Cote d' Azur (Provence, France) Beta

My wife and I will be travelling to France in October. We are going to spend a few days around Nice and then head inland to a small town near Chateauvert. We would love to hear from anyone who has spent time in the area and has suggestions for highlight worthy crags, towns to visit, places to eat, etc. Unfortunately, we will not be able to do much multipitch this trip so the Verdon is kind of on the back burner (though we might try and do one day).

Thanks in advance!

There is a major crag right in Chateauvert. I haven't climbed there personally, but have heard very positive reports---single and multi-pitch. Several of the sectors are basically roadside, so approaches shouldn't be an issue!!! The crag is covered in the Rockfax Cote D'Azur guidebook, along with a number of others in the region.

The Verdon is quite close ( the entire region is relatively compact) and is definitely worth the drive--even if only for the spectacular scenery. Additionally not everything in the Verdon involves committing multi-pitch climbing. There are several very worthwhile and accessible single pitch crags along and near the Gorge itself.

A bit further away, but not too far, I particularly enjoyed Mt. St. Victoire near Aix en Province. This is a mountain composed of massive sweeps of beautiful white limestone 'slabs'. While there are very long routes, most of the climbing is done on one and two pitch sectors along the base--Les Deux Aiguilles is historically the most popular sector, though some of  the routes can be a bit run-out by current standards. A personal favorite.

La Turbie is right above Monaco, so very close to Nice. It is a really nice crag, but very sunny. It may be tolerable in October. I would also recommend La Bouchet in the Verdon, a very nice single pitch crag that is shady and protected  from the rain.

It is about 1.5 hours from Chateauvert to the Verdon. It is similar distance to Buoux and about thirty minutes more to Ceuse and Saint Leger, both of which I could not recommend more. 

Not too far a drive to check out the Calanque.  I'd second Sainte Victoire.  Dinner or lunch in Aix after/before climbing might be fun (nice town with a lot of cafes).  Wine caves in the area...

Thank you for all of the great beta! We are looking forward to climbing in Chateauvert and exploring the Verdon, Calanque, and Saint Victoire!