10 January 2008
09 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 11
Posted by
Jilly
at
14:17
15
comments
08 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 10
Posted by
Jilly
at
17:32
11
comments
07 January 2008
What's 'Jilly' in Arabic?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAcmnttfkfaViU-Y_KLbTL-QbNqxkL80_JnWSvdYlSy2lIef_H9c8gg5iCFDJVRIELCA1lnx4hHaXRXm-lzTWJfXYY5TBz0kiciJ-isWvR1vXWcMcUZtsY3dLK_CMtYUdmBEJ/s640/IMG_0872.jpg)
Posted by
Jilly
at
08:03
8
comments
Labels: Fêtes
06 January 2008
Concentration
This ice-rink had been installed, by the sea, as part of the Christmas/New Year facilities and as you can see Menton kids aren't natural skaters but they have a lot of fun trying. On the far side of the rink, you can see the Christmas market and in the background, the lower part of the Old Town with its steeples rising into the blue sky - yes, first blue sky for days after a week or more of rain. Oh happy day - this is what January is normally like in Menton. It's unusual to have had the amount of rain we've had this past week.
Today, I believe, is the last day of the Christmas/New Year market and facilities for the children.
Posted by
Jilly
at
16:46
7
comments
Labels: Fêtes
05 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 9
Posted by
Jilly
at
14:19
9
comments
04 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 8
Posting old doors is a good excuse to mention Marie from Montpellier's page of beautiful doors and arches.
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:52
9
comments
Labels: Doorways and Windows, Villages near to Menton: Roquebrune-cap-Martin
03 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 7
Posted by
Jilly
at
11:17
10
comments
Labels: Doorways and Windows, Villages near to Menton: Roquebrune-cap-Martin
02 January 2008
Roquebrune village - 6
The motif is by Simon Bussy (1870 - 1954), who was a lifelong friend of Matisse (a fellow pupil at art school) and through his marriage to Dorothy Strachey, brother of the writer Lytton, was on the fringes of the famous Bloomsbury circle. He was the teacher of Duncan Grant.
'Simon Bussy was five years younger than Dorothy, and the son of a shoemaker from the Jura town of Dole. Lady Strachey’s liberalism faltered at the sight of him actually cleaning up his plate with pieces of bread. The family drama "shook the regime of Lancaster Gate to its foundations" (Holroyd), and, despite the silent disapprobation of the older Stracheys, Dorothy remained determined to marry him with what her brother Lytton later called "extraordinary courage".'
Simon and Dorothy Bussy lived in Roquebrune in winter and spent their summers in England and Scotland.
Posted by
Jilly
at
08:30
6
comments
01 January 2008
Theme Day: photo of the year - 2007
My other choice was BEAUTY - I so love the colours. I really don't consider myself a 'proper photographer' (yet!) in a technical sense, as I use a simple point and shoot - and so if anything works it's down to the camera and luck and so much encouragement and great advice from so many of you - my fellow City Bloggers - THANK YOU SO MUCH.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone - and may all your dreams come true and all your photographs be PERFECT.
There are 118 Daily City Photo bloggers participating in today's Theme. Do please visit them - you'll see fabulous photographs from around the world.
Paris, France - London, England - Hyde, UK - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Grenoble, France - Stockholm, Sweden - Riga, Latvia - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Manila, Philippines - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Weston (FL), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - New Orleans (LA), USA - Wichita (KS), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - San Francisco (CA), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Greenville (SC), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Mainz, Germany - Melbourne, Australia - Portland (OR), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Toulouse, France - Naples (FL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Brussels, Belgium - Stayton (OR), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Toruń, Poland - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Baziège, France - Nashville (TN), USA - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Chicago (IL), USA - Prescott (AZ), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Evry, France - Trujillo, Peru - Arlington (VA), USA - Denpasar, Indonesia - American Fork (UT), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Coral Gables (FL), USA - Montpellier, France - Joplin (MO), USA - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Boston (MA), USA - Torun, Poland - New York City (NY), USA - Dunedin (FL), USA - Quincy (MA), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Chateaubriant, France - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Jackson (MS), USA - Wailea (HI), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Budapest, Hungary - Austin (TX), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Cypress (TX), USA - Bicheno, Australia - Wrocław, Poland - Brookville (OH), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - Cheltenham, UK - Wellington, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - London, UK - Haninge, Sweden - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Arradon, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Orlando (FL), USA - Mumbai, India - Terrell (TX), USA - Bogor, Indonesia - Delta (CO), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Saigon, Vietnam - San Diego (CA), USA - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Belgrade, Serbia - Auckland, New Zealand - Seguin (TX), USA - Inverness (IL), USA - Oslo, Norway - Singapore, Singapore - Las Vegas (NV), USA - New York City (NY), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - Torino, Italy - Susanville (CA), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Memphis (Tennessee), USA
Posted by
Jilly
at
07:52
48
comments
Labels: Daily Photo Theme Day:
31 December 2007
Roquebrune village - 5
'The roots, like those of the Mathusalem de Provence, extend 20 meters in diameter. Olive trees were probably introduced to France by the Phœnicians 3000 years ago, but this tree was more likely planted by the Romans in the year 400.'
I also took the following information from a website called Venerable Trees of the Earth.
'The tree was, in the 19th century, the property of the Vial brothers, called 'the dragons, the loggers, bonesetters and poachers.' They were determined to cut it down but Gabriel Hanotaux, the French politician and historian (1853 - 1944) intervened. He happened to be passing and was entranced by the beauty of the tree and bought it from the Vial brothers. It still belongs to his descendants but it is the municipality who care for it.' There is a street in the village called avenue Gabriel Hanotaux - seemingly, he invited Clémenceau, Poincaré and Briand to admire the beauty of this olive tree.
The hanging cage, by the way, contains a crèche - Roquebrune village is famous for its beautiful and varied cribs at Christmas.
Posted by
Jilly
at
20:04
20
comments
30 December 2007
Roquebrune village - 4
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:38
12
comments
29 December 2007
Roquebrune village - 3
Rue Moncollet is the oldest street in the village and dates back to the 10th century. It's a long narrow street with stepped passageways and is filled with houses from the Middle Ages, many with barred windows.
We have walked just a few metres from the square we were in yesterday.
Posted by
Jilly
at
08:48
11
comments
28 December 2007
Roquebrune village - 2
You can see the Xth century château (we'll be visiting the château) built into the rock and below it, a restaurant called La Grotte. In shade and closed at the moment, the restaurant is totally carved out of the 'pudding' I spoke of yesterday, hence the name. Even the loo is carved into the rock! They make truly great pizzas at La Grotte and it's a really buzzing little restaurant/bar - and it's great fun, sitting outside under the awnings, eating and drinking with friends.
Behind us, and way below is the sea, with stunning panoramic views of Monaco, the Cabbé and Cap Martin. To our left is the hotel/restaurant, Les Deux Frères, which serves excellent food and is a great place to stay. Do come back tomorrow for more.
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:24
12
comments
27 December 2007
Roquebrune village - 1
Roquebrune village is built on a sand and pebble conglomerate from the Tertiary period. It's called the pudding and it appears very fragile and soft. However, it is amazingly strong. The whole village stands on this rock with no foundations, the tangled jigsaw of the buildings has held it all together for centuries.
There is a legend that the village of Roquebrune, clinging to the hillside, owes its survival to the fragile broom shrub which, in the 7th century, during a terrible earthquake, stopped its deadly pull towards the sea.
Do come back tomorrow when we'll be in the village itself.
Posted by
Jilly
at
11:25
12
comments
26 December 2007
Little Red Riding Hood
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:51
7
comments
Labels: Fêtes
25 December 2007
Joyeux Noel!
And pretend that he's a circus clown,
We'll have lots of fun with Mister Snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.'
(Photo taken in the Jardin Bioves, Menton - where the whole area has been made into a Christmas Wonderland for children. )
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:52
15
comments
Labels: Fêtes
24 December 2007
Christmas Fair - rain!
Posted by
Jilly
at
12:48
12
comments
Labels: Markets
23 December 2007
Tai Chi
Posted by
Jilly
at
13:34
11
comments
Labels: Beach and Sea
22 December 2007
Give a dog a bone...
You can see what a beautiful face this dog has by clicking on the link.
Posted by
Jilly
at
08:31
10
comments
Labels: Dogs
21 December 2007
Christmas Fair - Santons
The santon comes from the Provençal santoun or 'little saint' and the figures became popular during the French Revolution when the churches were closed and the larger traditional nativity scenes in churches prohibited. Smaller figures began appearing in homes and quickly gained popularity.
You saw a different style of santon in yesterday's post.
Posted by
Jilly
at
16:13
11
comments
Labels: Markets
20 December 2007
Christmas Fair - La Cave de Gorbio
Posted by
Jilly
at
17:02
11
comments
Labels: Shopping
19 December 2007
The mystery of the finger nails
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyfowoPVBIReFEXFapZsJVbQcGpLq_Q3A3peo_WiIKbD5eR12Xxc4SvIOvGM8g3EwMB6RiyZ-iFkrHjMtp6hjxS5ufQiB81UXmHzy52bYu5xsy8Bmzxm_aEu0H-Di11JkjPt9/s640/IMG_9553.jpg)
Anyone got the answer to this?
Posted by
Jilly
at
17:47
18
comments
Labels: Miscellany
18 December 2007
Plage du Golfe Bleu - 5
If you missed the earlier postings, you can read more on these paragliders who take off from Mont Agel HERE.
If you'd like to see a beautiful golden retriever walking the beach - and later being calmed by his gentle owner whilst one of the paragliders landed, please click on the link.
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:13
9
comments
17 December 2007
16 December 2007
Waves
In fact, today's weather, whilst still cold, is wonderful. Bluest sky again, hardly any wind, so tomorrow - back to the beach in Roquebrune and those paragliders.
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:24
12
comments
Labels: Beach and Sea
15 December 2007
Brrrrrr...
Posted by
Jilly
at
13:55
9
comments
Labels: Beach and Sea
14 December 2007
Plage du Golfe Bleu - 3
In this photograph you can see some guys packing up their parachutes ready for the long hike back to the van that will take them way, way up to Mont Agel for another flight. Getting to the beach is a hike. You park near to the railway station of Roquebrune-cap-Martin, you walk down a long flight of steps and then under the railway lines and alongside what looks like it was once a river until you get to the beach. And those parachutes, once packed up into rucksacks, look very heavy to me.
Posted by
Jilly
at
12:48
6
comments
13 December 2007
12 December 2007
Plage du Golfe Bleu - 1
I drove down to the beach this morning because I wanted to photograph some of the paragliders landing - and whilst waiting, just enjoyed the beach. Come back for more tomorrow, won't you?
Posted by
Jilly
at
16:12
7
comments
11 December 2007
Christmas Fair - Honey
Which flavour of honey do you prefer?
Posted by
Jilly
at
15:18
12
comments
Labels: Markets
10 December 2007
Telethon 2007 - 2
You can see the Firemen on top of the Bastion securing the ropes ready for the day's events.
Posted by
Jilly
at
15:27
14
comments
Labels: Fêtes
09 December 2007
Christmas Fair - Pots
You can see Cap Martin in the distance in the first two photos and in the third photo, you'll recognise the steeples of the Old Town.
Posted by
Jilly
at
12:09
13
comments
Labels: Markets
08 December 2007
Téléthon 2007
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_UQg0oPHW2h7Bj0eR_UdijMhlG_q9NZldtt4K1T5v3_KEjNkgWZxTnAM_HXgcms5ksd_6QPESl_y-SxDE_t-TLfoW87R5rvV9-QtwjF3oNxD8jJ9uJTEr71fz0stRE_9YH4e/s640/IMG_9522.jpg)
The other day I noticed these great mounds of sand had been dumped on the beach. Today I know why. The firemen of Menton were responsible for the sand and today they are giving disabled children very bumpy rides in their 4 x 4s. Whether or not the children you see in the front seat are disabled or not, I don't know, as this ride took place before the official opening.
Posted by
Jilly
at
14:29
8
comments
Labels: Fêtes
07 December 2007
Rue Longue - 7
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:51
11
comments
Labels: Restaurants and Bars, The Old Town
06 December 2007
Rue Longue - 6
Le Palais des Princes was built in the 15th century for Jean 1er Grimaldi and was totally restored in 1650 by Prince Honoré II of Monaco. The building was a replacement for the ancient citadelle which was destroyed in war. Later, in the 18th century, its use was transferred to the Palais Carnoles, which is now a museum with a beautiful garden specialising in citrus. This is over the other side of town and I'll be taking you there one of these fine days.
Tomorrow, we'll look at a restaurant in rue Longue.
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:33
19
comments
Labels: The Old Town
05 December 2007
Rue Longue - 5
This is the entrance to rue Longue and the Old Town, from the eastern end, Porte Saint-Julien. You can see the entrance at the south-western end, Porte Saint-Antoine, by clicking on the link. Rue Longue (in fact 270 metres long) is the main street of the Old Town and follows the old Roman road, originally called the Via Aurelia.
This end of rue Longue has been restored but the chaos we saw yesterday (out of shot in this photo) will continue till at least until summer 2008. Originally it was thought that the work would take 13 months but unsurprisingly it will take longer. Some of the underground channels date back to the early 1900s and when dug up, it was discovered that more specialists were needed to put them right. All this work, which is a continuation of restoration of another road, rue de Bréa, is at a cost of 1.7 million euros.
Tomorrow I'll show you more of the restored part of rue Longue.
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:49
18
comments
Labels: The Old Town
04 December 2007
Rue Longue - 4
I presume we are looking at sewerage construction here but not being an expert on the subject - she said, with relief - I really don't know. It did smell a little strange.
Tomorrow I'll show you the other end of Rue Longue where the work appears to be finished.
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:16
17
comments
Labels: The Old Town
03 December 2007
Rue Longue - 3
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist14SHYqstZg9oexN2QyCeqnMbQJ7idcBWxSz0n5K3fd0Z9UyFikFA9Vm3jV7XtFg26d8IBSPl03JfY23iHaqfMwMisygI3-S_N4MQC7-LgCdDiEbRVR2kYcryD3viMaPmhg7/s640/IMG_9179.jpg)
Posted by
Jilly
at
10:57
17
comments
Labels: The Old Town
02 December 2007
Rue Longue - 2
Posted by
Jilly
at
09:48
9
comments
Labels: The Old Town
01 December 2007
Daily Photo Theme Day: Bridges
Hardly beautiful and not known as a bridge - just the autoroute - but as I said, part of life here and at least it keeps through traffic from clogging up the lower corniches more that it does. Also, an amazing feat of engineering.
Today is Theme Day for the Daily Photo Family with over 120 of us posting photographs of a bridge from our city or town. Do take time to visit and enjoy:
Posted by
Jilly
at
19:30
33
comments
Labels: Daily Photo Theme Day: