A really interesting day's walk today, broken into several terrains - on mountain path with views of the valley, climbing from valley floor to the height of Piene Haute (575m), through arid olive forests, descent into a gorge with rushing river below and along the river into the township of Solspel.
Early this morning we were awaken by noises below in the little square. Tuesday is market day we discovered.
Not a grand market but patronised by the locals.
We set off immediately up a path towards Piene Naute.
Views down to Breil Sur Roya as we climb higher.
Traditional farmers' huts called casouns. They are made of stone and lime with a typically vaulted roof without tiles or wood frame. Animals were stored on the lower floor and crops, like olives, on the upper floor.
A more modern farmhouse in the hills with olive trees surrounding it.
Much of the path today was paved with white stones.
Our first view of our next destination, Piene Haute, high on the hill ahead.
A break to enjoy the vista.
A big climb up the last slope to reach Piene Haute. (575m)
Through an alleyway and we reached a town square, a much bigger place than we first expected.
Not a sound from anywhere as we investigated the village.
Our guidebook recommended that we find the church and eat nearby. Suddenly we realised there were more lanes and alleys with homes with lush gardens.
We had magnificent views of the valley from the church plaza, while enjoying delicious baguettes we had purchased at the Breil boulangerie.
Looking back at Piene Haute as we exited up to the main road.
Olive groves in a very arid landscape.
The Gorge de Bevera.
Finding waterfalls and swirling rock pools.
Water was irresistible.
Crocuses.
Our hotel in Sospel, Hotel des Etrangers.
We have an attractive room on the first floor.
Sospel is a town on the River Bevera. Until the 1800s it was the second largest town in the area, to Nice, and now has 3400 residents.
On the 11th century medieval bridge, Pont Vieux, is a tollway used to collect taxes on the Salt Road.
Colourful houses on the banks of the river.
Mary and Richard, from Onfoot Holidays, checking some stages of this route after the recent storms.
Dinner at a restaurant next door, Les Relais du Sel, with time for considering the options for tomorrow.
M&M
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