For 7 years, I have passed, be it by train or in the car, the castle on the hill.'Must go there sometime soon', how many times we find ourselves saying things like that. Well, I am now able to cross it off my 'must do list'.  I am talking about Haut de Cagnes and it was nothing like what I had imagined or indeed expected. It is an absolute bubble bursting with atmosphere and culture, so far removed in spirit from the Côte d'Azur and yet you can be back with the hustle and bustle within minutes.

The purpose was to meet Wendy,  Wendy 'La Canadienne', as she is known locally. Wendy has the desire to write and my Wendy, had been helping her over the last few months to help and guide her with her project.

For me, I enjoy the ambiance of a place more, when I can connect it to someone new I am meeting or going to meet. Here is a lady who has certainly changed direction from her previous way of life and found a better place. Having gone from being a high powered business woman and entrepreneur, Wendy is now content with finding a way of life that will dictate who she feels she is today.

Wendy, Wendy and I, met up in the 'Petit Bar' in the centre ville of Cagnes. Having been previously warned, Le petit bar had what was probably le plus petit loo I have ever come across! I feel the need to share the information as I felt a 'beware' tone of voice, when I asked to use it.

After a well needed shot from a cafe american and the glasses of rosé from the two Wendys and feeling quite relaxed with each other, Wendy 'La Canadienne' suggested lunch in the Medieval Haut de Cagnes. It seemed so far removed from where we were in town but it wasonly minutes away. This was so organised, a free regular navette, which is a shuttle bus, runs up and down to and from Haut Cagnes. Absolutely marvellous. What did surprise me further was the fact that a young girl gave up her seat for me... gosh the end is nigh!

Within a few minues we arrived at the drop off point. It was so bright, clean and airy and not like any medieval village I had seen before. It just oozes so much charm. We meandered a few streets before settling in a friendly restaurant in the main square. The back drop of pretty houses and the prominent mountain range, will not only leave you in awe but makes the perfect setting for the festivals and concerts that are regularily held there, which emphasises the passion for all things 'du culture'. This is a classic case of ' you must see it for yourself'.

Lunch was exactly how I expected it to be, which typified the whole day, 'tasteful and leaving you wanting more'. Between us, we filled several hours of sharing experiences and taking the time to listen and learn. A perfect example of us all having worthwhile things to say. This is not the case of, 'we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when' but more so, 'see you soon and look forward to picking up where we left off'.

Wendy 'La Canadienne' was able to toddle a few minutes back to her house, while Wendy and I strolled a few of the street, capturing the essence of village life. The sound of French music echoed through the streets and we found a class of young school children, dancing with ribbons on a little stage. How sweet is that!

A further stroll took us to see some of the boutiques and the main feature, the chateau itself. It was a pretty quiet day and probably one of the last before the tourists truly hit town.

Wendy in one of the Cobbled Streets of Haut-de-Cagnes

A room with a view

Back to ground Riviera on the number 44

To see more about Cagnes, visit the beautiful website:

http://www.cagnes-tourisme.com/index.php?_langue=en