Sunday, February 5, 2023

Villefranche-sur-mer 2023 - 2 Cap Ferrat

 Dear Friends,

The bay of Villefranche is created by Cap de Nice on the west and Cap Ferrat on the east.  The walk around Cap Ferrat is incredibly beautiful.  Here is a link to the post about the first time I walked around Cap Ferrat.  Shortly after we got to Villefranche this winter, I heard that a rock slide had blocked the path around the cap just before the lighthouse if you are going from Villefranche to Saint-Jean.  I wanted to see the rock slide so I set off walking to the lighthouse with the intention that I would then walk the rest of the way along the coast to Saint-Jean.  It turned out to be quite a long and wonderful walk.  I started from our apartment and almost 7.5 miles later I returned.


I took regular paths and streets to get to the lighthouse.  When I got there, it was clear that I was not going to get to see the rock slide.  The authorities made it clear that I was not to walk the path in that direction.



I am quite sure that the rocks in this picture are not the rock slide, I took it any way because it is in the direction of the rock slide.

The lighthouse (as was everything else) beautiful in the afternoon sun.


The first part of the path from Villefranche to the lighthouse can be steep, rocky and a little challenging.  From the lighthouse to Saint-Jean, it is much smoother and flatter once you get down these stairs.


The path continues along the weather beaten coast line.




The rising moon made the walk even more magical.


Cap Ferrat actually has two parts.  I have been describing the main part.  The smaller part is called la pouce (the thumb).  If you look back at the first image you can see the thumb sticking out to the east.  You get a great view of it from the main cap.


As you near the end of the walk along the coast, you can see Eze high above Saint-Jean.


Thanks for reading and please comment,
The Unabashed Liberal