Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Mountain commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France
Saint-Martin-Vésubie is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes at around 960 meters elevation in southeastern France. It sits nestled between mountains and valleys within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
The town emerged in the 12th century on a site with archaeological remains of a Romanized indigenous population from the 1st century. It developed as a settlement along a route used for transporting salt from Piedmont to Nice.
The medieval center spreads across cliffs above the Valley of the Madonna with narrow, steep streets arranged tightly together. Houses cluster close for protection from mountain winds and to make the most of the limited flat space.
The narrow, steep terrain requires sturdy shoes and patience while exploring the streets. Plan for more time than expected, as you will need to change direction frequently at turns and staircases.
During World War II the town sheltered thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing Northern France before Italian authorities evacuated the area. This rescue story remains alive in local memory, though often overlooked by passing visitors.
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