Today is the beginning of another walk. Our final, unfortunately, for this holiday. This one has been organised through Onfoot Holidays, a British company, we used last year for our Slovenian walk. They specialise in European walks always for seven days. They book local authentic B&B accommodation, who provide lunch, transport baggage and the company sends maps, directions, town walking tours, fascinating background information (and you know I like a good story!) etc. It is an upgraded ( 2 star) self-guided tour, compared to our normal backpacking, but as we are travelling with Mark's cousin we thought we'd pamper ourselves. We'd really recommend Onfoot as they are a pleasure to deal with, provide a thorough service and appreciate feedback.
Our choice this time is a walk in the Alpes Maritimes.
Relaxing in the courtyard of our hotel in Nice before we set off.
The attractive Nice railway station.
Nearly two hours later we had climbed up into the foothills of the Alps and arrived at La Brigue (760m).
La Brigue - still a medieval town in many respects but proud of its history.
Our hotel, Fleur des Alpes. Run by a young family who originally lived in Menton.
Our bedroom
The dining room
We spent time walking around this little town, population 500, mesmerised by the little streets.
Many dating back to the 1600s.
La Brigue was only incorporated into France in 1947. Before that it was an Italian protectorate because the King of Italy enjoyed hunting in this area. Here is a record of the hunting of wild boar.
Houses along the river. Unfortunately the river is dry now as the river has disappeared miraculously underground.
Walking was not the only sport in this area, we spied some rock climbers moving perilously up a rock face.
Lunch at the Albergue Sant Martin.
Our walk today started walking up the mountain from La Brigue.
On rock paths
Attacked and shot by bandits
And along narrow track
Until we reached Tende (population 2,000)
Traditional washing areas
Museum exhibits displaying traditional tools
Notre Dame de l'Assomptiom. This church, and its lavish furnishing, is a result of the prosperity of the Salt Road trade from the mid 1500s. Salt was shipped by mule trains from Marseille, where the salt was mined, and taken to Turin, via the Alpes Maritimes.
A bride and father waiting to enter the church with the Deux Chevaux as her wedding car.
Back in La Brigue after a short train ride. Dinner at the B&B. Excellent meal - included. We met others also walking with Onfoot Holidays, who warned us of wet weather tomorrow.
Then coffee at St Martin across the way and some wifi to finish the evening.
M&M
1 comment:
Hi Meg & Mark. Mark's cousin remains unnamed at this point. In the coming days we're sure to feel we know him. Could you introduce us please?....JulieJ
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