DESCRIPTION

This extremely pretty little medieval village, perched on a foothill of the Tanneron massif, takes on a vivid golden colour in February when the mimosas come into blossom. Its small, narrow alleys lead down to the River Siagne, where women used to go and draw water until the 1850s.
Fortifications of the past remain: the Soubran portal at the top of the village and the Soutran portal down below, enabled access to be shut off with heavy gates. The neo-Roman styled church right at the top of the village dates back to the Eighteenth Century. Inside, you can marvel at the two reliquaries of Sainte Concorde and Saint Antoine, a sculpted pulpit, and various pieces work in precious metal. Near the village is the Moulin du Sault (Sault Mill), a group of three oil mills from the Fifteenth Century which stayed in use until 1918.
Neglected, they fell into ruins but since have been restored to perfect condition.

HISTORY

The village of Auribeau-sur-Siagne was founded in the Eleventh Century. In 1348, the Black Death epidemic reached the village. Decimated by disease and devastated by wars, Auribeau became uninhabited. Only in 1497 did His Grace Jacques Grimaldi attempt to rebuild the ruined village. In order to repopulate and rebuild Auribeau, Grimaldi, the Bishop of Grasse, called upon Ligurian settlers.

ENTERTAINMENT

In July, 2009, Auribeau-sur-Siagne hosted the «Temps des Contes» Festival for the first time, joining Grasse, Pégomas, Mouans Sartoux and La Roquette sur Siagne in this event. Several narrators recount stories from here and there about journeys and tales of the imagination.

ARTS AND CRAFTS - INDUSTRY

You can discover these by exploring the village’s alleys, painting exhibitions and cottage industries.

LEISURE

Visitors can travel around the medieval village and get to know its history by exploring the historic buildings and architecture. On walking through the alleys and up the flowering flights of steps, you can discover Rue du Four, the Soubran portal (fortified gates), the restored Eighteenth Century church and a viewpoint indicator... In a verdant setting next to a waterfall, pilgrims come to meditate and pray at the Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de Valcluse (the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Valcluse).

SPORTS

Auribeau’s location enables you to enjoy the mountain air. Walkers can go hiking to explore the area on foot which may also be done on horseback or by bicycle. The "Passage de la Siagne" enables (first category) anglers to ... fish. And, of course, you can try your hand at traditional petanque on the village square.

PARKS

The Parc des Monges (Monges Park) provides holiday-makers with a superb green setting in which to camp.

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

Auribeau-sur-Siagne is located a few kilometres from Pégomas, Mouans Sartoux and the village of Tanneron. Around ten kilometres from the sea, it is also close to ski resorts (50 kms).

How to get there by car :
Take the Mandelieu exit off the A8 motorway; then head for Grasse and go about 10 kms.

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