Frogs croaking softly on a summer night. That is the sound of Saint-André-de-la-Roche. This charming village near Nice is nicknamed “Lou pais dei babi” or the land of batrachians.
Saint-André-de-la-Roche is a small commune. It borders Nice and spreads over the Rimiez and Abadie hills. The Banquière stream crosses it on its way to the Baie des Anges. Imagine peaceful hamlets nestled among green spaces.
Let’s explore the history and sights of Saint-André-de-la-Roche.
In 999 Saint-André was a Roman military post. It was surrounded by an agricultural estate called “la Roche”. Miron and his wife Odile owned land near Cimiez. Their property Roc Saint-André included a villa and a farm. They decided to donate a quarter of Roc Saint-André to a nearby monastery in their will. This is the first official mention of the area that would become Saint-André-de-la-Roche.
The act was signed at the Château de Lurs. It was witnessed by local personalities and overseen by Bishop Froddonius of Nice.
The Thaon family became part of Saint-André’s story in the 17th century. Pierre Thaon married Camilla Michelotti and became the lord of Saint-André in 1611. In 1687 the Duke of Savoy made Saint-André and Revel into counties. Pierre-Antoine Thaon became Count of Thaon de Revel. The family renovated the Château de Saint-André. Its painted ceilings were admired.
Charles-François Thaon de Revel had a distinguished career. He served as commander-general of Nice and vice-roi of Sardinia. During the French Revolution his properties were seized. Later he was made a marquis.
Saint-André-de-la-Roche has several interesting sights.
The Château de Saint-André stands by the road in the Val de Banquière. It was built on a large rock earning it the name “Rocha.” Its heavy walls show it was once a stronghold. The upper part shows its later conversion into a country residence.
You can also see the chapel of Saint-André and Saint-Grat. The Thaon de Revel castle dates back to the 17th century. It sits on a rocky outcrop.
Saint-André-de-la-Roche was sometimes mocked. Each village in the County of Nice had a derisive nickname. Residents of Saint-André were called “Babi” which means “toads.” This may be because of the area’s dampness. Another theory suggests it was aimed at Italian immigrants. Today the nickname “lou pài dei babi” is a badge of honor.
The village is trying to balance growth with preserving its character. Protected wooded areas offer walking paths. From here you can see views of the Côte d’Azur and Cap d’Antibes.
Saint-André-de-la-Roche. It’s a village with a rich past. Its history is full of noble families territorial disputes and quirky nicknames. As you leave remember the sound of frogs. They sing a peaceful summer song in the land of batrachians.