"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Cousteau
***** June 1 *****
This was probably my favorite day. We leave the Spanish influence of Arles, stop in Les Baux for a taste of both medieval and modern and end on the vibrant Mediterranean. An absolute wow day! Les Baux is a hilltop town and the home of Balthazar (one of the "three kings" from the birth of Jesus). We were able to scale the castle ruins and were rewarded with dramatic views. Julie had gotten us there early and we had the ruins to ourselves except for all the charming French snails. The town itself had lots of cute little shops with herbs and soaps and even a cute water coloring that hangs in my kitchen.
Julie then lead us down to an old quarry which has been transformed into a jaw dropping light show. This was incredible; a should not be missed sight. I had no idea what to expect; you enter a dark, cold quarry and then you are surrounded by vivid paintings that are being projected onto the walls, ceilings, and floors. I was in awe! The current show is honoring the art of Chagall and the Alice in Wonderland story.
A few hours later we arrive at our final destination, Nice and the Cote d'Azur. Our hotel is right across the street from the Promenade des Anglais and the ocean. Andy and I ate a very memorable dinner at Chez Freddy. We get an appetizer of muscles and then a fish aioli (cod, salmon, and sea bass). We are brought out the most shocking amount of food and do the best we can; of course there is always room for dessert.
Julie then lead us down to an old quarry which has been transformed into a jaw dropping light show. This was incredible; a should not be missed sight. I had no idea what to expect; you enter a dark, cold quarry and then you are surrounded by vivid paintings that are being projected onto the walls, ceilings, and floors. I was in awe! The current show is honoring the art of Chagall and the Alice in Wonderland story.
A few hours later we arrive at our final destination, Nice and the Cote d'Azur. Our hotel is right across the street from the Promenade des Anglais and the ocean. Andy and I ate a very memorable dinner at Chez Freddy. We get an appetizer of muscles and then a fish aioli (cod, salmon, and sea bass). We are brought out the most shocking amount of food and do the best we can; of course there is always room for dessert.
***** June 2 *****
Our final full day of vacation; how did it go so fast! We do a walking tour of the city. First a climb up to Castle Hill (most of the group takes the elevator). From this vantage point you can see both the beach and the harbor. We end with a walk into the old town, which feels similar to Naples (not quite as gritty). Julie is very excited to introduce us to socca, a chickpea crepe. It's pretty good, but doesn't hold a candle to queso!
The rest of the afternoon is ours. We thought about going to Monaco, but there is a transit strike; the trains are running just less frequently. We decide to take it easy and walk on the Promenade to enjoy the vivid blue waters of the Medeterian. On the way back to our hotel we purchase a bottle of champagne and some chocolates and enjoy them while sitting on our balcony. This was a magical experience. It was wonderful to relax and watch all the people and dogs just enjoying life.
Our final group meal is at Le Grand Balcon. Nice has a definite Italian vibe so I go with a risotto and Andy has cod. Saying goodbye to this wonderful country is hard. Our trip has been lovely and we are so thankful for Julie for providing us with so much information and love for her adopted country.
The rest of the afternoon is ours. We thought about going to Monaco, but there is a transit strike; the trains are running just less frequently. We decide to take it easy and walk on the Promenade to enjoy the vivid blue waters of the Medeterian. On the way back to our hotel we purchase a bottle of champagne and some chocolates and enjoy them while sitting on our balcony. This was a magical experience. It was wonderful to relax and watch all the people and dogs just enjoying life.
Our final group meal is at Le Grand Balcon. Nice has a definite Italian vibe so I go with a risotto and Andy has cod. Saying goodbye to this wonderful country is hard. Our trip has been lovely and we are so thankful for Julie for providing us with so much information and love for her adopted country.
91 quai des états unis - Promenade des anglais
06300, Nice |