On the lookout

Another day on the road. In Southern France for the launch of the new Mercedes C-Class, and have spent the afternoon on a mixture of roads : some spectacular snaking coast roads, and some tortuously busy urban streets leading into Marseille. Worth the effort, though, with this view at our overnight destination.

On the distant hill is Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stately white structure 162 metres high. It stands proud above the city south of the old port, and can be seen from anywhere in Marseille. It originally served as a lookout across the area.

As early as 1218 there was mention of a chapel there, known affectionately locally as 'La Bonne Mere'. It has been the inspiration for many poets, including Valéry Larbaud who described it as 'She who watches over the sea roads, she who shines above the waters and the sun, the giantess astride the blue hours'.