The ruins of Rocca-Sparviera

The history of Rocca-Sparviera:

• Patrimoine culturel: Duranus – Conseil Général des Alpes-Maritimes [fr]
• Roccasparviera village fantôme – Edmond Rossi [fr]

In L'Engarvin: The museum of Marcel Figas [fr].

The painter Marcel Figas (1935–) doesn't sell his paintings. To see the originals, the only place is his own museum. They are oil paintings expressing in a colourful way and with the help of many recurring symbols, the painter's memory after studying such diverse subjects as Venice, Hieronymus Bosch, computers, astronomy, and more. Horizontal, vertical and diagonal (45°) lines, repetitions (but never exactly the same) and a very precise painting technique (the brush strokes are invisible) characterise the works, which encompasses both figurative and abstract paintings.

To reach the museum: from Coaraze, take the D15 in the direction of the Col St-Roch. After 5 km, turn left to a narrow road that climbs up to L'Engarvin. The road ends after 800 m and there is room to park 4 or 5 cars. The museum is 50 m further.

The museum is open Saturdays & Sundays, 14:30–17:30, so a perfect combination is to walk up to the ruins of Rocca-Sparviera first (350 m higher, 70 minutes one way) and visit the museum afterwards. Price: € 5. [November 2008]