SDP o tour . . . off to Menton

For the next little while we're going to be exploring Menton.

My very good friend, Jilly, from Menton Daily Photo has the most magnificent blog showcasing this magical part of France. Pay her site a visit.

I spent 6 days there in July, and jam-packed in a whole lot of photo opportunities.

What I love about Menton are many things.

I love the dramatic setting at the foot of the Alpes Maritimes; I love its location on the border of Italy, and history, which means it has been a football back and forth over centuries, ruled variously by the genoese, Grimaldis, the Revolutionary French, the King of Sardinia (House of Savoy), been a "free city", annexed to France under Napoleon III, invaded by Italy in WW2, returned to Vichy France, occupied by Nazi Germany, and liberated by American and Canadian forces. (Phew!) ; I love that the old town runs right down to the lovely beach.

Menton is one of the prettiest, most beautifully situated cities I know. I look forward to bringing some of the aspects which captured my eye to you.

SDP on tour ... terrace in Hyères

SDP on tour ... La Tour Fondue

Just south of Hyères, from where the boat for Porquerolles leaves, is La Tour Fondue - the melted tower. The fort is a vestige of a defensive tower built in the 17th century.  Reminded me of the fortress on Bare Island in Sydney (built in response to the Crimean War and fear of Russina invasion)

SDP on tour ... the beach at Porquerolles

After the bus, boat and walk, we arrived at the Plage d'Argent (Silver Beach). Despite the rather overcast and hazy day, it was warm and the beach nice and sandy, the water warm and clean.

SDP on tour ... afternoon trip to Porquerolles

The Île de Porquerolles is one of three islands just off Hyères. It has about 200 inhabitants, and is mostly preserved as a nature conservation area. We decided to spend an afternnon at the beach on the island, so to ge tthere we:

1. Caught a bus to Tour Fondue

2. And a boat to the island

3. But not a helicopter, which was undertaking search and rescue training abouve our boat

4. And then we walked about half an hour

5. But could have hired bikes

Tomorrow ... our destination

SDP on tour ... Van Gogh sky in Hyères and Menton

Not the best quality picture, above, but oh so very reminiscent of the Van Gogh painting of a cafe terrace at Arles.

The painting was made in September 1888, the photographs in July 2011.  The one above was taken at about 9:50 pm.

Three nights later, my friend Jilly took this photo of me in Menton at about the same time; there's that beautiful Mediterranean summer evening sky again.

SDP on tour ... enjoying the beach at Hyères

The sandy beach at Bona, a short local bus ride from the centre of Hyères. There's a bar / restaurant at the beach, but here the snacks come to you!

A lovely spot to spend a sunny summer afternoon. For Sydney-siders, it reminded me very much of the beach at Ramsgate on Botany Bay. Except the water was warmer.

SDP on tour ... a secret garden in Hyères

I just love that this garden is below street level...it's a tranquil hideaway and a shady spot to sit out of the glare and heat of the summer Provencal sun.

SDP on tour ....transport in Hyères

Darelle peddles off to French language school, leaving me to enjoy the delights of the garden and a trip to the beach.

SDP on tour ....perspective in Paris

This sign to the "Grand Magasins" (Department Stores) in Place de l'Opéra in Paris appears, from this perspective, to be pointing towards the Palais Garnier, aka the Opéra de Paris or Opéra Garnier, or Paris Opéra. It was the primary home of the Paris Opera from 1875 until 1989. It was designed by Charles Garnier, who won a competition in 1861.

Today is City daily Photo Bloggers' Theme Day: Perspective
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