Sainte-Agnès is perched at an altitude of 800m and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Mediterranean. It used to protect the Franco-Italian border on the Maginot line and was a coveted military site for a long time. Today, the village offers visitors seeking authenticity its narrow paved streets, its unobstructed view of the French Riviera.
It's not easy to get to; only 4 km from the coast as the eagle flies, it's about 12 km of narrow and twisty mountain roads by car, above Menton at the eastern end of the French Riviera.
Fort Maginot de Sainte-Agnes was built in 1932 as part of the famous (or infamous) Maginot line.
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We explored the ruins of the chateau
According to legend, the chateau-fort was built by a Saracen Prince Haroun, who had fallen in love with a young Provençal girl. The chateau was restored in 1502, but today is in ruins. Enough of the ancient walls remain, complete with arrow slits, to give a good feeling of what it was like in medieval times.
The walk from the village up to the chateau site is steep and takes a bit of effort. The site includes a medieval garden, information panels (in French) about the medieval life, and magnificent views.
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| The family we went to visit |
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| I love my family |
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| Basie running in the village |
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| I tried to figure out the puzzle |
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| The military part was closed while we were there |
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| French flag |
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| Another puzzle clue |
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The medieval chateau garden wall
The above the red tile is the reconstructed wall and below is the original.
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