The 130-meter covered Rue Obscure in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Situated along the first fortified wall of Villefranche-sur-Mer, this 130-meter covered street, known as Rue Obscure, dates back to 1260 and has a rich and fascinating history. Inscribed as a Historical Monument in 1932, the Rue Obscure played an important role in the city's defenses. Originally serving as a defensive walkway for soldiers, it was later used as a foundation for the expansion of houses facing it after the construction of the third wall and the Citadel.

As the town grew, the street was covered over time to meet the needs of the inhabitants, causing the street to darken. Today, one can still find ancient caves along Rue Obscure, which were primarily used as shelters for animals such as donkeys and goats. One of these caves, dating back to the 14th century, houses a well.

The Rue Obscure and its mysterious atmosphere have caught the imagination of many filmmakers, including Jean Cocteau in 1959 for Le Testament d'Orphée and Roger Coggio in 1981 for Les Fourberies de Scapin.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons