Weekend Reflections 24 - Dolceacqua

Some more picture-postcard shots from the picturesque medieval village of Dolceacqua situated in the Nervia Valley behind the border town of Ventimiglia, Italy (see the previous post) - just 45 minutes on the train from Nice. For more reflections this week, check out WEEKEND REFLECTIONS. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 176 - Dolceacqua

What battlements are casting this fine shadow over the Nervia valley in Italy, not far from the border town of Ventimiglia? It is the castle Doria set high above the medieval village of Dolceacqua.

The ruins of the castle are well worth the climb both for the glorious views of the valley and the village, as well as the picturesque ruins themselves...something captured by Monet in one of his paintings (1884)...

The rest of the village is quite delightful with picturesque covered streets and arches, open plazas and churches, quaint shops and art galleries, and plenty of great restaurants and cafes...

The village is divided into the old town - Terra and the modern section - Borgo connected by the beautiful 15th century bridge called the Ponte Romano...

It makes for a lovely day out from Nice and is feasible to reach by public transport - a train to Ventimiglia and then a bus up to the village. Check the schedules as the buses are infrequent but on time...

For more shadow shots this week, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday....Enjoy!

Weekend Reflections 23 - Nice Port

Always lots of bright vibrant colours down at Nice Port on the side of the harbour where the fishing boats are moored....For more weekend reflections this Friday, click HERE. Enjoy!!

From Gorbio to St Agnes....

One of the prettiest hikes in the Riviera region is the ascent from one Medieval perched village to another - from Gorbio to St Agnes which is the highest coastal village in France...

Gorbio, one of the prettiest Medieval villages up in the hills behind Menton,  has cobbled streets, an ancient square with an even more ancient olive tree, beautiful stone archways, and this stunning church at its centre...

My sister and I hiked from Gorbio up to St Agnes on New Year's Eve on a gloriously bright and sunny day with blue skies and amazing views....

The ascent takes about an hour and a half on a very clearly marked trail, and the views are even more stunning once you get up to St Agnes....Descend again and you find Gorbio where you left it nestled amongst the hills and trees....

We completed the whole day by walking and public transport - train to Menton and bus 7 up to Gorbio, and then you can either retrace your steps or grab a bus back from St Agnes - make sure you check the schedules however as the buses are infrequent......all in all a great day out!! Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 175 - Paris

A recent trip to Paris in December is the setting for these night shots with the Eiffel Tower taking backstage to the patterns of tree shadows snaking across the foreground.....

It's hard to get a new angle on the iconic building that normally takes centrestage and enjoys hogging the limelight, but these puddles provide perhaps a new reflective and shadowy perspective....

Visiting Paris in December is certainly a magical time to go - it is pretty easy to see why it has been dubbed "City of Lights".....

For more shadow photography click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 174 - Cros de Cagnes

We have had some gorgeous weather over the festive season here on the Riviera, characterised most strongly by these vibrant blue Riviera winter skies. These shots are taken on the lovely open  and spacious promenade which links the small fishing village of Cros de Cagnes and Cagnes-sur-mer. Above is one of the beachfront restaurants, and below is a selection of views and vistas along the promenade.....

After strolling along the promenade you can take the free shuttle bus (la navette) up from Cagnes Ville to the Medieval hilltop village of Haut de Cagnes where you can visit the Chateau Grimaldi  housing an olive museum and art galleries and boasting a wonderful panoramic view from its tower. Then descend to the narrow cobbled streets and alleyways for a delicious lunch - more in the next post. In the meantime check out Shadow Shot Sunday for more photography - Enjoy!! Happy New Year 2013!!