The origin of the village of Sainte-Agnès in the Alpes-maritimes is lost in the mists of time and legend.
Agnes, a Roman princess, travelling with her escort not far from the Via Aurelia, is said to have taken shelter in a cave during a terrible storm. Saved from the fury of the elements, she had a chapel erected for her patron saint as a sign of gratitude. The first inhabitants of Saint Agnes would have settled around it...
Another legend also lends the place a buckwheat past. Indeed a formidable barbarian pirate, Haroum, fell in love with the beauty of the country, Anna, and wanted to bring her into his harem. The latter agreed to marry him, on condition that he renounced his faith. Out of love, the Muslim became a Christian and Count William of Provence witnessed the marriage.
When the latter died, Anna entered the orders and founded a chapel dedicated to her patron saint in a cave, from which the village grew.
The legend can be found in the narrow streets, the ascent of Lord Haroum, the street of the Saracens...
