The taking of Toulon and Marseille were critical to the success of Operation Anvil. First and foremost, the Allies needed a port to unload the material necessary to support the invasion and re-supply the troops. Second, continued German occupation of either port would allow them a base from which they could disrupt the Allied supply line. The task was given to the French 1er. The French landed on August 16, and moved west to Toulon, which was taken on August 24th. Marseille was liberated the next day.
Mont-Faron is a 1,500-foot mountain in the middle of Toulon.
The road to the top hugs the edge of the hill and is only slightly wider than our van. You ride up close to the edge and the drop off is 100 feet at it shortest point. The view is spectacular but dizzying. There are three forts on the hill along with a restaurant that has excellent food (we had a terrific lunch). The first is at the top of the Mont and is now a museum, which, of course, is closed on Monday. The second is still active as a communications center and is also at the top but on the backside of the hill. The third is lower down and closed.
The high ground in Marseille is occupied by the Basilica Notre Garde. Marseille was heavily bombed and shelled prior to the French attack, but the Cathedral was not hit.
The views from 
the Cathedral, like Mont-Faron in Toulon, are spectacular, but the ride up is a little less hairy. 
By the way, on the French Riviera fashion is of the utmost importance, as you can tell from these mavens.
Mont-Faron is a 1,500-foot mountain in the middle of Toulon.
The road to the top hugs the edge of the hill and is only slightly wider than our van. You ride up close to the edge and the drop off is 100 feet at it shortest point. The view is spectacular but dizzying. There are three forts on the hill along with a restaurant that has excellent food (we had a terrific lunch). The first is at the top of the Mont and is now a museum, which, of course, is closed on Monday. The second is still active as a communications center and is also at the top but on the backside of the hill. The third is lower down and closed.The high ground in Marseille is occupied by the Basilica Notre Garde. Marseille was heavily bombed and shelled prior to the French attack, but the Cathedral was not hit.
The views from 
the Cathedral, like Mont-Faron in Toulon, are spectacular, but the ride up is a little less hairy. 
By the way, on the French Riviera fashion is of the utmost importance, as you can tell from these mavens.
2 comments:
Not even I would wear that.
Pretty Cool! Feeding Lil in your absence.
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