Traveling in Europe is busier and a little more crowded every time we return. However, the lovely small medieval towns still prevail and many are just as quiet and uncrowded as ever. Sainte-Agnés, on this mid-October day, is surely one of them. After a short 40-minute bus ride up the narrow winding road from Menton (bus #10), we arrived.
Sainte-Agnés (pop.1,341), in the southeast corner of Cote D' Azure, is listed as “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” This perched commune, 800 meters above sea level, is also one of the highest coastal villages along the Mediterranean Coast. It was named for an Italian Princess named Agnes who took refuge here from a heavy storm in a nearby cave.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk along the narrow cobblestone streets observing the arched passageways, stone steps, storefronts, restored brick homes from the 15th century, and church steeples. In the surrounding mountains, perched high above the town, is an old castle with a medieval garden to view and visit.
Another nearby historical site is Fort Sainte-Agnés Museum, an original concrete bunker and fort built into the mountains right below the town. It was built in the 1930s as protection against a possible Italian or German invasion. Tours are offered on an irregular schedule and they were not available when we were there.
We ended our visit with a
cappuccino and homemade lemon, and chocolate cakes at Le Saint Yves.
A small restaurant built on a cliff with a spectacular view of the
Mediterranean and French Riviera below.
