French Riviera: Nice, France

We left Antibes and headed up the coast to Nice.  It is such a beautiful drive looking at the ocean, but if you look to the left, the buildings look run down.  The problem is that there is a railway that runs parallel to the coastline and offers no access to the shore from that side.

When we got closer to the city the wealth became very noticeable.  The hotels look like old mansions.  One of the most famous is the Negresco with 119 rooms and 22 suites on the Promenade des Anglais.

With its warm Mediterranean climate and palm trees lining the promenade,  Nice is a popular tourist attraction with nearly 4 million tourists each year.

 

The promenade in Nice is called the Promenade Des Anglais from a time when the English used to winter in Nice in the eighteenth century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach has several sections such as this one, Miami Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our goal was to arrive in Nice to see the flower market before it closed.  We barely made it.  The flowers were not only beautiful, but beautifully priced.  I would say half the cost of the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

We found a nice little restaurant, Le Coin Quotidien, near the flower market and ordered Tartine Aubergine and Salmon et mozzarella et tomato salade.  I’m surprised that I haven’t gained 10 pounds since I got here.

 

 

 

 

The architecture is always so interesting with its many arches and clock towers.  We left Nice with one more visit in mind, Monte Carlo.

 

 

 

 

After driving up the coastal mountain toward the principality of Monaco (independent to Italy and France), we spent the afternoon in Monte Carlo, drinking wine and “people watching” as well as counting Ferraris (18), ranging in price from $250,000-$500,000, Porsches (stopped counting at 40).  There were two Casinos in the center of town across from each other, one having only slot machines (no dress code), the Casino de Monte Carlo was definitely more formal with suit jackets and dresses.  It was fun observing the women’s fashions.  Our cafe was directly across from the Hotel de Paris and diagonal to the casino.  An ideal spot on a beautiful day.  Not a cloud in the sky.

 

Next stop…Barolo, Italy!