I know there is a lot more to France than
just glorious beach’s and insanely delicious rose (for even you thrifty back
packers out there) but for me – the some-what uncultured girl who thrives on a
good bar vibe with cheap rose and relies on the local people in the corner café
to judge a place rather than a brochure or tour guide with a ping pong bat -
this is my guide to France - the grand Cote D’Azur. I therefore suggest for the
cultured readers out there (go me for attracted you lot) to purchase a Lonely
Planet or something similar with detailed information on the boring stuff.
To veer off the beach path for a brief
moment, I would suggest a visit to the Eze Village in Eze–Sur Mer (surprise
surprise). I believe the walk up has quite the view but for me, that takes away
precious relaxing and drinking time and I watched the walkers arrive all sweaty
and panting which I can assure you is not a good look in photo’s. So we caught
the bus up (beware to all fellow motion sickness people its quite the ride),
and the town is so quaint and different up there it really is worth the day
trip. I couldn’t tell you much more about it but we wondered around the winding
cobbled roads where we found the view to
murder all other views and thought ‘hey, who cares if we spend our weekly
budget on one cocktail?’ at the Chevre D’Or. It is worth its exorbitant price
(DO NOT have a non alcoholic drink as it is almost the same price – priorities,
priorities, priorities!) There is also a Michellin Star restaurant called Restaurant Eze which also sports a
fabulous view and well dressed waiters - you know its pricey when the waiter
wears Armani.
I didn’t bother visiting the ‘Cactus
Garden’ because lets be honest, is that really in your list of things to do
before you die? If it is well your in luck and for only a five-a. There is also
a famous Fragonard where you get to learn all about perfume and why we spend
lots of money in duty free - try tell me you don’t buy your perfume in “duty
free”?
If these gorgeous little towns are your thing,
do try St Paul De Vence, it tops the ‘cute-o-meter’ for small towns. Very artisty
if that’s even a word - perhaps not but it fits the description-and a
photographers dream. Every corner, every art gallery (cultured for me I know)
and every shop is nestled in amongst a picturesque little walk way or garden.
Its only a half day trip and I would suggest going out of season, no need for
sunshine here, its beauty needs no air brushing, and besides the bus loads of
tourists piling out into this tiny town gets a bit crowded so do yourself a
favour and save it for the winter even.
Speaking of winter in the South of France –
now don’t get all grey on me, it is actually a fabulous winter destination. I
have spent 2 winters here and loved every one. Its cold enough yes but it is
also gorgeous. Take away the hoards of tourists and the packed beaches and you
have become a local. It’s a great getaway and the best part about it for me is
the mountains. It is only an hour away from kilometers of snow – a
snowboarder’s paradise. Isola 2000 is the closest to the coast but only a half
hour further are two other ski fields. I know it sounds bizarre going skiing to
the South of France but hey, when you’re given lemons – cut em up and smash a
tequila or two. We spent every possible weekend up there and even travelled a
bit further to the most spectacular Courchevel, which is a snowy paradise if I
have ever seen. So don’t think the gorgeous Cote D’Azur it simply a summer-only
holiday, it isn’t.
I have mentioned a few beaches in my blog,
a few fab restaurants and even a winter past time spot so I feel to top it all
off should be a little bit of the best entertainment (I believe) the Riviera
has to offer. For those reading this will smile at reading their name and
remember the many hang over’s that followed a night after watching these guys.
The Blah Blah’s, a cover band that puts all the original artists they cover to
shame – in my opinion. The lead singer Al is a cracker of a front man who keeps
you laughing, singing and dancing till the wee hours of the morning, every
morning. So keep an eye out at all the pubs, restaurants and ‘what’s-on’ guides
in case you should be so lucky to see these guys perform.
I guess I could go on forever about the fabulous-ness of France but for now I
will stop there in case I loose all my ‘short attention span’ readers out there
– I know I know, more pictures.
As I fly over France eating a mini sandwich
on a mini plate and a small coke on my way to Zurich, I hope you enjoy France
as much as I have. Here’s to the next little adventure.
Au revoir xx
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