La Penne combines a distinctly varied elevation with sacred art and historic sites. When choosing where to visit, it is worth considering these aspects separately: the landscape provides the setting, while churches, chapels and archaeological remains each offer their own thematic focus.
Elevation, Forest and Village Centre
The village centre lies at an elevation of 800 m and overlooks broad meadows that continue to support significant sheep farming. The territory of La Penne as a whole ranges from 520 m to 1,208 m: the 800 m figure refers to the village centre, while the wider range applies to the territory. Forest dominates the north and south, and numerous small streams also flow through the landscape. The meadows above the centre, wooded areas and streams are therefore distinct features of the area.
La Penne is generally reached from Puget-Théniers via the Col de Saint-Raphaël. This route gives you a specific reference point for planning your journey.
Churches and Historical Sites
The Église Saint Pierre contains a wall fresco dating from 1530. The church is also home to the painting “Le Voeu de Louis XIII” by François Mimault: the artist painted it in 1639, and it was classified on 5 December 1908. The same church thus contains both a wall fresco and a later painting, each with its own date.
The Chapelle Notre Dame du Plan dates from the 11th century and was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple. The chapel offers a view of the village of La Penne. Remains of a former 11th-century village have also been preserved on the Roccaforte ridge. This period is therefore represented both by a place of worship and by the remains of an earlier settlement.
Another archaeological site is Pierre d’Uriel, also known as the Stèle de la Penne. The rectangular monument stands to the left of the entrance, beside the cemetery wall. A triangular pediment rises above two panels—a clearly recognisable form that draws the eye to the monument’s structure.
Discovery Trail and Patron Saint’s Festival
The La Baisse de Roccaforte discovery trail starts at the car park on the square in La Penne. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. A distinct historic feature on the Roccaforte ridge is the preserved remains of a former 11th-century village.
The Saint-Roch patron saint’s festival takes place every year on the weekend of 15 August; the exact festival dates may vary from year to year. The programme includes a Mass, aubades for the local population, dances and speeches. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year in advance. This helps distinguish the recurring time of year from the exact festival dates.
Local Products
Espèci d'aquà sells local spice blends, plants for herbal teas, aromatic herbs, gemmotherapy extracts and fruit juices. Products are sold at markets, directly from the farm and by order. If you are planning to visit for a particular product, check the appropriate way to buy it in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Utelle, Puget-Théniers, Séranon, Massoins, Saint-Auban, Antibes, Berre-Les-Alpes, Gattiéres
For the full travel guide: Alpes-Maritimes.
