Fanghetto - Romantic Hideaway in 13th C. Roia Valley Hilltown Near Riviera

The small village of Fanghetto, built by monks in the 13th c.,is perched high on a sunny mountain slope above the Roya Valley, only minutes from the azure sea and rocky cliffs of both the Italian and French Rivieras.

This relatively unknown region in Italy has some of the most beautiful and scenic valleys, famous for its high rock outcroppings, gorges and the winding Roya River, with its rapids, waterfalls and picturesque 2000 year old Roman arched stone bridges.

This rustic village, relatively unchanged for the last hundred years, overlooks terraced olive trees and the Roya River. The private terrace offers magnificent panoramic views of the mountains of France,Italy, olive trees and the river below. Wintess the sounds of the rushing water, the birds waking in the early morning, the swallows darting in and out at eye level during twilight followed often by shooting stars in late evening.


This fully restored two level home by the architect / owner has all the original rustic charm with two foot thick walls, high arched plaster ceilings and is now reborn to assure today's high standards with marbled kitchen counters and marble bath. The Frette linens, luxurious towels, hotel lotions, firm beds, and tasteful antique furnishings provide for every comfort.

The two bedrooms on the first level,each have fabulous river and mountain views and communicate to the bath. Original stone steps lead up to the living room, kitchen, dining area and open terrace. A single day bed/sofa on this level provides comfortable sleeping for an extra guest.

Enjoy your morning cappuccino or lunch at home on the private, sun filled terrace. Read from our library of travel itineraries, guidebooks, cookbooks, browse our list of local restaurant recommendations, plan the next outing or meal, listen to music and relax on the terrace.

Only a 10 minute walk through the terraced olive trees down to the river you will enjoy the most refreshing and memorable swim ever. Lounge on the banks of a private sandy beach or on ancient large boulders. You will be forever captivated by the peace and solitude there among the sound of the rapids.

Fanghetto is truly a small, undiscovered, classic hill town with typical narrow pedestrian stepped streets. It enjoys few tourists and has remained seemingly untouched for hundreds of years as seen from the small passageways of cobbled streets. Parking is at the edge of the village but only a three minute easy walk to the house. Behind the stone walls reveal renovated homes of classic style, known and enjoyed by only a select few. It is simply the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy or a couple wishing the unique, unforgettable affordable honeymoon.

The ever popular Mediterranean beaches nearby include Pont S. Ludovico, Menton, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Beuasoleil, and Ville Franche, are all within a half hour's drive of Fanghetto.

World renowned restaurants in Monte Carlo and along the French Corniches, including the lofty and celebrated village of Eze, offer both exquisite meals and the best view in the South of France from the terrace of La Chevre d'Or. The very popular outdoor Friday market in Ventimiglia will provide the freshest of ingredients for a simple, yet unforgettable meal on your own terrace at home,should you prefer. The daily market in Menton, the Monday market at the ''marche aux puces'', or flea market in Nice, filled with antiques & brocante are not to be missed.

TIP: You will find flights typically are more frequent and less expensive from the USA to Nice, France, 35 miles away, and car rentals a far better value than renting in Italy.