What to do in Cabris in 2025: walks and sites to see

Cabris, a hilltop village near Grasse, is the perfect day trip in 2025 for walks, panoramic views, and heritage. What to see, where to walk, when to go, and how to make the most of it from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey or the French Riviera: here's a clear and practical guide.

In short

• A hilltop village with a superb view of Lake Saint-Cassien, the Estérel mountains and the Bay of Cannes.

• Easy walks around the ruins of the old castle and trails towards the Siagne and the Prealps of the French Riviera.

• Ideal in spring/autumn for hiking, and in summer mornings for the coolness.

• Perfect base from Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey (Route Napoléon) to explore the hinterland.

• Nearby: Grasse and its perfume museums, Saint-Cézaire cave, Parc des Préalpes d'Azur.

Why choose Cabris in 2025

Cabris charms visitors with its authentic hilltop village character, preserved alleyways, and exceptional panoramic views. In 2025, the Grasse hinterland remains the best alternative to the coastal crowds, with accessible walking trails and unspoiled nature within the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park. The village itself can be explored in 1 to 2 hours, then easily explored from there via easy to moderate loops.

For a peaceful stay between the sea and the mountains, Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, located on the Route Napoléon, is a strategic, welcoming, and convenient base for exploring Cabris and the Prealps. Discover the spirit of the hotel and its location through Le Relais Impérial .

The must-sees in the village

The viewpoint and the ruins of the old castle

At the summit, the remains of the medieval castle offer a panoramic viewpoint indicator and a 360° vista encompassing the Estérel mountains, the Lérins Islands, and Lake Saint-Cassien. It's the perfect spot for sunset photos. Closed-toe shoes are recommended (the path is short but rocky).

Streets, small squares and discreet heritage

Stroll among the cobbled streets, stone facades, vaulted passageways, and shaded squares. The parish church and small chapels bear witness to local history. Take the time to read the heritage panels, often grouped around the heart of the village, to understand the site's evolution through the centuries.

Lifestyle and gourmet stops

Café terraces, gourmet shops, artisans, and local restaurants create a simple and welcoming lifestyle. For a more gourmet lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a variety of bistronomic delights and wood-fired pizzerias back at the hotel; see the services and restaurants section .

Walks and hikes around Cabris

The terrain around Cabris offers a variety of trails, from village loops to exploring the Siagne valleys and the edges of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park. Before setting off, consult a detailed map and plan your route on IGNrando to check distances, elevation gains, and trail conditions.

Safety tip: leave early in summer, take 1 to 1.5 L of water per person depending on the duration, and check the weather the day before on Météo-France .

Affordable loop ideas

• Tour of the old village and viewpoint: short family loop, ideal for a first discovery and spectacular views.

• Trails to the hills: out-and-back or small forest loops, perfect for 1 to 2 hours of walking.

• Towards the Siagne valley: more challenging routes, often winding, with rocky sections. Panoramic views guaranteed.

For experienced walkers

• Links to Lake Saint-Cassien: long hikes along ridges and valleys. Swimming possible in the lake during the season (dedicated areas).

• Routes in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park: combinations of marked trails in a protected area. Information and best practices can be found on the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park website .

Things to see near Cabris

Grasse and the world of perfume

About 15 minutes away, Grasse is the world capital of perfume. The International Perfume Museum traces the history of fragrances from antiquity to the present day. Discover the institution through the MIP (encyclopedic presentation) . In 2018, the perfume-making skills of the Grasse region were inscribed on UNESCO 's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Saint-Cézaire Cave

A few kilometers away, the Saint-Cézaire Cave offers a refreshing underground tour, ideal for families with children and on hot days. Opening hours, prices, and access information can be found on the official Saint-Cézaire Cave website.

Lake of Saint-Cassien

An iconic body of water in the Pays de Fayence region, it offers opportunities for supervised swimming (designated areas), paddleboarding, and pedal boating, depending on the season. Information, history, and geography can be found on the Lac de Saint-Cassien page . Remember to arrive early in the summer: parking and beaches fill up quickly.

Route Napoléon and the hinterland

Following the Route Napoléon connects hilltop villages and alpine landscapes. Find itineraries and historical landmarks on the official Route Napoléon website . To plan other discoveries on the French Riviera, consult the Côte d'Azur France regional portal .

When to come, access and practical advice

• Best seasons: April-June and September-November for mild temperatures and moderate crowds. In summer, mornings are best; in winter, clear light and often clear skies at higher altitudes.

• Access: Cabris is easily accessible by car from Grasse. Regional bus lines serve the hinterland (check timetables on the ZOU! Région Sud network ).

• Parking: small car parks at the entrance to the village; in high season, plan ahead and park early.

• Maps: prepare your outing on IGNrando and check the weather on Météo-France .

Your ideal base: Le Relais Impérial (Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey)

For a peaceful exploration of the area between Cabris, Grasse, and the Prealps, choose a charming stopover just 15–20 minutes away by car: Le Relais Impérial. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a tranquil atmosphere, and two complementary dining options (bistro-style and wood-fired pizzeria) to suit your taste buds after a hike. Discover the room categories and on-site amenities .

Are you planning a private event or a hiking trip in the backcountry? Check out our dedicated event spaces . Need personalized advice based on your hiking level? Don't hesitate to contact us or book your stay .

Walks around Cabris: ideas and landmarks

Walk idea	Estimated duration	Elevation gain	For whom	Key point	Map link
Village tour + viewpoint	45–75 min	Weak	Families, photo	360° Panoramas	Trace on IGNrando
Cabris Hills (gentle loop)	1h30–2h	150–250 m	Active beginners	Alternating undergrowth/views	Trace on IGNrando
To the Siagne (round trip)	2:30–3:30	300–450 m	Regulars	Wild atmosphere	Trace on IGNrando
To Lake Saint-Cassien (day trip)	4–6 a.m.	500–800 m	Confirmed	Ridges + swimming	Trace on IGNrando
Prealps of the French Riviera Park (combined)	3–5h	Variable	Hikers	Pre-Alpine landscapes	Regional Natural Park Information

Note: times and elevation gains vary depending on the exact route and your pace. Always check feasibility before setting off.

Typical route from Le Relais Impérial

• Morning: departure after breakfast, early arrival in Cabris, climb to the viewpoint then tour of the alleyways.

• Late morning: gentle loop towards the hills, return to the village for a coffee on the terrace.

• Afternoon: descent towards the Siagne or exploration of Grasse (perfume museums).

• Evening: Enjoy a convivial dinner upon returning to the hotel; relax and plan your hike for the next day with our advice on site.

FAQ — Goats in 2025

How long does it take to visit Cabris?

Allow 1 to 2 hours to stroll through the village, climb to the viewpoint, and take some photos. Add 1.5 to 3 hours if you'd like to do a short hike around the hills. In summer, it's best to arrive early to enjoy the cooler temperatures and tranquility. If you combine Cabris with Grasse or the Saint-Cézaire Cave, allow half a day to a full day, depending on your pace.

What are the best hikes to do near Cabris?

For an easy outing: the village loop and the hill circuit offer beautiful views without any major difficulties. For a more challenging experience, the routes towards the Siagne Valley or the ridges towards Lake Saint-Cassien are superb. Plan your route and check the elevation gain on IGNrando , and take the weather forecast into account (consult Météo-France ).

Is Cabris suitable for families with children?

Yes. The village is compact, the viewpoint impresses young and old alike, and short walks are possible. In hot weather, be sure to bring hats, water, and early mornings. For a fun activity nearby, the Saint-Cézaire Cave is an excellent choice (cool temperatures, guided tour). At Lake Saint-Cassien, stick to the supervised swimming areas during the season.

How to get to Cabris without a car?

Cabris is primarily reached by car, but bus connections exist from Grasse depending on the season. Check the timetables and connections on the ZOU! Région Sud regional network . Once there, the village is best explored on foot. To extend your explorations without a car, base yourself in the hinterland and plan day trips using maps and local shuttles.

What is the best time for panoramas and photos?

The light in autumn and winter often offers remarkable visibility of the Estérel mountains, the Lérins Islands, and the coastline. Spring is superb for its colors and mild temperatures. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat haze. The viewpoint near the castle ruins is ideal at sunset.

Key points to remember

• Cabris is a hilltop village with exceptional panoramic views, perfect for a nature and photography getaway.

• Beautiful walking loops allow you to explore the hills, Siagne and Prealps of the French Riviera.

• Combine your visit with Grasse and its perfume museums, Lake Saint-Cassien or the Saint-Cézaire Cave.

• Plan your outings with IGNrando and check the weather on Météo-France .

• Avoid the intense heat in summer: start early, bring water and good shoes.

• Looking to explore in comfort? Stay at the Relais Impérial and book your room to explore Cabris and the hinterland in complete serenity.