Utelle
Old village on the Route de Sel
This remote, high altitude (800m/2625ft) village is located about 64km/40miles north east of Nice. Perched on a ledge overlooking the Valley of the Vésubie, magnificent views are on offer.
On the Salt Road
On the Old Salt Road or route de sel between Nice and Piedmont, this is a fascinating old village. Called Uels in the Occitan language there are some interesting buildings including the 14th century Église St-Véran with a fine carved wooden alter in addition piece. Moreover, nearby you will find the Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs.
A Sanctuary for Sailors
Whilst here check out Madonne d’Utelle located about 6km/3.7 miles south west of the village.
Towards the middle of the 9th century some Spanish sailors found themselves caught up in a terrible storm off the mouth of the river Var. They pledged that if God spared them, they would build a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.