Discover your perfect stay in La Turbie.
Discover the most iconic attractions in La Turbie
Find the perfect place to stay in La Turbie



Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to La Turbie
In La Rétièr, the top ski-in/ski-out hotel is Hotel Le Mont Blanc, located just steps from the Pleï de Grion Ski Lift. This alpine-chic property offers direct access to the slopes, private ski storage, and morning hot cocoa service at the base. Its cozy lobby features a stone fireplace and panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the Vallée d'Asper. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle buses to the ski area during peak season.
For a more intimate experience, consider Chalet Alpin de la Neige, a boutique wooden chalet with private hot tubs and an on-site restaurant serving local mountain cuisine. Both properties ensure seamless access to world-class skiing in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
The town center of La Rétièr is the optimal area for accommodations, situated just minutes from the main ski lifts and pedestrian-friendly streets. This zone hosts a concentration of mid-to-high-end hotels and guesthouses, such as Hôtel des Neiges, which offers a 3-minute walk to the Ski Station. The central square is bustling with traditional cafés and seasonal events, while the area’s proximity to Valley d’Asper and Saint-Maurice Ski Circuit makes it ideal for travelers seeking convenience and scenic views. Public transport and parking are also well-established here.
A must-try cultural experience in La Rétièr is the annual Fête du Traîneau (Sleigh Festival) held every January. Locals don traditional Alpine costumes and race hand-carved sleds down the Colombes Ridge Trail, accompanied by folk music and drumming. Nearby, the Musée Alpin de La Rétièr showcases historic pastoral tools, sheepskin coats, and vintage snow equipment.
Visitors can also join a cheese-making workshop to craft authentic Chèvre de La Rétièr, a local goat cheese, paired with regional wine. Evening performances of mountain ballads at the Square de l’Église offer a genuine taste of Alp heritage, blending music, storytelling, and community spirit.
Family Lodge La Rétièr is the top choice for families, offering child-friendly amenities like a games room, family suites, and 24/7 childcare. The hotel features an indoor heated pool, a mini-ski simulator, and daily activities including snow treasure hunts, snowman-building contests, and guided mountain hikes with safety gear.
Another excellent option is Chalet des Érables, a private chalet-style accommodation with a kitchen, fireplace, and proximity to the Children’s Ski School. Ideal for multi-generational travel, it allows parents to relax while kids enjoy supervised lessons, all within a peaceful alpine setting.
Winter in La Rétièr brings cold temperatures averaging -2°C to 3°C, with abundant snowfall—up to 1.8 meters annually—making it perfect for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The high-quality powder ensures excellent conditions across the Pleï de Grion and Asper Valley zones.
Popular off-slope activities include snowshoe trekking along the Pleï de Grion Trail, where visitors can spot ice formations and wildlife tracks. Nighttime highlights include stargazing tours due to minimal light pollution and snowmobile rentals or ice cave explorations offered by select lodges. Pack thermal layers, windproof gear, and grip shoes for a safe and enjoyable stay.
The Clocher de La Rétièr clock tower, standing 28 meters tall since 1892, is the town’s most iconic landmark. Its copper bell chimes hourly and can be heard across the valley. Located in the central square, it overlooks centuries-old stone buildings and charming cafés.
Another highlight is the Église Saint-Bernard, a Gothic-style church with stained-glass windows and a 17th-century wooden altar. The Ancien Poste à Traîneaux site has been transformed into an open-air exhibition space, displaying historical sleds and mountain transport tools. Together, these landmarks define La Rétièr’s unique alpine identity.
Local cuisine in La Rétièr centers on Alpine traditions. Try the Ragoût de Mouton de La Rétièr, slow-cooked lamb stewed in red wine and herbs, known for its rich flavor. Another must-try is Purée aux Truffes, a creamy potato dish infused with black truffle, often served with wild game sauce.
The local cheese platter features goat cheese, aged mountain cheese, and honey-glazed varieties—perfectly paired with regional wines. Don’t miss Cidre de Montagne (mountain apple cider) or Pastis des Alpes, a juniper and fennel liqueur. Many restaurants offer the Menu Montagnard, a three-course meal combining hearty portions and authentic flavors at affordable prices.
Public transport in La Rétièr is centered around the Ligne de Téléphérique de La Rétièr, which connects the town center directly to major ski areas like Asper Valley and Colombes Ridge. Cable car stations are frequent, with a 10-minute ride from downtown to the main lifts.
Free shuttle buses run throughout the town, linking hotels, shops, and attractions, operating until 10 PM during winter. For trips to nearby cities like Nice or Grasse, take the TER regional train to Gare de Grasse, then transfer via bus. However, renting a car or HopeGoo a private transfer is recommended for greater flexibility, especially in remote mountain areas. Hotels typically offer parking and itinerary assistance.
Summer transforms La Rétièr into a serene alpine retreat, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C. Key highlights include high-altitude hiking trails, such as the path to Pic d'Écques, where hikers encounter wildflowers and sightings of ibex.
The Lac de La Rétièr offers scenic bike paths ideal for electric bike rentals. The Festival des Alpes features live concerts at the Old Sleigh Station Outdoor Stage, showcasing local and international musicians. Summer also hosts mountain farm workshops, where guests can feed goats, pick berries, and learn traditional cheese-making. At night, the Starlight Viewing Platform offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way, far from city lights.
Visit the Marché Central de La Rétièr, open every Saturday morning, for fresh produce, handmade cheeses, honey, and jams. Local artisans sell wool scarves, wooden sled keychains, and carved alpine figurines—each piece reflecting regional craftsmanship.
La Maison des Saveurs offers curated gift boxes like the "Snowy Flavors Set" with truffle salt, mountain tea, and chocolate. For outdoor gear, Ski & Nature Shop provides rental and repair services for skis and boots at competitive rates. All stores accept cash and credit cards, with some small vendors accepting only euro coins for small purchases.
La Turbie, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, is a hilltop town rich in history and stunning landscapes. Known for its Roman ruins and Mediterranean views, the town is home to the famous Trophy of Augustus (Trophée d'Auguste), a monument celebrating Roman imperial glory. The medieval streets and traditional stone houses add to its historic charm.
Must-visit sites include the Trophy of Augustus, a Roman monument with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The Church of Saint-Michel (Église Saint-Michel) and the old town square are also cultural highlights. Strolling through the narrow alleys offers a glimpse of medieval architecture.
La Turbie's cuisine features Provençal flavors, with dishes like Ratatouille and Salade Niçoise being local favorites. Don't miss the truffle dishes and goat cheese. For an authentic experience, dine at family-run restaurants in the town.
La Turbie is easily accessible by bus from Nice (about 30 minutes). Driving is recommended, with the M6007 road providing a scenic route. Walking is ideal within the town due to narrow, steep streets. Parking is limited, so plan ahead.
The best times to visit are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summers can be hot and busy, while winters are quieter.
French is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. The euro (EUR) is used, and credit cards are accepted, though some small shops may prefer cash. The emergency number is 112. WiFi is available in hotels and cafes, but signal may be weak in mountainous areas. Travel insurance is recommended.