Prince Albert II travelled to Saint-Paul-de-Vence and La Colle-sur-Loup on Tuesday 15th July, at the invitation of the mayors as part of his regular visits to communities historically linked to the Principality. 

The visits highlighted the 18-century Grimaldi family connections to the region, when two members of the Grimaldi family served as governors of Saint-Paul, whose territory then extended to the present-day communes of La Colle-sur-Loup and Roquefort-les-Pins. The latter commune will be the subject of another visit.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence ceremony

The Prince’s first stop was Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where mayor Jean-Pierre Camilla welcomed him late in the morning. Together, they unveiled the traditional plaque marking the commune’s membership in the ‘Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco’ network, set against the backdrop of the fortified city’s panoramic views.

Following addresses to local residents in Place du Général de Gaulle, the Prince and mayor unveiled a presentation totem for the ‘Place Patricia Kelly 1955’ trail, known as ‘GPK55’. The trail features photographs by Paul Louis, now conserved in the photographic collection of Monaco’s Institut audiovisuel.

The morning concluded with Prince Albert signing the visitors’ book at the renowned La Colombe d’Or restaurant, where his mother had also signed in 1955.

La Colle-sur-Loup recognition

In the afternoon, the Prince proceeded to La Colle-sur-Loup, where mayor Jean-Bernard Mion hosted a village tour before the unveiling of another ‘Sites historiques Grimaldi’ network plaque.

The visits form part of Prince Albert II’s efforts to maintain the historical ties between Monaco and former territories of Grimaldi influence in the French Riviera region

See more photos in the gallery bellow. All photos credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

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