Chateau de Cremat: A Jewel in the Hills of Nice

We don't need a lot of persuasion to return to Nice. We'll pack our bags and head for the city at every opportunity. While the main reason for visiting the French Riviera in June was to attend the 2024 Top Marques Monaco, stopping over in Nice allowed us to cover some of what we missed in 2023. It was an opportunity to visit a Nice attraction that doesn't get as much publicity as it should.

Perched on the picturesque hills of Nice, Chateau de Cremat is a splendid estate that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern elegance. The chateau offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling hills of the French Riviera, creating a serene and enchanting backdrop for visitors.

The chateau is known for its rich heritage, exquisite wines, and cultural offerings. It is a destination anyone visiting Nice should consider. With its captivating architecture, lush vineyards, and vibrant art gallery, the Chateau de Cremat winery offers an experience that should appeal to history buffs, wine lovers, and art enthusiasts.

Even if you're not crazy about wine, the tranquil nature of the region, far away from the crowds of tourists in Nice's better-known attractions, makes it a wonderful experience. The views here are simply icing on the cake.

History

Chateau de Cremat was built in 1906 by Antoine Mari, who wanted to create a luxurious estate similar to the Loire Valley castles. Over the years, the chateau has been a symbol of luxury and sophistication, hosting numerous prestigious events and notable figures.

Its architectural elegance and beautifully landscaped gardens reflect the grandeur of the early 20th century, preserving the essence of its storied past. Today, Chateau de Cremat stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the French Riviera.

The Vineyard

The vineyard at Chateau de Cremat is an integral part of its identity. It is in the heart of the Bellet wine appellation, one of France's oldest wine regions. The unique terroir, characterized by limestone and schist soils and the Mediterranean climate, create the ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines. The region's fortune of 286 days of sunshine a year is also beneficial for growing the grapes.

The grapes grown here include Rolle, Chardonnay, Fuëlla Nera, and Grenache. The vineyard produces various wines, all crafted with traditional winemaking techniques and meticulous care. The wines of Chateau de Cremat are renowned for their quality and distinct character, reflecting the rich heritage of the Bellet region.

Tours

The chateau has several guided tours that provide an enriching experience for visitors:

1. Vineyard Tour: This tour takes you through the Bellet appellation and the chateau's vineyards, cellars, and galleries, providing an in-depth understanding of the winemaking process and the estate's history. Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Château & Vineyard Tour: Building on the Vineyard Tour, this option includes a detailed exploration of the chateau's interior, showcasing its history and beautifully refurbished rooms with furniture from the Ritz in Paris. Duration: 1.5 hours.

3. Tasting Only: For those short on time, this option allows visitors to taste the estate's wines. Available Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Duration: 15 to 30 minutes. But you won't come here for just 15 minutes, will you?

4. Chic Picnic in the Gardens: For the best experience, immerse yourself in a refreshing picnic in the serene atmosphere of Chateau de Cremat. This option includes a tour of the vineyard and chateau and a picnic in the gardens. You'll get a picnic basket with popular local dish pan bagnat, pissaladière, and crudités. Duration: 5 hours.

After taking the tour of your choice, the best way to complete your visit is to stop by the onsite shop to pick up a bottle or two of excellent wine.

Art Gallery

The impressive art gallery in the chateau elevates its cultural allure. It showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and classic artwork. The gallery has pieces from renowned and emerging artists, offering a vibrant cultural experience for visitors.

The integration of art within the historical setting of the chateau creates a unique and inspiring atmosphere. Regularly updated exhibitions ensure there is always something new and intriguing to discover.

Chateau de Cremat is a multifaceted gem that combines historical elegance, viticultural excellence, enriching tours, and artistic beauty. Whether you are a wine lover, history enthusiast, or art fan, visiting this splendid estate promises a memorable and enriching experience.