Our last day of walking from the hilltop village of St Agnes (700m) to the coastal town of Menton. A sunny day with clear visibility to the coast and the Alpes Maritimes.
Traditional breakfast.
Our hosts at Hotel Le Saint Yves.
The Fort used by French soldiers from 1934-1938 in defence of Mussolini's rising power. There is a large cave with viewing points on three sides of the mountain. It was used by French troops into the 1990s for training.
We followed the GR51 sign posts today, which is part of a scenic path from Menton to Marseille. It was a climb into the forest from the first post.
Stunning views back to St Agnes.
The cliffs look so sheer and devoid of vegetation we were concerned about the terrain.
It was certainly rocky in parts with moving scree. There is a problem with landslides and in fact, we walked on an alternative route today as the normal path was impassable.
Hot and humid but not as punishing as yesterday.
After two hours we arrived in an area of woodland.
A little chapel on the edge of town.
Gorbio, another perched medieval village.
A very attractive main square.
Well earned refreshments after the steep descent.
We left the village and the next hour or so was full of splendid coastal views. The furthest bay is Monaco. The village we entered was Roquebrune.
Andrew chose this mansion for its views and proximity to the beach as his favourite piece of real estate.
As we walked towards the coast we found a little restaurant on the beach next to the aforementioned mansion.
We thought this was a fitting end to our very enjoyable week's walk. From the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea.
A ten minute train journey to Menton. Both Menton and Roquebrune were originally part of the Monaco Principality.
Our hotel is the Princess and Richmond on the Menton promenade. We have been very impressed with the 6 hotels that Onfoot Holidays organised for us this week.
Our room is on the 5th floor.
With views along the foreshore.
Andrew had a dip in the ocean but we were happy with a soak in the jacuzzi.
Views back from where we walked today.
Drinks on our balcony, before a sushi feast at next door's Sasana Japanese Restaurant and then the first match of the Rugby World Cup for dessert - England vs Fiji.
It's been a fabulous week's walk only spoilt by a few days' inclement weather, which made the path suspect. We have loved the medieval villages and the spectacular scenery... and look forward to discovering different routes elsewhere and doing it all again!
M&M
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