One of the great joys of travel are the little discoveries you make by getting off the main roads and touristy areas. This was the day we left the beautiful seaside town of Menton for a day of explorations. Our destination was Gorbio, a magical perched medieval village often clouded in mist, high up above the Mediterranean Sea on the Cote d’Azur.

The road twists and turns as we passed under the main A8 highway and head up the mountain.

We parked our rental car above the village and were excited to explore. It is terribly expensive to rent a car in one country and drop it off in another so we picked it up in San Remo, Italy to drive to Tuscany after Menton. The process was a crazy saga in itself and a story for another day. 

Walking from the car park  on the outskirts of the village, we arrived in the main square, the Place de la Republique. The first thing you see is an enormous Elm tree, planted in 1713 to commemorate the signing of the “Treaty of Utrecht”, returning the County of Nice to the sovereignty of Savoy. We were famished so sat on the patio of Les Terrasses to have lunch joining mostly locals and a few tourists. Across the square is the  Michelin rated Le Beau Sejour which was closed for the day.  

I had the “plat du jour” consisting of a wonderful Caprese salad and a unique dish of Parmonaise sausages with potatoes. Delicious! 

Marla opted for the escargots which she thought were amazing! Even though Gorbio has only 300 residents and about 1000 in the commune, they hold a number of  religious ceremonies, fetes and celebrations. One of the most unique is the “Procession aux Limaces.” It takes place after the olive harvest and snail shells,…yes you read correctly, snail shells are filled with olive oil with a wick inside. They are lit and placed around the whole village for a night of festivities. Villagers celebrate their olive oil harvest and take part in a processional led by the local priest through the village. Marla will more than likely look at her future escargot in a new light.

We noticed many cyclists riding through Menton during our stay. These riders were taking a break next to the famous elm tree as the climb up to Gorbio is quite challenging.

After lunch it was time to explore the village but a challenge arose almost immediately! A black cat blocked our way and we didn’t know whether to proceed. Marla said “we can do this” and since we often live on the edge we continued.

The ancient cobbled lanes were built in the 14th-16th centuries and wind through Gorbio.

I love the beautiful old covered passageways.

This lane looks interesting.

Marla is an excellent explorer!

The medieval character of the village is fascinating with a colorful mix of cobbles and ancient stone construction.

I realize 300 people live here but we never encountered ONE OTHER PERSON the whole time we explored inside the walls of Gorbio!

Let’s take a right on Rue Gambetta.

A study in blue.

This was a beautiful old door! I’m adding the image to my ever enlarging file on unique doors from our travels around the globe. I’ll have to do a blog on them soon.

Marla passes by the the ancient Chateau des Lescaris, first constructed in the 11th century. It is currently being renovated.

The side of the chateau has a wonderful sundial.

Isn’t the patina on this old water pump exceptional?

Nature is taking over these medieval stairs.

People still inhabit this old and somewhat crumbling medieval building.

We passed the recently painted Chapelle des Penitents Blancs de la Sainte Croix built in 1445.

The 17th century Church of Saint-Barthelemy has a uniquely colorful Baroque style painted facade.

We were totally seduced by the enchanting, storybook village of Gorbio with its old passageways and colorful buildings.

The Place de la Mairie contains the town hall. Once again, “Where is everyone!!!”

At one time the “Malaussene Fountain”, built in 1882, was one of only three sources of water in the whole village.

Gorbio, as in many cities and villages in France, has numerous remembrances of World War I and II.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta