The capital of Haute Tinée, this village nestled in the heart of the mountains is rich in history, as its streets and monuments reveal themselves. The square is a meeting place for locals, shops, and events throughout the year.
At an altitude of 1,140 meters, the village of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée is located at the base of the highest road in Europe: the Col de la Bonette, at an altitude of 2,802 meters. The commune is composed of the village, its hamlets, and the Auron ski resort.
Located at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park, the village is the starting point for numerous hiking trails.
Named "Sancti Stephani Tinaensis" by the early Christians, then "Santo Stefano" by the Italians until 1860, then Saint Etienne aux Monts until September 1889, when the name "Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée" was definitively adopted. This largest village in the Tinée Valley has a rich history. It belonged to the States of Savoy, then to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia (like the entire County of Nice) before its official annexation to France in 1860. The inhabitants lived in closed communities, due to the difficulty of reaching the surrounding valleys and the coast. The main activities were livestock farming and the cultivation of cereals for family consumption. At the beginning of the 20th century, the widening of roads and the arrival of cars allowed the village to expand. However, in 1929, a terrible fire destroyed much of the town.
The town is home to numerous chapels listed as historical heritage sites, with some of the most beautiful frescoes in the region.
The Church Square is the focal point for all events throughout the year.