Drap combines cultural history with walking trails and a year-round cultural programme. The Chapel of the White Penitents, historic structures on Plateau Tercier and the promenade along the Sainte-Thècle Canal each offer a different focus. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on religious and military history, a walking route or cultural activities.

Chapels, the Château and the townscape

The Chapel of the White Penitents, also known as the Sainte-Croix Chapel, was founded on 2 February 1682. Inside is an oil painting depicting Christ at Emmaus, dated to around 1650. These two dates refer to different historical points: the painting is dated to an earlier period than the chapel’s founding. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church and Sainte-Catherine Chapel are also among Drap’s sights.

The medieval Château de Drap was built on a rocky promontory at the edge of Plateau Tercier. The ruins known as the Château de Drap appear to correspond to a reconstruction with a change of location dating to around the 13th century. The Château de Drap is private property. Its history can therefore be considered part of the local heritage without assuming that the site can be visited.

The townscape also bears traces of different periods: friezes from the Belle Époque can still be seen on some house façades, and painted façades are part of Drap’s urban heritage. Together with the churches and chapels, they create a cultural focus that extends beyond the history of the Château.

Walking and history on Plateau Tercier

A peaceful, scenic promenade runs along the Sainte-Thècle Canal. It offers a different experience from the history of the hilltop structures. Those interested in hiking can also follow the long-distance trail “Les Balcons de la Côte d’Azur”: designated GR 51, it crosses Plateau Tercier.

On the plateau lies the Castellaras de la Colle des Castello, an oval protohistoric enclosure with three surrounding walls. Another historical feature is the fortifications of Plateau Tercier. Dating from the mid-18th century, they extend for almost a kilometre. Thus, the same plateau contains remains from different historical contexts; the fortifications should not be confused with the older enclosure.

The history of water supply is also part of Drap’s heritage. The Sainte-Thècle water system includes a 17-kilometre aqueduct. Its main section was completed in Drap in March 1868.

Cultural activities and seasonal events

The Médiathèque Jean Négro is located in the Centre Culturel des Gras. It offers a range of loans, performances and workshops throughout the year. The Centre Culturel des Gras also offers classes in music, drawing, dance and theatre. If you are considering a cultural programme during your stay, these are the activities mentioned, which can be considered a focus in their own right, separate from the historical sights.

The Rallye National de Drap takes place every year, but dates and arrangements vary from one edition to the next. If the event is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant edition. This distinguishes the rally’s recurring nature from the specific dates in any given year.

Traditional production includes a Genoese-style oil mill dating from the 18th century and the Alambic of Drap. The latter operates for about one week a year in November. These two details complement the architectural and artistic history with the history of local production.

Discover more destinations: Moulinet, Roure, Rigaud, Gréolières, Rimplas, Mouans-Sartoux, Magagnosc, La Tour.

For the wider travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.