Valbonne is situated in a basin, halfway along the Brague river. The commune consists of two sites:

• the old village situated in the extreme north-west
• Sophia Antipolis in the east, around the towns of Haut-Sartoux and Garbejaïre

The architecture of the houses of Valbonne is as rigorous as the street layout. Originally, they were all identical. The ground floor was for deliveries (these are now found half-underground due to a rise in the level of the street). On the first floor was the living room, above, the bedrooms. Finally, the attic, where stores were hoisted up with the aid of a pulley (some examples of these can still be found).

In the main street is the former town hall, complete with tower and fountain. It was constructed in the 19th century.

The Romanesque abbey-church was built in the 13th century by Benedictine monks of the Order of Chalais. It became the parish church when the village was built. It is a perfect example of Chalaisien architecture, which is very similar to primitive Cistercian architecture. The clock tower was added in the 19th century. The religious architecture is supplemented by several chapels and oratories, both in the village and surrounding countryside.

The monastic buildings have been well preserved. Their restoration, begun in 1970, is ongoing. They house the Heritage Museum 'Le Vieux Valbonne' which houses numerous everyday objects representing the rural life of the village. Exhibitions and presentations bring to life the history of the village and monastic order of Chalais.

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