Out and About in the South of France
I wrote recently about the wonderful week I spent on the Cote d’Azur.
I have visited this part of France many times, and I never tire of it. There is just so much to see; so many lovely places to visit.
Antibes is a great destination for a day out. Just an hour by bus from Nice, it sits right on the coast and has a more laid-back feel than some of the glitzier Cote towns. There is a fantastic food market to browse, and a warren of narrow streets to explore. The Picasso Museum is well worth a visit, and don’t miss the Fort Carre. It stands proud above the yachts in the harbour and is famous for appearing in the James Bond film “Never Say Never Again”.
Another unmissable day trip from Nice is glamorous Monaco, also about an hour by bus in the opposite direction from Antibes. Marvel at the opulent yachts, designer shops and over-the-top glamour, or try your luck in the Casino. If you’re feeling fit, climb up to the palace and explore the quaint old town. The views from the top are amazing!
For a complete change of pace, head into the hills behind Nice and Cannes to the pretty town of Vence. With lots of interesting shops selling linens and pottery, and the Chapelle du Rosaire designed by Matisse, it’s an idyllic place to escape the crowds.
Nearby is the impossibly picturesque hilltop village of St Paul de Vence. It’s an art lovers’ paradise, with galleries and craft studios galore. The chocolate-box houses and flower-filled alleyways would inspire anyone to pick up a paintbrush!
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