Apricale

Casa delle damigiane is situated in the "Centro Storico" of the enchanting medieval hilltop village of Apricale, where time has stood still. It's name comes from the latin Apricus meaning exposed to the sun. It is a labyrinth of cobblestone narrow partly covered over streets and steps and is for pedestrians only (apart from a little 3 wheeler "Ape" which is used for luggage transport on request and supplies for shops and restaurants). There are lots of murals to keep you company as you wonder through the "carugi" until you get to the beautiful piazza where in summer you can enjoy a cappuccino, spumante , or "all fresco" dining and take in your amazing surroundings. As one visitor from the film industry said, "Hollywood could not have done better"

Apricale is conveniently situated right on the border with the Côte d'Azur, and is 1 hr. from Nice airport, 40 min. from Monte Carlo, and 20 min. from Ventimiglia train station.
In 15 minutes your at the beach with a large selection of lovely seafood restaurants.
Its privileged location enables you to either enjoy oysters and paté in France, or fresh pasta and zabaglione on the Riviera dei Fiori, the choice is yours.
In winter one can go skiing at Limone which is a brilliant ski resort with lots of lifts to suit beginners as well as experienced skiers. It is 1,5 hrs drive away or one could take the train from Ventimiglia and take the shuttle bus or a taxi to the slopes (taxi fare 12,= euros).
It also is a good spot to base yourself for the Monaco Grandprix, you take the train from Ventimiglia or Menton and in 15 minutes you are in the hart of Monte Carlo.
The rally of San Remo also passes by near Apricale.

After a day of sunbathing or visiting interesting places you will return to your little haven away from the madding crowd. There are however a few gift and foodshops and restaurants and bars to suit everybody's taste and budget.

The 550 people who live in Apricale are very proud of their village and organise lots of events throughout the year.

For example:

"A come amore" at Apricale for St. Valentine's week.

Wonderful art exhibitions such as Miro, Picasso, etc. in the Castle right on top of the village.

Dance evenings in the beautiful square surrounded by churches and the stars above.

Concerts

Theatre, 2 weeks in august. The village becomes the stage, a unique experience.

Sagra della Pansarola. Pansarola is a speciality of Apricale and is a type of pastry that is cooked in a very large frying pan in the square . The pastry is served with Zabaglione. This takes place the beginning of September.

On Christmas eve a big bonfire is lit in the square and kept alight 24 hrs. a day until the 6 of January. People gather around the fire and share mulled wine and Song.

There is a link between the big artist community in St. Paul de Vence and Apricale. Some of the art studio's are owned by artists from St. Paul.

People who have enjoyed reading "extra virgin" written by Annie Havers will relish a visit to Apricale, which is situated on the "Strada dell'Olio" , terra della taggiasca. (Taggiasce being the type of olive cultivated in this area) The route takes one past important "extra virgin oil" producing villages. The Apricale style of life is very much as discribed in her book.

All in all it is well worth a visit and it didn't receive the title "uno dei pui belli borghi" for nothing and we just happen to have the perfect place for you to stay!!!!! Have a look at Casa delle Damigiane.

For further information about Apricale you can visit the tourist office website: www.apricale.org or visit their office in the square on arrival. Arrivederci.