A sparkling day today. Both Mark and Andrew were a little anxious about the terrain today - Andrew was hesitant about the steep ascents and Mark the scree on the descents. I straddled both. I am so relieved that I can manage - unthought of for me 10 years ago. Both Mark and Andrew performed brilliantly and we were very pleased with our efforts. The second half was on wider paths with views to the mountains and the coast.
Leaving our hotel in Sospel.
Thursday markets across the road.
Immediately we climbed on a cobbled path.
Autumn colours as we recheck the directions again.
The downhill was rocky scree with some slippery muddy sections.
Straight forest path.
Lunch at Col de Castillon. In the background is the ill-fate church, levelled by an earthquake in 1890 and then again in 1944. The town was having remembrance ceremonies for the 71st anniversary of German bombing of the town.
Views to the coast.
Mark relieved to arrive at the bottom of a steep descent of scree.
First view of our destination - St Agnes. Renowned for being the highest coastal hilltop village in European (700m and 3 km from the sea).
The village as we approached further along the road.
Narrow alleyways to our destination, Le Saint Yves Hotel.
Drinks on the terrace at a local cafe.
Our hotel.
Looking down towards the hotel.
A wander around the town.
Fascinating streets.
The Town Hall.
Climbing from the village to the chateau/ fort above the town.
The chateau battlements still in place from 11th century. Normally spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and the coastline (only 3kms away as the crow flies!) but today the mist rolled in and visibility nil.
The pride of the chateau site is the medieval garden.
Beautifully presented traditional medieval garden.
Four American women from New Jersey who are also walking with Onfoot Holidays this week.
Meal at the hotel. Lots of atmosphere. Rabbit and wild boar the choices tonight.
St Agnes - a very interesting historical town, including WW2 bunkers built into the mountain for French troops as part of the Maginot Line.
M&M
No comments:
Post a Comment