Castellar

Population : 863 h.

Alpes Maritimes Department

Castellar is a perched village benefitting from a superb location overlooking Menton and Garavan bay. It is reached via a very narrow road (drive carefully), but you won't regret the effort made.

It's a real pleasure to stroll along the straight alleyways of this medieval village; relaxing and yet exciting at the same time. Its many freshly painted yellow and orange house fronts create a lively Italian atmosphere.

You'll certainly appreciate the vaulted passageways, succulents in flower pots and laundry drying at the windows, as well as a 19th century wash-house and fountains.

History lovers will adore the ruins of the town walls and the gate "fortified in 1548, after the siege of Nice by François I and his Turkish and Barbary Coast allies", as well as the superb baroque style Lascaris palace, formerly the residence of the Counts of Lascaris, dating back to the early 17th century. Don't forget the beautiful church of St Pierre, magnificently restored with pinkish colouring.

Far from the madding crowd, perched in pure air, boasting a fascinating heritage and a stone's throw from the beaches, Castellar has something for everybody !

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