Thursday, 7 June 2012

It’s more than just a beret.






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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