by the owner, William Ingram. Nowadays Roquebrune Castle is one of the few examples of Carolingian architecture in France and is classified as a Historic Monument.
From the castle grounds, you can admire amazing views of Monaco, the village, Cap Martin peninsula, and the coast.
Entrance costs €5 for a normal ticket and €3 for a reduced one (May 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit menton-riviera-merveilles.co.uk website.
Sainte-Marguerite Church
Sainte-Marguerite Church (fr. Église Sainte-Marguerite) is the village’s parish church located within the old town. It dates back to the 13th century, was enlarged in the 15th century, and redesigned in the 17th century. The current look is the result of major works carried out at the end of the 19th century. Inside you’ll find several interesting elements including a copy of Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment”. Entrance to Sainte-Marguerite Church is free during opening hours.
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Millennial Olive Tree
At the outskirts of the Roquebrune old town, you’ll find a living witness to the history of the area – a millennial olive tree (fr. Olivier Millénaire). It’s about 2000 years old, between 1800 and 2200 depending on the source, and is considered to be the oldest tree in France! Even despite its age, the tree seems to be very healthy and still produces black olives. It was classified as a Remarkable Tree of France in 2016.
Roquebrune Cemetery
About 500 meters uphill from the Roquebrune olive tree you’ll find the village’s cemetery. It’s not very interesting itself but it’s worth a short detour for the views over the coast in both directions.
Cape Martin Peninsula
Also, don’t forget to head to Cape Martin Peninsula. It’s a green area with many luxurious villas, some beaches and what’s most important – more stunning views over the coast. Cape Martin became fashionable in the 1920s which led to the construction of some notable buildings including Coco Chanel’s La Pausa or Eileen Gray’s modernist house called Villa E-102.
While there, you can also choose to walk Sentier du Corbusier, which is a pleasant, about 5km long scenic walk from Pointe du Cap-Martin to Monaco frontier (or vice versa). The area might not be as fabulous as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat or as Cap d’Antibes but it’s still worth a visit! To go back you can choose either to take a bus or walk the same route.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Tourist Office is located on the coast, in the newest part of the town. You’ll find it on Avenida Aristide Briand, close to the train station.
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Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Beaches
Along the Roquebrune-Cap-Martin coastal areas, you’ll find some nice beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in azure Mediterranean waters. What’s more, it seems like this town’s beaches are more peaceful and slightly less busy than neighboring ones.
The most popular Roquebrune-Cap-Martin beaches are:
- Plage de Carnolès – long and wide pebbly beach with calm waters and nice views over Menton and Italy. It features amenities like lifeguards, showers, and beach bars. Some restaurants are available along the promenade too.
- Plage du Golfe Bleu – large pebble beach located just a few steps from Roquebrune train station. There are amenities like lifeguards, showers, and a small restaurant. The beach also features a naturist area.
Other beaches in town include Plage du Rocher, Plage du Buse, and Plage des Pirates.
Remember to bring everything you might need with you and have an amazing time on one of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin beaches.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France?
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is located about 5km from Menton or Monaco, 25km from Nice, and 50km from Antibes. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car or train.
Where to park in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin?
In Roquebrune’s old town you can either choose to leave your car in this paid parking lot or try to find free spots on Avenida des Genêts – both places are located very close to the center. In Cap Martin, it’s best to leave your car in this paid parking lot with an amazing view over the coast.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by bus
You can also quite easily reach Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by bus. For example, a trip from Nice will take about 1h (€3), 15min from Menton (€3), and 15min from Monaco (€3). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by train
You can easily get by train to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin from many nearby places like Nice, Cannes, Menton, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. To learn more about train connections that interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
Remember that Roquebrune-Cap-Martin train station is located on the coast, about 1.5km from the old town.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
Camping Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Campsites French Riviera Menton, Camping la Giandolla or Camping de La Laune might interest you. They are located near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Things to do in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – Summing up
Now you know what Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and its surroundings are all about and why you shouldn’t skip it during your Cote d’Azur trip. It’s a very charming and picturesque place where you’ll be able to experience more of a local vibe, instead of a touristy one. Oh, and those views… They are what make a trip to Roquebrune even better! This village is an ideal place to slow down for a bit and enjoy the charm of the South of France. A list of attractions and places to discover might not be that long but we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for himself. Enjoy!
Discover: Accommodation options in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Our video from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Our opinion about Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
For us, a visit to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin was a half-day trip from nearby Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. Until our second time on Cote d’Azur, we had no idea that such a nice place existed there! Unfortunately, Roquebrune isn’t mentioned in many guides or travel blogs and we came across it by accident, just by scanning Google Maps while looking for new interesting and not-so-obvious places to visit.
We visited it in early August during midday hours and we were two of just a handful of other people in the old town, and also on the peninsula (which was actually quite weird but maybe because of the dinner hours). Exploring everything we wanted took us about 5 or 6 hours.
What we liked most about Roquebrune-Cap-Martin was for sure wandering among its charming, peaceful streets and admiring the views of the surroundings. Old Town has such a nice vibe and character. Cap Martin peninsula was nice too, but didn’t make as much of an impression as, for example, Cap d’Antibes or Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
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Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin:
Where to sleep in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin?
La Bombonière & Spa
"La Bombonière & Spa" in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a luxurious accommodation offering a blend of elegance and relaxation. This charming property features a spa where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and unwind in the serene atmosphere. With its picturesque surroundings and upscale amenities, this accommodation provides a tranquil retreat on the French Riviera.
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Julia Augusta
"Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Julia Augusta" in Roquebrune offers modern and comfortable accommodations perfect for families and couples alike. With its prime location near the beach and the city center, guests can easily explore the charming surroundings. The property features well-equipped apartments, a swimming pool, and other amenities to ensure a memorable stay on Cote d'Azur.
Ciel d’Azur
"Ciel d'Azur" in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin presents cozy and stylish accommodation with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Nestled in a tranquil setting, guests can relax and unwind while enjoying the beauty of the French Riviera. With modern amenities and a convenient location, it's an ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway in a picturesque region.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
