Thursday, November 1, 2012

High up in Haut-de-Cagnes ......

 

There are three parts to Cagnes-sur-mer - the fishing village and beach named Cros-de-Cagnes, the modern town Cagnes-Ville and the ancient medieval hill-top village Haut-de-Cagnes which is topped by Chateau Grimaldi - built as a fortress prison in 1309 by Rainier. The village contains cobbled alleys, steep lanes, grand Renaissance houses and nearby is Church St Pierre where the Grimaldis are entombed. Nowadays the castle houses a wide array of art galleries and museums - including an olive museum....


There are many delightful restaurants and cafes - some with amazing views right across the valley. I chose this spot for a leisurely cup of tea and tarte citron one Saturday afternoon....


 Nosing round the narrow streets with camera in hand is always a lovely way to while away an hour in these architectural treasure-houses - alongside one building I even found some Roman graves....


Cagnes-Sur-Mer is easily reached from Nice by bus or train (only 10 minutes) or a more enjoyable alternative is to cycle by the sea along the promenade path from Nice (only one hour). I will leave you with a view of Haut-de-Cagnes from the cycle path...more on this route next post.....

6 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful, fascinating place and with such great history! Terrific captures as always, Catherine, and thanks for the tour! Hope you have a great weekend! Enjoy!

Lynne with an e said...

I love being guided by a cycle path!

A Cuban In London said...

Fantastic views and beautiful photos. I love your travel posts.

Greetings from London.

Catherine said...

thanks for all the comments - much appreciated as always...have a good week!

Owen said...

Looks fabulous, and tea with tarte citron... what better way to enjoy the day ? You sure get to see some beautiful places, and under sunnier skies, in general, versus the gray northlands... Can you send some sun up here ?

Unknown said...

What a nice tour you have taken us on.