Day 2101 (Thursday) 31st December

Hooray, we finally got up to the fort and it was gorgeous. But before I tell you about it Huw found these amazing photos taken in Monaco yesterday. I told you that yesterday late afternoon, early evening we had some dramatic clouds and it was a bit cold and windy and apparently was caught the tail end of a storm that hit Monaco so we got off really lightly.

This was Fontvielle, where I work

and this was Monaco, I assume this was after the storm

Anyway, back to today- this was the sunrise

And after breakfast we took the little bus up the hill

There’s a bit of a hike from the bus stop to the fort but the views of Nice make it all worthwhile.

 

This is Nice airport – you can see the runways in the sea

Fort Alban

Fort du Mont Alban is not located in the city of Nice proper, but in the nearby locality of Agradavel, some 2 kilometres east of Nice, though, administratively speaking, it pertains to the commune of Nice. Built by order of Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, between 1557 and 1560, Fort du Mont Alban is one of the most exemplary French military architectural structures dating back to the 16th century.

The purpose of its construction was, of course, of military nature: to reinforce the defence line considerably debilitate as a result of the siege of Nice (in 1543). But what is striking about Fort du Mont Alban is it has survived, as said, in good condition, despite the fact it was considerably affected in World War Two.

At present, Fort du Mont Alban is one of the best lookouts on the French Riviera. This feature is owed to its location on a 220 meters high hilly region from where visitors can see virtually the entire Nice at west and Baie des Anges at east.

The edifice was declared a historical monument in 1909, whereas and its surroundings (a surface of 250 square meters) have attained the same statute) in 1923. Fort du Mont Alban obviously stands out as an excellent daytrip idea for people who vacation in Nice.

Enjoy the view with this short video

We walked back down to Villefranche along the path, which is a bit frustrating because it’s quite rough so you have to look at your feet all the time. You have to remember to stop often to admire the view.

A lot of new trees have recently been planted

All the way down the path there are exercise facilities ana today Huw had a go

When we were back on the main road we were chuffed to see this reindeer car with its antlers and red nose.

We stopped at the Versailles hotel to look down on our old flat and we saw our old neighbours arguing. They are a very young couple, I’d say in their early 20s and while we lived there they argued very loudly at least 3 or 4 times a week, so it was no surprise to see that they are still at it – what’s the point?

We stopped in Picard to get dessert for tomorrow as we are going for lunch in Pat and Dee’s apartment. I was very tempted to get more babas au rhum but these looked very interesting. I never used to eat desserts but the variety of choices here are wonderful and they all look so pretty.

  

For sundowners this evening Huw tried the olive beer I got him as a stocking filler and it was pretty good, strange idea but nice taste.

  

Badger got super Christmassy today and know I’m biased but how gorgeous is he?

Joke of the day