Carros, French Riviera, France
Carros is very attractive medieval town located north of Nice. It maintains its authenticity with a pretty low level of tourism and commercialism. When man walks the old and walled town of Carros, it is very possible to feel the real history without the distraction of many shops, crowds and a rush to get into a restaurant before the next tour bus empties out. Perched on the rock since the 11th century, the village of Carros overlooks the Valley of the Var, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Alps and the Mediterranean.
Parking in Carros
We arrive at the town on the M2209 winding road leading up the hill. At the intersection (GPS: 43.792350, 7.185514) we turn in the direction of the castle visible on the hill, then on the roads fork we turn slightly to the left, passing the entire old town on the right side. After about 150 meters we reach big parking lot (P; GPS: 43.793499, 7.188472), where we can leave the car.
The ruins of a windmill
First, what stands out in the parking lot, are the ruins of the Briquet windmill (A; GPS: 43.793749, 7.188871) which is located on a little elevation. It was built in nineteenth century, and its name comes from the builder Pierre Briquet. Nearby the windmill, we also have a vantage point from where tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the Alps and the Var Valley. In June, we could even observe snow-capped peaks of the distant mountains.
Strolling the town
We go into the town. On the Carriero de la Resistencia street we find a public laundry from nineteenth century (B; GPS: 43.792156, 7.186835). Walking down the Carriero de la Gleiso street we reach the center of the old town, where we can see the church of Saint-Claude from seventeenth century (C; GPS: 43.792394, 7.187054) and the castle which is a Provencal architectural gem from the twelfth century (D; GPS: 43.792608, 7.186981). Today the castle houses an international center for contemporary art. We keep strolling medieval cobblestone streets, the oldest of which dates from the twelfth century. It is interesting that the names of all the streets are presented in the Provencal dialect, not French.
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