Entrevaux, France - June 12, 2010

Cannes, on the south coast of France, is a somewhat tired and genteel glamour-has-been that looks out onto the sunny Mediterranean Sea and silently ages. Fifty to sixty miles north of Cannes, in the tiny city of Entrevaux, one could be on another planet so stark are the differences. A narrow road follows the gorge of the river Var between Annot and Puget-Théniers and along the way runs through Entrevaux with its population of less than 1000 souls. 

Our campsite was a mile or two upriver from the city and a pleasant foot path led down to the Porte de France, one of the entry points into the inner city. Entrevaux, founded in the 11th century on a rocky spur at a bend in the river, fell to the troops of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1536.
Later in the 16th century, a new cathedral was constructed, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and in 1658 the bridge, guarded by towers and a portcullis, known as  Porte Royale, was constructed over the river.
The military architect Vauban was called on to further fortify the town in 1690 and, although never fully completed, the citadel perched high above the town was strengthened and a protected walkway was constructed up the side of the mountain from the town. The citadel was last used during World War I as a prison for German officers.
In spite of overcast and cool weather we had a great day exploring this unique little burg. Check out more pictures here.