Monaco - Surroundings

Peillon, situated at an altitude of 376m/1,234ft in the hinterland of Monaco (5km/3mi as the crow flies), is probably one of the finest examples of a Provençal "nid d'aigle". In the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Madone-des-Douleurs (Chapel of the White Monks) there are frescos by Canavesi (15th/16th C.). In August the Fêtes du Vieux Village take place.

At the foot of the Tête de Chien amid sparse pine-woods lies the holiday resort of Cap d'Ail (2km/1mi to the southeast of Monaco). Of interest are the ruins of the Tour d'Abeglio and the open air theater, designed by Jean Cocteau and decorated with mosaics. Several rocky promontories jut out into the sea near Cap d'Ail.

Peille is a beautiful "village perché" (perched on a rock), situated 630m/2,067ft high above the River Peillon. The village is noted for the narrow streets and medieval architecture. The local Romanesque church dating from the 12th C. boasts a rose martyry (16th C.) as well as beautiful naive paintings. Over the village of Peille tower the ruins of a 13th C. castle.