The French Riveria

We got a nice early start from Avignon on Monday morning to head off to the Cote d'Azur so decided to make a little detour into St. Tropez to see what all the hype is about. Big mistake. Our short detour turned into a long, tense journey as the road alternated between narrow winding, hill hugging roads and then crawling at snails pace as we reached the coast. We have included a photo below but my suggestion is, that unless you can afford the private helicopter to deliver you in, give St.Tropez a big miss.



Finally it was back on the road to Cote d'Azur. We arrived early afternoon with visions of setting up camp and lazing back on the beach or by the pool. This vision was soon squelched as we had to drive from campground to campground before we could find space or a suitable space. Finally settled on a campground 10km from the coast in a valley with a nice river running through it. We were a little bit dubious at first but it ended up being a nice place to stay with congenial staff and other interesting travelers to talk to at the open air bar/restaurant.



Tuesday morning we were up early and ready to head into Nice before the traffic. We made a beeline for the Promenade d'Anglais (a la every postcard and travel brochure picture of Nice you have ever seen).


We were very impressed with this bit of parking (see next photo) but as touch parking seemed to be the norm judging by the front and rear dents in most cars we headed for the safety of a parking station (only one street back from the Promenade).


This next picture of the beach front is typical of much of the coast, private beaches alternating with public beaches, or what I called "the haves and the have nots". At a private beach in Nice for about €25 per person you got a lounge and umbrella for 2 hours and a cold drink.


For those of you who know us well you will know straight away what section of the beach we opted for! For those that are still trying to guess, see the next photo.



Yes, here we are enjoying our 'gourmet' picnic on the public beach. And the whole experience (including the €7.70 for parking) cost well under €25 all up.



We had a lovely time swimming in the remarkably clear blue water but the jury is still out about the pebbly beaches. Sure, unlike sand they do not get in your food and towel, but the walk to and from your towel to the water sure is ouchy!

In the afternoon we went to Grasse and visited one of the many perfumeries in the area. They all offer free guided tours which is just as well as they are in French! Needless to say we are not a whole lot enlightened on the perfume making process except for a few English signs here and there. For example, it takes 300 kg of roses to make 1 kg of rose extract.


We finished off the day with a swim in the river back at camp and toasted our last night in France with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot (purchased of course from the local supermarket - Woolies in Kingston you have a lot to live up to!)

Gayle

Location:Nice