Peille village is small commune located in the rocky Alps mountains, between Monaco and Menton city. This is a bit remote village, beautifully set 600 meters above the sea level. 

Even though there is public transport connection with Peille, he best way to get there is by car. Also, traveling to Peille by car gives a unique opportunity to enjoy the views. 

The village is mainly pedestrian area, so will have to leave your car in the parking lot and explore Peille by foot. Medieval houses and narrow streets of this tiny villages will take you back in time and you will feel the atmosphere of this place, which existed here 500 years ago. 

Peille village name is of Latin origin, meaning a ball. During couple of hundred years the name of the village was changed several times.

In 1029 it was called St. Pons, in the beginning of the 12^th century – Peila and starting from 1136 it was recorded as Pell in the official registry of Nice.

The signs of the first tribes on the territory of Peille village belong to the epoch of Neolithic.

In the official historical records the village is mentioned in 1029 as ownership of some Counsel.

In 1176 the village was handed over to the lords of Provence.

After the citizens supported the lords of Provence in the conflict with Nice County, the village acquired a special status.

During this period of time the village of Peille together with Lustra and Utell cities and the republican confederation created a union of trade support.

Also they concluded a union with cities: Peillon, Contes and Sainte –Agnes in the 12-13^th centuries.

Starting from 1388 all the cities were controlled by Savoy Kingdom.

The main attractions of Peille village are the Roman Church of St. Maria, built in 12-13^th centuries.

In 16^th century the altar and the inner design of the church were reconstructed.

In 1865 Peille village was controlled by France.

Why to visit Peille village?

The village is famous for one of the most popular tourists’ route – the Route of Napoleon.

This route was sued 3 000 years ago in order to cross the Alps.

Julius Cesar took his troupes here in 57 BC.

Napoleon together with his army of 46 000 soldiers used this road in 1800.

When tourists walk on this road they can see the plates telling the story of these events.

In 900 St Bernard Menton opened a shelter for travelers here; it is open nowadays as well.

Ancient pictures on the rocks are in close walking distance from the village and hundreds of tourists are coming here to see these artifacts.

How to get to Peille Village from Nice?

To get to Peille Village from Nice, you have a few options, mainly involving a combination of public transportation, such as buses, trains, and possibly taxis. Here’s a suggested route:

1. Bus from Nice to La Turbie:

• Start your journey by taking a bus from Nice to La Turbie. You can catch buses departing from various locations in Nice, including the main bus station at Nice-Ville or from other stops around the city.
• Check the schedules and routes of buses operated by Lignes d’Azur, the public transportation network in Nice.
• The journey from Nice to La Turbie takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route.

2. Taxi or Walk from La Turbie to Peille:

• Upon arriving in La Turbie, you have a couple of options to reach Peille, which is approximately 5 kilometers away.
• You can take a taxi from La Turbie to Peille. Taxis are usually available near the bus stop or can be booked in advance. The ride to Peille typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
• Alternatively, if you enjoy walking and the weather permits, you can hike from La Turbie to Peille. The scenic route takes you through picturesque countryside and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and chosen trail.

3. Enjoy your Visit to Peille:

• Once you’ve arrived in Peille, take some time to explore this charming hilltop village known for its medieval architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the historic church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, and admire the ancient ramparts and fortifications.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local cuisine at one of the village’s restaurants or cafes, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll to soak in the peaceful ambiance of this quaint Provençal village.

Additional Tips:

• Check the latest bus schedules and routes to ensure they align with your travel plans, as they may vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.
• Consider purchasing a multi-day bus pass if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay in Nice and the surrounding area.
• If you choose to walk from La Turbie to Peille, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
• Keep in mind that taxi availability may vary, especially during off-peak hours, so it’s advisable to book in advance if possible.
• Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the scenic views and picturesque sights along the way. Enjoy your journey to Peille Village!