The Fort of Mont Alban on the Cote d Azur

Copyright Millie Brown

The minute the sun shines in this corner of the world the pétanque players are picking up and throwing their boules, and pulling out their tape measures, and it's usually all enjoyed under the shade or amongst the olive trees.

Copyright Millie Brown

Take a step to the right and drop down into the city of Nice, a step left and visit the 16th Century Fort du Mont Alban

Looking east from the Fort, passing by the bay of Villefranche sur Mer, Peninsula of Cap Ferrat, Cap d'Ail, Monte Carlo you can see all the way to Italy

 The fort suffered damage in World War 2, however it is pretty well preserved considering all it has seen and lived through

Yesterday I felt like being in nature and treading on some dirt! So my camera and I headed up to the 16th Century Fort du Mont Alban, way, way up above Villefranche sur Mer and Nice. (Two views in 2 different directions for the one climb)!

With the sun on my face and not a breath of wind in the air I made my way to the top, passing groups of happy French also enjoying the burst of good weather that had finally arrived in a somewhat grey spring here on the coast.

Millie xx

Practical Information

If you don't like the idea of climbing by foot take the bus from Nice to the fort - Line 14 Lignes d'Azur

By foot head uphill from the town of Villefranche towards the Col de Villefranche / Moyenne Corniche), once you reach the main road here (called Corniche André de Joly), turn left and take the path in front of the church of Notre Dame de France called Chemin du Mont Alban.

If you prefer to take the same route as the cars, continue along the Corniche de André Joly about 50 metres (left hand side of the road) and take the first road that heads upwards, Route Forestière du Mont Baron au Fort, continue along for around 20 mins and then you will come to a park on the left, veer left here up the Chemin au Fort du Mont Alban and its approximately 7 minutes walk from here.