La Turbie

Overlooking the Principality of Monaco at 1,150m, like a balcony hanging over the Mediterranean, the little town of La Turbie seems to float in the sky, dominated by its gigantic Trophee d'Auguste (35 metres high!).

Built 2,000 years ago by the Romans to the glory of Emperor Augustus, the conqueror of the last Ligurian tribes, the Trophee d'Auguste originally stood 49 metres high and was topped by a giant statue of the Emperor.

Located at La Turbie, on the Alpis Summa, the border between Gaul and Italy and a strategic point on the Aurelian Way, it celebrated the unity and power of the Roman Empire. It was used as a fortress in the 12th century, dismantled by Louis XIV, and was then transformed into a stone quarry. It was subsequently restored by a generous American donor called Edward Tuck.

It is the pride of the town, and a visit to the Trophee and its small Auguste museum is a must. You will learn that the monument consisted of a round tower surrounded by Doric columns, built on a square platform bearing the names of the 44 peoples subdued during the Augustus campaign.

Today all that remains is a fraction of the tower with its columns and niches where the statues where placed. Nonetheless they are imposing remains, still very impressive for anybody who has a little imagination! At the foot of the Trophee, the village of La Turbie has preserved the charm of its glorious past virtually intact, in a harmonious mixture of styles - medieval, classical and baroque.

After walking through a gate in the medieval defensive walls, how lovely it is to stroll along these narrow cobbled streets, with their fine stone-built houses, and generous helpings of flowers. Vaulted passageways, little fountains, gemelled window, monumental fountain, beautiful baroque style church with square belltower roofed with varnished tiles, there are many historical features to admire.

When you've had your fill of history, why not enjoy some fresh air and nature? After all the area around La Turbie has many paths leading up into the hills - the peaks of La Fourna and Tête de Chien - as well as parks - Plateau de la Justice and Grande Corniche - from where the view will literally take your breath away. You will see Vintimille bay (Italy), Cap Martin, Cap Ferrat, Cap de Nice, Antibes, l'Esterel ... and sometimes even Corsica on a particularly clear day! What could be better?