TouchScreenTravels logo

TouchScreenTravels

Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our France’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).
  • All advertising (only present on Android versions) can be removed.

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
iOS App Store Google Play

La Turbie

The Trophy of the Alps

La Turbie would be an unexceptional hilltop village with an 18th century Baroque church on the Grande Corniche were it not for the fact that it is located on the Via Julia Augusta and has, at its centre, the amazing and truly monumental Trophy of the Alpes.

A Trophy for an Emperor

Following the victories of the legions sent by Emperor Augustus over the Celtic tribes of the region, the Romans commemorated their achievements in 6 BC by building a huge structure in the local white stone 49m/161ft high and 35m/115ft wide. It consisted of a platform 12m/39ft high on which stood a rotunda of 24 columns with Augustus perched on top.

Decline and a partial restoration

During the middle-ages the locals used it as a fortress and later as a stone quarry. A partial restoration means it now stands at a mere 35m/115ft high without the Emperor but a magnificent site nonetheless!

Death of a Princess

Unfortunately the village of La Turbie will always be associated with the death of Grace Kelly whose car left the road nearby while she was driving back to nearby Monaco.

Don’t miss: The adjacent museum of Roman artifacts.

Practical Info Practical Info icon

La Turbie Website

700BCE–451AD: Gallo-Romans

Text © Paul Shawcross

Image by © Paul Shawcross