6 Jan 2016

Menton Motorbike chase - Les rampes Saint-Michel

















The motorbike chase in Never Say Never Again, was primarily filmed in and around the village of Menton on the French Riviera. The chase starts in Villefranche-sur-mer, when Fatima Blush kills Bond's ally, agent 326, in the mountainside villa. Bond chases Fatima down the mountain roads and into Menton, which actually is located quite far (approximately 25 km) from Villefranche-sur-mer.


Seen in the background in to the right is the bigger Chapelle de la Conception, facing the square. After driving across the small square with the notable mosaic tiles, 007 speeds down the famous steps called 'les rampes Saint-Michel'.



After driving up the steps behind the church in Menton, covered here earlier, Bond comes down on Place de la Conception in front of the small chapel called Basilique Saint Michel.


During the chase Bond's motorcycle is coming down the steps from both left and right, an obvious blooper. After the last curve on the steps, just above Rue Longe, Fatima Blush is visible in her Renault as she is driving down Rue Longe below the steps.



The steps are facing the water and span from the square, Place de la Conception, all the way down to the beach road called Quai Bonaparte. Rue Longue cuts through the steps before the last part reaches Quai Bonaparte and the shore.


The steps was constructed in 1753 and was extended down from Rue Longue to the Quay Bonaparte in 1941. Facing the steps is l'hôtel Pretti de Saint Ambroise, which together with the Basilique Saint Michel and the Saint Michel steps are cultural monuments. This is of course a must see when visiting the city and not only the historical steps but the entire surroundings of this old part of Menton is beautiful. From here you are only a few minute walk away from several other locations seen in Never.


Bond's motorcycle which is supplied by Q is a Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo. He chases Blush in her Renault 5 Turbo 2.


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