La Gaude combines wooded hills with several distinct cultural themes: churches, modern architecture, garden art, natural history education and the history of olive oil. The ways to visit also vary. You can visit the Chapelle Saint-Ange independently, tours of the Eco Musée Vivant de Provence are guided and accompanied by commentary, and the Jardin de l’Argelière can only be visited at certain times and by prior appointment. If you plan to visit these places, it is worth keeping their respective conditions in mind.
Hilly Landscape and Garden Art
The municipality of La Gaude consists of wooded hills that rise to a maximum height of 349 metres. It is bordered by the Cagne to the west and the Var to the east. The Jardin de l’Argelière is a horticultural highlight, with more than 1,200 plant species and an extensive collection of old and botanical roses. In 2019, the garden received the “Jardin remarquable” designation.
The garden can be visited from April to June and from September to October by prior appointment. These seasonal opening periods and the appointment requirement are therefore important when planning your visit; check the appropriate date before including it in your plans. This makes a visit to the garden quite different from one that is possible without such a prior arrangement.
Two Churches, Different Timelines
The Chapelle Saint-Ange was built in 1875 for the White Penitents and restored between 1996 and 2003. Its wall paintings are by Alexis Obolensky, and its stained-glass windows by Alain Peinado. The wall ceramics are inspired by scenes from the Gospels. For an independent visit, the key can be borrowed from reception at La Gaude town hall in exchange for an identity document. If you plan to visit, check the key collection arrangements in advance.
The history of the Sainte-Victoire church goes back further: it was blessed on 6 January 1629 and was initially dedicated to Saint Peter before being consecrated to Sainte-Victoire in 1646. Its furnishings include a 1695 painting depicting Sainte-Victoire between Sainte-Agathe and Sainte-Pétronille. The 1977 stained-glass windows are also by Alain Peinado, the stained-glass artist from La Gaude. The two churches thus represent different historical periods and different forms of decoration.
Architecture and Cultural Programme
La Coupole was built in the 1980s to a design by Dominique Pétry-Amiel, an architect from La Gaude. The octagonal building consists of a single room. Today, La Coupole is an active cultural centre with a cinema, theatre performances and art exhibitions. If you would like to include a performance or exhibition in your stay, check the current programme in advance.
Another architectural landmark is the IBM Centre for Studies and Research in La Gaude. It was designed by Marcel Breuer and Robert Gatje, with M. and R. Laugier as project architects. The centre bears the “Patrimoine XXe” designation, awarded by the Regional Commission for Heritage and Historic Sites on 28 November 2000.
Natural History and the History of Olive Oil
The Eco Musée Vivant de Provence was founded in the 1980s by Danish entomologist and filmmaker Ib Schmedes. It is located in the Sainte-Appolonie district and has an educational purpose. On display are insects as well as snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs; the habitats of each animal have been recreated to closely resemble their natural environments. Every visit is guided and accompanied by commentary. If you choose the museum, plan it as a guided activity.
The olive mill offers a glimpse into another part of the town’s history: at the end of the 19th century, olive oil was one of La Gaude’s most important resources. The mill preserves a grinding track with a millstone, two presses, a boiler and several large vessels for collecting the oil. Visits are possible as part of events organised by the municipality. If you plan to visit, check the dates of these events.
Discover more destinations: Le Bar-Sur-Loup, L'escarène, Magagnosc, Bairols, Breil-Sur-Roya, Briançonnet, Saint-Blaise, Colomars.
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
