Nice – Cote d’Azur

These images were taken in the towns of Biot and Entrevaux in February 2012 during two separate shoots; perhaps not the usual images from the beaches and buzz of the Cote d’Azur and high-life of Monaco, but hopefully they show a little of the rich culture and history of the region.  The two sets of images are quite different, I wanted to contrast the rich colours of the costumes and people having fun at the fête with the hard cold surfaces and muted colours at Entrevaux especially at the Citadel which was freezing but it felt somewhat solemn and peaceful.  It wasn’t until I got back I found out that it had been a prisoner of war camp during the First World War.

Biot

Medieval Biot, Sophia Antipolis, has been the fief of the Knights Templars and Knights of Malta, with narrow streets and rich in arts and crafts.  The Fête du Mimosa was held on 5th February this year; the town and peoples are decorated with the yellow flowers of mimosa with garlands and bouquets decking the streets.   All day entertainment is provided by folk-groups, brass-bands, carnival parades and ‘big-heads’ from the Carnival of Nice.

Entrevaux

Entrevaux is a medieval walled town founded in the 11th century (previously known as Interrivos dating from 1040), it lies in the shadow of a mountain-top citadel.  The town is built on a rocky spur within a bend of the river Var in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Department and its strategic position guards the valley of the Var.  The main entrance Porte Royale was constructed in 1658 with a bridge over the Var guarded by towers and a portcullis.  The Citadel was used to house German prisoners during the First World War.

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