Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: practical guide 2025

Saint Vallier de Thiey, the 2025 practical guide to organizing a successful stay between sea and mountains.

Nestled on the Route Napoléon (RN85), Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey charms visitors with its authenticity, its Pre-Alpine landscapes, and its proximity to Grasse. This 2025 guide covers all the essentials: how to get there stress-free, what to see and do, where to stay, and our practical tips for enjoying the village year-round.

In short

• A charming village 15 minutes from Grasse, on the legendary Route Napoléon

• Hiking, nature, caves and dolmens: a playground for everyone

• Easy access by car, ZOU! bus connections from Grasse, Nice airport ~1 hour away

• Ideal base: Le Relais Impérial, a charming hotel-restaurant in the heart of the village

• Recommended period: April–June and September–October for mild and calm weather

Why choose Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey in 2025?

Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey combines the energy of the French Riviera… without the crowds. Perched in the Grasse region, the town is best explored on foot, by mountain bike, or along the winding RN85. People come here for the fresh air of the Prealps of the French Riviera, the easily accessible panoramic views, and the fragrant excursions to Grasse.

Local tip: Prefer a late morning arrival to avoid peak traffic on the RN85 during summer weekends.

To prepare for your stay and learn more about the history of the house, see the Relais Impérial Family History page.

Going there and getting around

By car: the RN85, Route Napoléon

The historic road linking Golfe-Juan to Grenoble passes through the village. It's the easiest way to explore the surrounding area, including Grasse, Gourdon, the Caussols plateau, and Andon. Before you set off, take a look at the suggested itineraries on the official Route Napoléon website .

Without a car: bus, train and plane

• Train: nearest station in Grasse (TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). Timetables and connections on TER Sud .

• Buses: regular connections of the regional ZOU! network between Grasse and Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey (check routes and timetables in season).

• By plane: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the most convenient; shuttles and car rentals are available at Nice Airport .

Once there, you can easily get around the village on foot. To explore the trails or plateaus, it's best to use a car or carpool.

Parking and traffic

The village offers free or time-limited parking near the main square. During peak season and events, arrive early. Information and traffic updates can be found on the Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey Town Hall website.

Things to do in and around Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

Nature and hiking: The Prealps of the French Riviera in all their natural glory

• Thiey Mountain: an accessible classic, offering panoramic views of the Estérel mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Alpine peaks on a clear day. For information on routes and the fragility of the environment, contact the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park .

• Caussols Plateau: karst landscapes, clear skies prized by astronomers, gentle paths.

• Gorges and viewpoints: the region offers spectacular viewpoints (Gourdon, Gorges du Loup) less than an hour's drive away.

Remember to check the local weather forecast on Météo-France before going out (winds, heat, summer storms).

Geology and the underground world

• Souterroscope at the Baume Obscure cave (Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey): sound and light show and treasure hunt for families. Information and bookings on the official Baume Obscure website .

• Dolmens and megaliths: several prehistoric remains dot the surrounding area; respect the signage and the heritage.

Perfumes and heritage in Grasse

Just 15 minutes away, Grasse is the world capital of perfume. Visit the International Perfume Museum and its gardens (information on the Grasse Museums website ). Workshops, exhibitions, and perfume boutiques dot the old town. For a broader cultural calendar, consult the Grasse Tourist Office.

The art of living: markets, local produce, simple moments

Stroll through the weekly markets, sample honeys, cheeses from the Pre-Alps, and olive oils. Village cafés offer a pleasant break after a hike. Market and event dates vary: check the municipal calendar at the Town Hall.

The Imperial Relay: your base between sea and mountains

Located in the heart of the village, Le Relais Impérial is a charming establishment on the Route Napoléon. Its warm, peaceful, and authentic atmosphere makes it ideal for a getaway, a business trip, or a family vacation.

• Rooms: 28 rooms in 5 categories, some with a terrace overlooking the Grasse hills or a relaxing bathtub. See rooms .

• Cuisine: a bistronomic restaurant celebrating local produce and a wood-fired pizzeria for convivial meals on the terrace.

• Services: Wi-Fi, common areas, and little touches that make all the difference. Details on the services page .

• Events: weddings, seminars, birthdays with modular spaces and personalized support. Learn more about event planning .

2025 timetable (indicative only - please check before arrival):

• Hotel: 7:30am–10:30pm

• Restaurant & Pizzeria: 12:00–2:30 p.m. / 7:00–9:30 p.m.

Good to know: Marion and Alice warmly welcome their guests, making the Relais a friendly and welcoming home. Discover the spirit of the house on the Family History page .

Ready to book? Compare dates and prices live via the booking platform or browse the Le Relais Impérial website .

Recommended itineraries: 1 to 3 days

24 hours

• Morning: heritage walk in the village, coffee on a terrace.

• Lunch: bistronomic lunch at the Relais.

• Afternoon: Baume Obscure cave or short hike on nearby trails.

• Evening: wood-fired pizza and sunset over the hills.

48 hours

• Day 1 (above).

• Day 2: excursion to Grasse (museums, perfumeries), return via the Route Napoléon punctuated by viewpoints.

72 hours and more

• A day in nature on the Thiey mountain and the Caussols plateau.

• Panoramic loop: Gourdon – Gorges du Loup – return via the Pre-Alps.

Practical guide for 2025 — When to come and what to bring

Period	Weather and crowds (trend)	Activity ideas	Advice
Jan–Feb	Cold, calm	Short walks, museums in Grasse	Hotbed, check opening sites
March–April	Sweet, floral, moderate	Hiking, markets, Route Napoléon	Windbreaker, restaurant reservation on the weekend
May–June	Ideal for long days	Thiey, Caussols, terraces	Sunscreen, water, book your hotel early
July–August	Heat, more crowds	Caves (cool), early mornings	Early morning/late afternoon hikes, shuttles/buses if possible
Sept–Oct	Gentle, bright, calm	Hiking, regional grape harvests	Great for active holidays, but be prepared for cool evenings.
Nov–Dec	Cool, very quiet	Heritage, gastronomy	Check reduced hours, changing weather

The trends above are general: consult Météo-France and the Town Hall agenda before your visit.

Practical tips for a peaceful stay

• Equipment: walking shoes, water bottle, windbreaker; moderate altitude and karst terrain require good soles.

• Safety: in summer, beware of storm episodes or the risk of forest fires; follow the instructions of the Parc des Préalpes d'Azur .

• Mobility: if you arrive in Grasse by train, plan ahead for the bus connection via ZOU! .

• Formalities: For private events (weddings, meetings), contact the team via the contact page for personalized support.

• Centralize your stay at the Relais Impérial to reduce travel and enjoy a true home base.

FAQ — Your questions about Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

How to get to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey without a car?

The easiest way is to arrive by train in Grasse (TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), then take a ZOU! regional bus to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey. Check the routes and frequencies according to the season on the TER Sud and ZOU! websites. From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, shuttles connect the train stations and bus hubs. Once there, the village is easily explored on foot; for hikes, a short taxi or carpool may be useful.

What are the most beautiful hikes around the village?

The climb to Montagne du Thiey offers exceptional panoramic views for a moderate effort. The Caussols plateau offers easy loops through the heart of karst landscapes. In hot weather, opt for early morning starts and bring water. Before setting off, consult the recommendations, maps, and any restrictions (grazing, fires) on the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park website and the day's weather forecast via Météo-France .

What to do in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey when it rains?

Head to the indoor attractions: the Baume Obscure cave (a fun underground tour, booking recommended at baumeobscure.com ), the perfume museums in Grasse ( Musées de Grasse ), workshops, and shops. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Relais Impérial and a relaxing afternoon. Always check opening hours during the off-season, as they may vary.

Where to park and when to avoid traffic jams?

The town center offers parking near the main square; however, it can fill up quickly during events and in the summer. Arrive late morning on weekdays or early on weekends. For long weekends and peak season, factor in travel times on the RN85. Parking and traffic updates are regularly posted on the Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey town hall website.

What is the best time to visit?

For mild weather, light, and tranquility, April-June and September-October are ideal. July and August offer activities and long days, but also greater crowds and heat: plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon, and keep in mind a "cool" option like the Baume Obscure cave. In winter, the atmosphere is peaceful; it's perfect for a rejuvenating and gastronomic getaway.

Key points to remember

• A perfect base between the Mediterranean and the Pre-Alps, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is easily accessible all year round.

• Nature, caves, scents: a concentration of experiences in just a few kilometers.

• The Relais Impérial offers cozy rooms, generous cuisine and event spaces.

• Consider taking the ZOU! buses from Grasse and checking the local weather forecast for your hikes.

• Book early for May-June and September-October, which are very popular periods.

• Want to get started? Discover the establishment and book directly: Le Relais Impérial or via the booking platform .