Monte Carlo Daily Photo

Oceanographic Museum

2012-01-28T06:07:00.002+01:00

These photos of the Oceanographic Museum on le rocher are by way of introduction to a series that starts on Monday.

Founded by Prince Albert 1, it was inaugurated in 1910. The building rises majestically from the sea to a height of 279 feet and took 11 years to build, using 100,000 tons of white limestone from La Turbie, a village high above Monte Carlo. It houses a fabulous museum of marine sciences.

We've a treat ahead so do come along for the ride.

Arman's Melodie

2012-01-27T06:56:00.006+01:00

Can't you just hear the music! This sculpture - Melody by Arman - stands on le rocher just above Port Hercule.

Lunch at La Rose des Vents

2012-01-26T06:26:00.002+01:00

Lunch in the sunshine on Larvotto - somewhat different to yesterday's restaurant...

Tripe and Steamed Spuds

2012-01-25T06:04:00.001+01:00

It's not all caviar and champagne in Monaco...

How about tripe with steamed potatoes for 10 euros and all within a stone's throw of the Palace on le rocher?

The plastic, of course, allows outside eating even in winter.

Audrey's Toe

2012-01-24T07:28:00.000+01:00

The shadow of this little girl caught my attention on Larvotto Beach but it wasn't until I got home and enlarged the photo that I realised I knew her and later learned that she wasn't playing but had badly hurt her big toe. She was hopping on one foot and in a lot of pain.

My new camera doesn't have a long zoom but is a full sensor camera and often I don't see the detail until the photo is on the screen and I enlarge it.

I hope you get better soon, dear Audrey.

A Jenson Button and Jessica Michibata sort of day...

2012-01-23T07:20:00.005+01:00

Yesterday was a glorious day - t-shirt weather.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a mad Formula One fan and never miss a race. Jenson Button is my favourite driver. He drives for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with intelligence, sensitivity - he's brilliant - and there he was, running towards and then past me. Too late for a shot so I turned around and clicked. Jenson is in the red t-shirt in the smaller photo.

A few minutes later Flavio Briatore (ex director of the Renault F1 team) walked past La Rose des Vents.

And 15 mintes afer that, Jenson's beautiful girlfriend Jessica Michibata came along, running in the opposite direction. That's her in the main photo.

And after that - to make it a real Grand Prix Sunday - I went to lunch with my friend Sue, who is married to Roy Salvadori - another F1 driver from what is now a bygone era. My interest in Forumula One started years ago when I became friends with Roy and Sue.

The Picture Frame

2012-01-22T08:07:00.003+01:00

This picture frame/sculpture stands on le rocher, overlooking Port Hercule. People love to stand in the frame and have their photograph taken. Unfortunately if you look at it full on, there is a massive palm tree in the way but it's a rather lovely idea, don't you think?

The Changing of the Guard - 2

2012-01-21T07:22:00.003+01:00

One last look at the Palace Guards as they hand over their duties. Then a quick turn and off they go to get into the white bus that awaits them.

I wouldn't mind a euro (or even a centime) for every tourist that has photographed this scene.

The Changing of the Guard

2012-01-20T07:54:00.005+01:00

Each day at noon, you can watch the changing of the guard outside the Prince's Palace.

Today they are wearing their winter uniform. In summer, they sparkle in white.

And of course visitors line up to take photographs.

The Kids' Playground

2012-01-19T07:31:00.003+01:00

This has to be one of the best situated children's playgrounds, don't you think? Not sure what they are playing as I don't see a ball...

By the way, this playground transforms into the Open Air Cinema in summer. Click on the link.

This was taken leaning over the parapet near to the Oceanographic Museum on le rocher.

The Shepherd with Red Fingernails

2012-01-18T07:06:00.006+01:00

You don't expect to see a shepherd and sheep in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. And you certainly don't expect the bronze shepherd to have painted fingernails...

A Bike Ride around Cap Ferrat

2012-01-17T07:01:00.000+01:00

These shots on the walk around Cap Ferrat were taken in September but the sun shines as gloriously today as it did then - just a little cooler and very cold at night.

I wondered if this couple would ride their bikes up the shallow steps but as you see, they sensibly didn't.

Sculpture at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

2012-01-16T07:16:00.005+01:00

In September there was an exhibition of sculptures on the esplanade in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. One or two have been seen on this blog already. Here's another. Unfortunately very few of the art works showed the name of the piece or the artist including this bronze.

Reflections of Fontvieille

2012-01-15T08:07:00.004+01:00

Sometimes buildings look more interesting when reflected in the sea...

These was taken in the Port of Fontvieille.

Up and Down...

2012-01-14T08:01:00.000+01:00

Well, I know this isn't the most exciting photo in the world but it shows how well Monaco caters for people unable to walk up steps. You don't really expect a chair lift in the open air, do you? This one is in Fontvieille near the shopping centre.

In addition there are lifts (elevators) all over Monaco taking people from one level to another. Of course there are steps too but normally you can get up and down the hills with ease provided you know where to find the lifts.

Note the reflection of boats in the port in the first photo and of the Palace and rocher in the smaller one.

Lightning McQueen

2012-01-13T07:13:00.000+01:00

Do you ever wish...you were a child again...and someone would feed you?

From the Big Wheel...the English Village

2012-01-12T07:32:00.005+01:00

You don't really expect to see a representation of an English medieval village on the port of Monaco but that is exactly what was built for the Christmas Fair. I took these shots from the Big Wheel.

The road you see in the smallest photo is where you'll find the Start/Finish line of the Monaco Grand Prix.

All this - and the big wheel - was taken down on Monday. Festivities carry on in France and Monaco until the end of the first week of January to accommodate the Italian holidays - during that time, if you listen to people speaking, you'd think you were in Italy - but then being so near to Italy, that's often the case. Ciao!

From the Big Wheel...

2012-01-11T08:16:00.004+01:00

The big wheel opened at 11 a.m. and I was there waiting. The guy stopped the wheel at the top for a few minutes and then I got 8 or so rotations. I gave up counting eventually...

It wasn't that easy to take photos as you have to keep changing position to avoid photographing the supports of the wheel - and look at the lower photo, you felt as if you could fall out any minute, especially through those little gates.It was all great fun tho.

Moody Blues

2012-01-10T07:34:00.001+01:00

Moody skies over the Ski School at Larvotto.

Fair Fashion

2012-01-09T07:02:00.000+01:00

If you are a Monte Carlo lady and you take your twin sons to the fair, you wear the highest heels and of course have a Chanel handbag on your shoulder.

David Niven's House - a Last Look

2012-01-08T08:53:00.004+01:00

A few last images of David Niven's villa at Cap Ferrat.

It's been recently restored at a reputed cost of 10 millions euros and is now known as La Fleur du Cap.

A Walk past David Niven's Villa

2012-01-07T06:35:00.000+01:00

The enchanting walk from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat takes you right past the pink villa that once belonged to David Niven.

David Niven's Square

2012-01-06T08:17:00.000+01:00

A door opens onto the small square at the back of David Niven's house which was named in his honour - Place David Niven.

The house itself is also a movie star, having appeared, with a cameo from Niven, in the otherwise unwatchable Trail of the Pink Panther (1983) . Peter Sellers had died, and Niven was dying, so the film is a morgue-like stitching together of old clips of Sellers, while Niven has his voice dubbed by someone else.> - thanks again to Alex Went and CityOutMonaco for the information.

David Niven's House

2012-01-05T09:00:00.006+01:00

David Niven's house at Cap Ferrat isn't easy to photograph. It nearly always in shade - and therefore doubtless cool in summer. Taking photos with the sun behind the house doesn't help. Anyway - here it is and you can see how idyllic it is.

Thanks to CityOutMonaco and editor, Alex Went for this information:

'Originally called Lo Scoglietto (Little Rock) with its private harbour, this beautiful pink Italianate villa was built in 1880 by Alfred Bounin, the son of an arms supplier to the Sardinian army, himself an olive oil trader from Nice.

In 1920, the villa was rented by Duchess of Marlborough, Mme Balsan, originally Consuelo Vanderbilt. It was extended in the 1950s and rented by Leopold III, King of the Belgians, one year before his abdication.

Later Lo Scoglietto was bought by the great Charlie Chaplin, and in 1960 he in turn sold it to the film actor David Niven, who was very much part of Princess Grace's social scene. Known for his gentlemanly appearance and clipped English accent, Niven had already enjoyed an immensely successful career starring, for example, in the Powell and Pressburger film A Matter of Life and Death (1946) and winning an Oscar for his performance in Separate Tables (1958).'

More tomorrow:

David Niven's Window

2012-01-04T07:16:00.004+01:00

We've popped along to Cap Ferrat today to David Niven's villa, originally called Lo Scoglietto (Little Rock). He bought it from Charlie Chaplin but its history goes back far beyond that.

Today: a bougainvillea-clad window to whet your appetite. Tomorrow: we'll see this beautiful house from the sea and learn more of its history.

The photos were taken in September but you'll find bougainvillea in flower in January too. My neighbour has a wall covered in it.

All Ducked Out for Winter

2012-01-03T06:41:00.006+01:00

If you want to get away from it all, go sit and watch the ducks in the pond at Fontvieille.

After a while, you begin to wonder if the best winter colours in fashion aren't right there before you...

Wobbly Buildings

2012-01-02T07:12:00.000+01:00

Wobbly buildings = a reflection at the port of Fontvieille.

Favourite Photo of 2011

2012-01-01T07:24:00.001+01:00

The 1st January is traditionally the day members of the City Daily Photo community choose their favourite photo of the previous year. My favourite has to be this one taken in November. I was drawn by the cloud formations and so walked towards the sea near to the heliport in Fontvieille. Standing there was this man, in perfect silhouette. I love that sky and the feeling of space - something we don't think of when we see the built-up nature of Monaco.

And for a little extra, I give you the joy on the faces of this mother and daughter as they played with bubbles at a festival on le rocher in summer.

Happy New Year to everyone (let's hope it brings peace to the crazy world of ours) and thankyou once again to readers of Monte Carlo Daily Photo - for your support, your comments, your private emails and encouragement - it really does mean so much to me.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

The End of the Year...

2011-12-31T07:54:00.005+01:00

If you are celebrating tonight, have a wonderful time! Perhaps you'll visit Port Hercule where you'll see these two performers.

Happy New Year to everyone and let's hope this suffering world of ours finds peace and some common sense in 2012.

The Ice Hockey Player

2011-12-30T06:57:00.000+01:00

This little boy obviously intends to be an ice-hockey player when he grows up.

The last photo shows the ice rink in part sun and part shade. It must be such fun to skate with all those mega yachts in the background although I doubt the local kids even notice.

One Boy, Two Shadows

2011-12-29T07:02:00.000+01:00

A boy glides across the ice at Port Hercule - one boy, two shadows...

Time for Tea

2011-12-28T06:26:00.000+01:00

Mid-afternoon - time for tea, a hot chocolate or perhaps a glass of vino. The terrace of the Café de Paris is always a good choice as you can watch the world go by at the same time. As it does on Casino Square...

The Frescoes

2011-12-27T07:55:00.004+01:00

The facade of the Hôtel Hermitage was hidden from view for months and months earlier this year whilst the frescoes were being restored.

Here you see a tiny part of the finished result on one side of the building. Beautiful detail - no wonder it took so long.

Girls and Boys Go Out to Play...

2011-12-26T07:52:00.004+01:00

Christmas Fair on Port Hercule:

Some little girls love whizzing around on the swings and some little boys get dizzy and cry.

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:01:00.003+01:00

The windows of the Lanvin shop in Casino Square seem particularly apt to wish you a Happy Christmas!

And to say a big 'thankyou' to you, the loyal readers of Monte Carlo Daily Photo. I so appreciate all your visits, comments and encouragement. Have a wonderful day!

Christmas at the Metropole Centre

2011-12-24T06:38:00.003+01:00

Christmas at the Metropole Shopping Centre. The café you see on the lower level is where I took THIS PHOTO a couple of days ago.

Bank Decor

2011-12-23T06:58:00.001+01:00

A British bank in Monaco - hence the Monegasque flag and the Union Jack.

Wine Time

2011-12-22T06:52:00.003+01:00

This looks like a good idea after a morning's Christmas shopping. We are at the café on the lower floor of the Metropole centre.

McDonald's in Monaco

2011-12-21T07:09:00.002+01:00

A lot of people are surprised to discover there is a McDonald's in Monaco. It's in Fontvieille above the supermarket complex.

Reindeers in Monaco?

2011-12-20T08:40:00.000+01:00

You don't really expect to see a reindeer walking around Monte Carlo, do you?

The Frozen Swimming Pool

2011-12-19T07:12:00.000+01:00

In winter the swimming pool on Port Hercule is turned into an ice rink.

Posing

2011-12-18T06:41:00.002+01:00

At the Christmas Fair on Port Hercule people love to pose for photos with these tall white creatures ...

Waffles at the Christmas Fair

2011-12-17T06:55:00.003+01:00

Churros yesterday, waffles today at the Christmas Fair on Port Hercule.

Churros

2011-12-16T08:28:00.004+01:00

Churros. The guy is tasting the dipping sauce and perhaps wondering what it is...

The Christmas Fair on the port has all sorts of food that isn't typically French.

Actually I don't know what a churro is either!

McLaren or Triumph?

2011-12-15T07:10:00.006+01:00

Casino Square was a car-watchers paradise the other day. There was either a car fair on in Monaco or perhaps a special auction.

The sexy shiny black number above is a McLaren and the old car in the smaller photo is a Triumph.

Which do you prefer?

Waiting for the Night

2011-12-14T07:21:00.002+01:00

Waiting for the Night: Christmas lights on the way to Casino Square.

Winter Blues

2011-12-13T07:25:00.000+01:00

Port Hercule in December. Winter is often the best time...

Christmas Fair - the Big Wheel

2011-12-12T09:25:00.004+01:00

There's a Christmas Fair on at the port - loads of rides for kids, every sort of food to buy and eat on the spot.

And the big wheel. I'll go up in it one day - the views will be great.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-11T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year again...

Avenue 31

2011-12-10T06:45:00.000+01:00

'Avenue 31' is a brasserie on Avenue Princess Grace near the Grimaldi Forum. Modern, good fresh food. This window near the entrance is decorated with wine bottles - empty of course...

Ulysses

2011-12-09T06:44:00.001+01:00

I've always loved this sculpture of Ulysses by Anna Chromy but I'm used to seeing it in Menton where it is cast in bronze/verdigris. This colour is wonderful.

Here it stands on the corner of Port Hercule above the yacht club.

The Washerwoman

2011-12-08T06:31:00.001+01:00

La Grand Laveuse (the Washerwoman) - by Renoir - Guino 1917. It stands in the Parc Paysager of Fontvieille.

Larvotto in Winter - 2

2011-12-07T06:16:00.000+01:00

A brave couple willing to brave a chilly December sea.

Larvotto in Winter

2011-12-06T06:24:00.000+01:00

December - and Larvotto beach is almost empty.

Look carefully though, and you can see a lone swimmer in the lower centre of the photo. Rather him than me...

Morning at Fontvieille

2011-12-05T07:53:00.000+01:00

'Morning without you is a dwindled dawn.'
Emily Dickinson

Wedding in the Sun - the Red Hat

2011-12-04T06:58:00.006+01:00

Our last day at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat wedding and how about a guest in a red hat... Actually I think they are called something else when they are small like this? Don't forget - this wedding took place in September, hence the bare shoulders and tan - not that there aren't people still swimming in the sea in Monaco, as you'll see over the next days.

There seemed to be a change of plan as to who held the bride's train. In the lower photo the bridesmaids are in charge and then, when the bride finally entered the church, it was the three pageboys who assisted her.

Long life and happiness to the bride and groom.

Tomorrow - back to Monaco.

Wedding in the Sun - the iPhone Photographer

2011-12-03T06:38:00.000+01:00

Only a short while ago, this scene wouldn't have been possible.

Wedding in the Sun - the Mother of the Bride's Shoes

2011-12-02T08:59:00.006+01:00

The mother of the bride - all in blue right down to those brand-new incredibly high heels. Imagine all the stress involved in a daughter's wedding and then she has to walk in these...

Wedding in the Sun - Part of the Action

2011-12-01T02:16:00.003+01:00

One of the pageboys looks as if he wants part of the action!

~~~~~

Today is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo group and the subject is 'action' - Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Wedding in the Sun - the Beautiful Bride

2011-11-30T08:00:00.005+01:00

Meet the beautiful bride and she really is beautiful!

The couple waited at the steps to the church and greeted everyone before going inside for the ceremony. A different way of going about things to the UK for example.

Wedding in the Sun - the Well-dressed Church...and Guest

2011-11-29T10:02:00.003+01:00

A beautifully dressed guest enters the church. Note the beautiful flowers around the doorway.

Wedding in the Sun - Carrying the Baby

2011-11-28T09:04:00.002+01:00

More guests on their way to the wedding. I guess this is one way of carrying the baby...

Wedding in the Sun - the Groom's Arrival

2011-11-27T06:20:00.002+01:00

The guests continue to walk to the church - down the pretty sloping main street of Saint Jean.

The bridegroom arrives in a silver Porsche, bien sûr.

Wedding in the Sun - the Bridesmaids

2011-11-26T06:37:00.001+01:00

If you are reading this in a cooler climate, let's cheer you up with a sunny day and a wedding in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. In fact there were two weddings on the day I was there in September - the first was at the Mairie and I posted that wedding HERE.

The other wedding took place later in the day at the church. Here are some of the guests and two bridesmaids on their way to the event.

More tomorrow...

An International Breakfast

2011-11-25T06:38:00.003+01:00

This was taken in September but it might as well have been taken yesterday - the weather is still glorious.

This is breakfast at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - you might say an International breakfast - with the American Herald Tribune, an Italian newspaper, a French baguette and English teabags.

Vistamar Restaurant & Joël Garault

2011-11-24T08:23:00.000+01:00

Meet Joël Garault, the talented Chef at the newly refurbished Vistamar restaurant in the Hotel Hermitage. As you see the restaurant has a modern feel to it and the food is delicious, as one would expect in a Michelin One Star restaurant.

I was enjoying myself too much to take photos but in the small shot you see the goodies on offer with our coffee. We didn't have room to eat them...!

No Finish Line - the Cavaliers

2011-11-23T06:53:00.004+01:00

Apologies for an image not quite as sharp as usual but I wanted you to see these two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels walking for No Finish Line.

You can see, on the back foot of their owner, the No Finish Line tag and it is this that testifies how many kilometres have been covered. You can see that this lady takes it every bit as seriously as the runner in front of her, even if she doubtless didn't run as far.

Our last day at No Finish Line and congratulations to all the walkers, joggers and runners who raised money for charity over the 9 days.

No Finish Line - Going for the Burn

2011-11-22T05:46:00.004+01:00

Some people stroll, some jog and some, like this guy, take it very seriously. Look at his face in the smaller photo. So far as I can make out he finished 5th over all and ran for 190 kilometres. Makes me tired to even think about it. Good for him - he'll have raised a ton of money for No Finish Line and the charities.

No Finish Line - the Dog too...

2011-11-21T07:35:00.002+01:00

...and the dogs walk or run for charity too. They have a No Finish Line tag attached to their collar.

No Finish Line - the Convict

2011-11-20T07:05:00.003+01:00

You don't often see a convict, with a ball and chain, running around Port Hercule but this is No Finish Line and for that, anything can happen! No Finish Line is a charitable event where people walk, run, stroll around a circuit created at the port.

You can do as many circuits you like or as few and at any time of the day or night and it runs for 9 days. You have an electronic tag attached to your foot and for every kilometre run money goes to charity. Some people walk with friends and chat, others take it really seriously and aim to beat records. There is even a special 24 hour run for the most kilometres during that time - last year's winner ran 248 kilometres in this category.

The record for the most kilometres run by an individual over the 9 days has just been beaten and now stands at 200 ks.

For a full explanation go to the website - NO FINISH LINE - you can see the runners' times in real time. Today is the last day but I took these shots a few days ago. More tomorrow...

A Boatload of Kids

2011-11-19T06:47:00.001+01:00

I wonder if these children appreciate how privileged they are to go out on the water at Port Hercule as part of their education.

November at Port Hercule - Sailing Lessons

2011-11-18T06:24:00.001+01:00

Some of the children sail in their tiny boats alone.

November at Port Hercule

2011-11-17T06:52:00.000+01:00

You don't need a super yacht to have fun in Port Hercule.

Riviera Palace - Balustrades

2011-11-16T06:48:00.005+01:00

Our last day at the Riviera Palace and just a couple more details to show you. These balustrades are all that remain on this particular level. This is a colour you see often in the south of France.

And don't you think it interesting, in the small photo, to see the slope of the staircase and balustrades in the brickwork. Attention to detail that meant anyone walking up or down the stairs never lost the view.

Thanks to everyone who has come along on this visit with me.

Riviera Palace - Through a Glass Lightly

2011-11-15T06:09:00.004+01:00

A few last images of the inside of the magificent Riviera Palace. The main photo is taken through glass.

Riviera Palace - the View from a Balcony

2011-11-14T07:32:00.003+01:00

If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you'll see a fair amount of wear and tear, yet isn't this the prettiest place? Imagine living in one of these apartments and looking out from your balcony onto the Winter Garden.

Riviera Palace - the Cupola

2011-11-13T05:39:00.003+01:00

If you want to see a part of the cupola from the outside you have to clamber up rather dodgy steps and then walk along this little path.

Each year in September, France opens up its historic buildings on their Journées du Patrimoine and often, on these days, there is no guide - as there wasn't on the day I took these photos. I'm sure if there was a guide there we'd not have been allowed to walk here - it was really quite slippery and difficult getting back down again.

Riviera Palace - the Apartments

2011-11-12T06:33:00.004+01:00

The renovation of the cupola was completed in 2003, paid for by the proprietors of the apartments, the Conseil General and the town of Beausoleil. In 2004 it won a special Jury Prize awarded by the Association of Historic French Houses. The gardens are cared for by student gardeners.

In 1989 the Riviera Palace was listed as a 'Monument Historique' and the price paid for living in such a beautiful building (imagine owning one of these apartments with a balcony overlooking this Winter Garden) - is that you have a regular flow of visitors on guided tours.

Riviera Palace - the Winter Garden

2011-11-11T08:02:00.000+01:00

The Winter Garden is the heart of the Riviera Palace. These photos only show a part of it - more to come!

It covers 900 square metres and is 20 metres high at the centre of the dome. The architecture of the Winter Palace is attibuted to Gustave Eiffel who built the beautiful glass dome in the Hermitage Hotel in Monaco and of course the Tour Eiffel in Paris.

More on the restoration of the Winter Garden tomorrow...

Riviera Palace - the Staircase Windows

2011-11-10T06:14:00.000+01:00

These beautiful windows line the main staircase of the Riviera Palace. Is that a goose or a swan?

High Seas in Monaco

2011-11-09T06:45:00.006+01:00

We've taking a one-day break from our visit to the Riviera Palace to bring you a weather report...

There's been a massive rain amount of rain in the south of France and Monaco - really awful flooding in the Var with hundreds of people being evacuated and tragically two deaths.

Here's the beach near to the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel yesterday. I snapped it looking down from the main road to Menton which is above the tennis courts.

Tomorrow: back to the Riviera Palace...

Riviera Palace - the Lift

2011-11-08T07:00:00.001+01:00

This lovely old lift reminds me of those in old Paris hotels and apartment buildings.

Riviera Palace - the Concierge

2011-11-07T06:34:00.000+01:00

The old Concierge's office looks unchanged since the building was opened in 1903.

Look at those beautiful old black letters - they look like an Art Nouveau design in wrought iron. (Click the small photo to enlarge).

Riviera Palace - the Facade

2011-11-06T06:20:00.001+01:00

The beautiful facade of the Riviera Palace. But look carefully (see last photo) and you'll see the plaster is crumbling and iron supports have rusted under the balconies.

This beautiful building was a hotel for the rich and famous from 1903 until the beginning of the great war in 1914 when it was used as a military hospital. It was closed in 1932/33 but in 1936 was transformed into apartments.

Tours of some parts of the building, such as the beautiful Winter Garden, are available to the public.

Rviera Palace - the Drain Pipe

2011-11-05T06:21:00.002+01:00

Even the drainpipes are interesting...

Riviera Palace - Now

2011-11-04T06:39:00.002+01:00

It's very hard to get the whole building in one shot without an amazing wide-angle lens which I don't have. Take a look at yesterday's photos of old postcards. In those days, there were no other buildings to get in the way of a good shot!

The building is based on designs by George Paul Chedanne (he designed the Palace Hotel on the Champs Elysée and the Hotel Mercedes 0n Rue du Presbourg in Paris.)

The Riviera Palace was finished in 1903 and soon welcomed King Leopold II of the Belgians, the imperial family of Russia, the Shah of Persia - also distinguished names in the arts such as Diagilev, Nijinski, Stravinsky and Colette. Winston Churchill was a regular visitor too.

Tomorrow - the details...

Riviera Palace - the Old Postcards

2011-11-03T06:49:00.005+01:00

These are the signs that great you as you approach the Riviera Palace and it's good to be reminded of how it looked when it was first built at the turn of the last century. You can see the posts and chains I showed yesterday in the lower half of the photo below.

From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 1914-18 war, the French Riviera was where artists and writers and members of the European aristocracy and bourgeoisie spent their winters, hence the building of this Belle Epoque hotel.

In 1898, when Camile Blanc was president of the SBM and future Mayor of Beausoleil, he founded the Real Estate Company of Monte Carlo Superior. He also owned the train company and the mythic Orient Express. He built a funicular railway that ran from the Cremaillère, way down the hillside in Monaco, to the Riviera Palace Railway Station.

Riviera Palace - Railings

2011-11-02T10:45:00.004+01:00

We have a treat in store. We are going to visit the Riviera Palace in Beausoleil. This is a celebrated and beautiful Belle Epoque palace with its stunning winter gardens, built high above Monaco between 1891 and 1903 on behalf of the famous Cie des Wagons-Lits.

Today - a part of the railings.

Don't Fence Me In

2011-11-01T06:36:00.000+01:00

A fenced-in cat who lives at the Riviera Palace in Beausoleil.

To see how others around the world have interpreted today's theme 'Fences' please click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Our Lady of Laghet - the Yellow House

2011-10-31T06:16:00.003+01:00

This could be anywhere on the Cote d'Azur - soft yellow walls, green shutters, deep shadows and blue skies but in fact I took it from inside Our Lady of Laghet. The yellow building is where people stay if they take a 'retreat' here.

Our Lady of Laghet - Our Last Day

2011-10-30T06:26:00.006+01:00

A few final images taken within this beautiful and peaceful sanctuary.

In 1653, a commission of theologians, a doctor and a lawyer convened and confirmed the authenticity of the miracles and so the bishop allowed and encouraged the cult of Our Lady of Laghet. April 25, 1654 saw the the first official pilgrimage by the White Penitents from Eze to Laghet. Since then there are pilgrimages every year, including one from my own village of Gorbio.

It's also possible to take a retreat at Our Lady of Laghet - take a look at the website for more information.

Our Lady of Laghet - the Chapel and the Organ

2011-10-29T08:01:00.000+02:00

The intention was to show (in the main photo) the interior of the chapel but it's not a good photo. I'd grabbed a shot quickly with my small camera, no tripod, as I didn't want to intrude on the worshippers. No matter, it's shown on the left so you can get an idea of the colours and beauty of this place.

The main photo shows a model of the sanctuary - the chapel is in the centre of it. If you don't speak French, this is a request for donations towards an organ - the intention being to replace the old organ with a mechanical one.

Our Lady of Laghet - Accidents, War, Exams

2011-10-28T07:44:00.006+02:00

Many of the paintings give thanks for those who made it after an accident - for instance this little boy from Menton who was run over by a bus in 1921.

Others give thanks for sons and husbands saved in the Great War - see the hand-made sampler on the left. It's easy to imagine the lady who made this, giving thanks for the safe return of her husband and his four brothers.

And then, there is the girl who gives thanks for passing her exam at school. I only saw one of these.

Our Lady of Laghet - the Nun

2011-10-27T07:15:00.001+02:00

One of the nuns stands in comtemplation before entering the chapel.

Our Lady of Laghet is the name of the Virgin Mary associated with the name of this small village which was first mentioned in a charter of the 11th century. In the 12th century, Laghet was part of the fiefdom of Eze and mention is made of a small chapel. In the 15th century, the chapel served as a small shrine for shepherds and peasants but it was modest and had been built in an exposed position and was slowly falling apart.

In 1625 an ardent priest, Don Jacques Fighiera was so moved by the abandonment and decay of the chapel of Laghet, he decided to devote himself to rebuilding it. By 1628 it had a new roof, he leveled the land, he whitewashed the walls, and hung a door with a lock, He also repaired the path that leads to Laghet from Eze and all at his expense 'in honor of God and the Virgin Mary.' Then he announced to the public that the chapel of Laghet had been restored and he took the service, in a voluntary capacity, for the next 25 years.

More tomorrow...

Our Lady of Laghet - the Accidents

2011-10-26T08:46:00.004+02:00

Most of the drawings and paintings are simple but somehow so touching. Many, as you see, show accidents where the beloved husband or wife or child was saved and thanks are being given to Our Lady of Laghet.

More tomorrow...

Our Lady of Laghet - the Walkway

2011-10-25T07:25:00.006+02:00

This is the walkway with its vaulted ceiling that goes right around the church - the chapel itself is in the centre.

Here you'll find hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tokens of thanks to Our Lady of Laghet - tomorrow we'll see some of these up close.

Our Lady of Laghet - the Church

2011-10-24T07:07:00.004+02:00

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Laghet has been an important destination for pilgrims since 1654.

This is a church where people go to pray and to be cured. The inside - and we will see it - has almost every inch of its walls covered with tokens of thanks for a return to health.

Notre Dame de Laghet is not far from Monaco. It's just five minutes from La Turbie and is a place of beauty and peace, whether or not you are religious, whether or not you are a Catholic.

More tomorrow...

Dreaming

2011-10-23T07:08:00.002+02:00

I wouldn't mind a euro for every person who leans on a barrier in Monaco...and dreams.

Waiting...

2011-10-22T08:08:00.005+02:00

Waiting outside the Hotel de Paris.

The Most Beautiful Garage Door...

2011-10-21T07:11:00.001+02:00

Isn't this old door in La Turbie wonderful? If you open it, you'll find a car inside. It's simply a garage.

There has to be a history to this door and one day I'll find out...