Photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier.
On Tuesday, July 15, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the communes of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and La Colle-sur-Loup in the Alpes-Maritimes, at the invitation of their mayors. The visit, part of the Prince’s regular engagements with regions historically tied to the Principality, underscored the enduring legacy of the Grimaldi family in this corner of France.
In the 18th century, two members of the Grimaldi family served as governors of Saint-Paul, a fortified town whose influence once extended to the present-day communes of La Colle-sur-Loup and Roquefort-les-Pins. A future visit to Roquefort-les-Pins is planned to continue this journey through the region’s shared history.
The day began in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where Prince Albert II was warmly welcomed late in the morning by Mayor Jean-Pierre Camilla. Against the stunning backdrop of the fortified town, the Prince unveiled a ceremonial plaque marking Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s inclusion in the “Grimaldi Historical Sites of Monaco” network, a symbol of the deep ties between the Principality and the region.
Photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier.
On the Place du Général de Gaulle, the Prince and the mayor addressed a gathered crowd, reflecting on the shared heritage. Together, they unveiled a totem for the “Grace Patricia Kelly 1955” (GPK’55) trail, a project brought to life through photographs by Paul Louis, now preserved in the archives of Monaco’s Audiovisual Institute. The trail commemorates the visit of Princess Grace, the Prince’s mother, to the region in 1955. The morning concluded with a poignant moment as Prince Albert II signed the guestbook at La Colombe d’Or restaurant, where Princess Grace had left her own signature 70 years earlier.
In the afternoon, the Prince traveled to La Colle-sur-Loup, where Mayor Jean-Bernard Mion welcomed him for a tour of the village. The visit culminated in the unveiling of another plaque affirming La Colle-sur-Loup’s place in the “Grimaldi Historical Sites” network, further cementing the historical bonds between the commune and Monaco.
Photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier.
Photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier.
Through these carefully chosen gestures—unveiling plaques, signing historic guestbooks, and engaging with local communities—Prince Albert II’s visit reaffirmed the living connection between Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes. It was a day of reflection, not only on the Grimaldi family’s storied past but also on its continued commitment to preserving these ties for future generations.