In September, we took a short trip to the French Riviera. Using Nice as a base, we explored some quaint and picturesque hilltop and seaside villages in the area. We didn't get the typical Côte d'Azur September weather, but it was not too bad. It was warm enough and partly sunny. The region was having an unusual cool and cloudy/rainy spell during the time we were there.
I wasn't blown away by the beaches in Nice, but it wasn't beach weather anyway. I thought the city itself was very charming though. Especially, the old town with its narrow, winding streets. All of the villages we visited (Eze, Villefrance-Sur-Mer, St-Paul de Vence) were charming as well and offered great views of the surrounding area and the sea. The ride along the high and low corniches, two of the three roads that wind through the area, was spectacular in and of itself. Monaco was not that charming. Although, I thought it was interesting to see the grand casino. The region reminded me of Provence with a mediterranean flavor. We enjoyed taking lazy, scenic strolls, seeing great art, and eating yummy Italian food.
Nice
I wasn't blown away by the beaches in Nice, but it wasn't beach weather anyway. I thought the city itself was very charming though. Especially, the old town with its narrow, winding streets. All of the villages we visited (Eze, Villefrance-Sur-Mer, St-Paul de Vence) were charming as well and offered great views of the surrounding area and the sea. The ride along the high and low corniches, two of the three roads that wind through the area, was spectacular in and of itself. Monaco was not that charming. Although, I thought it was interesting to see the grand casino. The region reminded me of Provence with a mediterranean flavor. We enjoyed taking lazy, scenic strolls, seeing great art, and eating yummy Italian food.
Nice
A Walk Around the City
This fancy shop that specialized in a type of candy from Provence called fruits confits. I thought they would be too sweet for me, but they were surprisingly yummy. See link for explanation: http://www.histoiresucree.com/product_pages/fruits_confits_large.html
Marc Chagall Museum
Our Flat
We rented this flat from a friend of our friends, Marta and Ivan. It was located on a square bustling with life. It was close enough to the tourist spots so that it didn't take long to walk anywhere, but far enough away to be able experience some local character.
It had a small kitchen so we could cook some meals in and was around the corner from a grocery store...very convenient. Our window overlooked a square that was full of restaurants and shops. There was also a small bar just below. We ate at the Italian restaurant next door a couple of times as it was good and close to home. We didn't really need to go out for entertainment. We just had to look out our window to see people in action. One evening, we heard a band playing across the square. It was great having the music in the background while we were eating dinner. We finished our dinner and walked over there for a closer view. Unfortunately, it started to rain just after we ordered a drink so we only got to hear two songs before the band had to stop playing.
It had a small kitchen so we could cook some meals in and was around the corner from a grocery store...very convenient. Our window overlooked a square that was full of restaurants and shops. There was also a small bar just below. We ate at the Italian restaurant next door a couple of times as it was good and close to home. We didn't really need to go out for entertainment. We just had to look out our window to see people in action. One evening, we heard a band playing across the square. It was great having the music in the background while we were eating dinner. We finished our dinner and walked over there for a closer view. Unfortunately, it started to rain just after we ordered a drink so we only got to hear two songs before the band had to stop playing.
Rick cooking us a delicious dinner of pasta with zucchini and wild mushrooms...yum!
A starter of olives and cheese from the market and some red wine
Eze
Monaco
Villefranche-Sur-Mer
St-Paul de Vence
Taken from the window of our bus...C'est La France!
Foundation Maeght
The walk up the hill from St Paul was worth it to see this museum. It was founded in the 1950s by an art dealer from Cannes named Aimé Maeght. It is a unique contemporary and modern art museum, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. It sits high atop the city of St. Paul, surrounded by nature. The idea is to combine natural scenic beauty with the whimsical art of such artists as Alberto Giacometti, Alexander Calder, and Joan Miró.
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