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The history of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey:
Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey has a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times. During the Ice Age, humans lived in caves and rock shelters here. The Grotte Lombard is one of the rare caves in the Alpes-Maritimes to show occupation in the Mesolithic Era, then again in the Neolithic Era. Saint Vallier is also the name of the Bishop of Antibes who was martyred in the fourth century by the Visigoths during their invasion from Provence to Catalonia. The town of Saint-Vallier first went by the name “Castrum Sancti Valérii,” later simplified to “Saint-Vallier.” It was not until 1846 that the moniker of the immense nearby mountain, “Thiey,” was added to form today’s name of “Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.” It is a key stop on the famed Route Napoléon, which traces part of the route taken by the emperor on his return from Elba.