Malta Butterfly

The Republic of Malta occupies a very strategic location in the Mediterranean at the tip of the boot of Italy. Over the centuries, it was under the rule of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Hapsburg Spain, Knights of St. John, French, and finally British. Malta declared its independence from British rule in 1964.

Malta's official languages are Maltese and English, but this card's greeting is in Italian and seems to say something along the lines of : From the beautiful flight I send you greetings.

Here's the back of the card with a message in English.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Yesterday's Tram Tuesday post featured Villefranche-sur-Mer, so I thought I'd show some additional views of the city. Apart from being a tourist destination on the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer has been important as a port for military ships as well as cruise lines, since the it is one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. If you want to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can still book a room at the Welcome Hotel, shown on the first two cards.

The Rue Obscure, which was built in the 13th century as a refuge against attacks, still looks the same today.

Here's the port with military ships.

Here are the backs of the first two cards.

Tram Tuesday - Villefranche sur Mer, France

The tram line serving Villefranche was part of the TNL line that connected Nice and other scenic locations along the French Riviera. From Nice it would travel to Villefranche and Beaulieau before continuing on to Cap Rouz, Eze, Cap d'Ail, and finally the Principality of Monaco. As you might expect, the route was primarily designed to transport tourists. What a great trip that must have been. Here are some views of the tram as it made its way through Villefranche.

And here are the backs of the cards in the same order.

This is the third part of a five-week series on the trams of the Côte d'Azur. Check back next Tuesday for part four.