Have you ever made it to a place that you have been dreaming about? A place that has been on your bucket list for years? Somewhere that others have traveled to and raved out only increasing your desire to get there? Well in September that happened to me when I finally arrived in the South of France AKA the French Riviera AKA Cote d’ Azur to locals. I have seen movies that have taken place in the French Riviera, including James Bond films, and have imagined all the fabulous people and places there. I also imagined the glitz and the glamour, the cars and the yachts. As I got older and became a movie buff I watched coverage of the Cannes Film Festival hoping one day I could rub elbows with the famous and talented actors and actresses. Or, at least just be in Cannes at the same time sailing around on my yacht and running into them in the local coffee shops 🙂 Ok, so you see that I have an active imagination! Now back to my story about Cote d’Azur…
Cannes: While on my Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic one of the stops was Cannes, France (and yes its pronounced C-A-N just like a can of soda). It was much more of a bustling city than I imagined but still with beautiful views, sand, beaches and yes-yachts. The streets were filled with high end designer stores and outdoor cafes. During our drive through the city our tour guide pointed out the famous theater which holds the annual Cannes Film Festival. I was surprised and a bit disappointed that the building and infamous steps lined with red carpet during the film festival were both smaller than they appear on TV. But, it was pretty awesome to finally see it. Our tour only included a drive through this city so I hope to return soon!
Nice: We drove along the coastline passing thru many small French towns until we arrived in Nice. AHHH!! Nice is the largest city in the French Riviera and has its own airport. As we drove along one of the many thoroughfares along the ocean called “Promenade des Anglais” (Promenade of the English) our guide pointed out many historic hotels and buildings including the Hotel Negresco built in 1912. The weather was absolutely perfect with low humidity, bright sunshine and a temperature of 75 degrees. I was anxious to get off the tour bus and explore!
The Ponchettes beach area was lined with palm trees on one side and large areas of fancy beach chairs with umbrellas on the other. Men, women and children were walking and bike riding along a long path beside the beach. At one point I felt as if I was in South Beach Miami! We walked down to the large farmers market located in the “Cours Saleya” square. At the farmers market vendors were selling everything from fruit to flowers to bread to lavender. I love lavender so bought some fragrant soaps to bring back home.
The main square “Place Massena” had beautiful colored buildings with the cleanest sidewalks I think I have ever seen. There is a large fountain with statues called “Fontaine du Soleil”.
Soon a sleek commuter train passed by and I noticed long poles with figures on top! This artistic work was created by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It is called “Conversation a Nice” and represents communication between the seven continents. I read that they actually light up at night. How magnifique! Below is absolutely one of my favorite pics from the trip. It was the perfect day!
Stay tuned for the next part of my “Visiting the French Riviera” with Monaco & Monte Carlo!
Have you been to the South of France/French Riviera/Cote d’Azur?! If so share your thoughts with us!
N.S.W
The French Rivera is one place I must visit! I would actually live there. Your pics are stunning and I can’t wait for part 2. I’m traveling through your post. So wonderful to travel. I know you have the most amazing memories.
Thank you MJ! I’m glad you are enjoying my travel posts. You would love the French Riviera. So beautiful!
I, too, was aboard the Epic and dropped anchor off-shore and was tendered to the Port de Cannes. Was your port of call in Cannes during the film festival as was mine??? I wish I had known ahead of time and rather than taking a shore excursion to Nice and Eze, I would, like others, just disembarked and spent the whole day people watching in Cannes. Perhaps we were ship mates!
Hi Paul-I was on this cruise last September so missed the film festival. I am sure it is a scene! I heard Eze is beautiful so hope to go there on my next trip!
Your photos look amazing! I haven’t been to the French Riviera yet, but it’s a biggie on my bucket list. Can’t wait to go.
Thank you! I love looking back at these pics. I still can’t believe I was really there! I am sure you will enjoy it when you get there.
It looks like you had a great time! Thanks for this taste of Cannes, I’d like to get there one day. I love the Epic! I’ve not cruised her while in Europe but for the TA from Miami.
Thanks Xena! You would absolutely love the South of France! I enjoyed cruising on Norwegian Epic too! So big and so much to do!
I am so jealous, that looks like the most amazing trip!
xo
styleontheside.com
Thanks Caroline! It was and I can’t wait to go back!
My sister and I have been to Cannes, Nice, and Monaco in May 2009. We had a great time. Loved the break-dancing in the middle of a sidwalk in Nice; the beautiful yachts in Monaco; and the beauty of the water in all three locations. We were in the French Rievera during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco. In Monaco the event staff let us in to see the remaining 20 minutes of the race. Awesome time.
That sounds so amazing! To be in The French Riviera during those 2 landmark events! I hope to go back during at least one of those.
What a lovely write-up Nadeen. Yes, I’ve been to the South of France. I’ve also been to Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Andora!
Nice is lovely but pretty expensive and Monaco is insane. It was (gulp) 14 years ago and the first time that I had ever been to a casino and we kept getting hit on by randy old guys. We accepted the free drinks though! 10 years ago, I went skiing in Andorra over the New Year. It was great. I drank a lot of champagne LOL!
Your pictures are lovely. I can’t wait to re3ad more. 🙂
Thank you Victoria! Yes that area is definitely for the rich and famous and wannabes! Lol. It sounds like you had a great experience thou!
Aww, you just gave me an idea on how I can do this all. I wanted to go to the South of France in 2012 but didn’t feel up to getting extra fine. So I went somewhere else. I may try this cruise but it will cover more ground in a short amount of time. Awesome pictures.
Thank you Reginia! I do love cruises for that purpose. ou get to see so much in such a short time and I have had the French Riviera on my list since I can remember. It did not disappoint at all!
I have not been to the south of France yet, but I am DYING to go… I keep hearing such wonderful things and seeing such beautiful pictures!
I am sure you would love it Chanel! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I miss Nice so much and French Riviera in general. Can’t wait to go back. Thanks for sharing
xo
http://theblossommuse.blogspot.ca
Pelny-neither can I! It is so beautful! Thanks for reading and commenting!
This is on my list of places to visit. It always looks so gorgeous there and I hear the food is really great.
Yes to both! The views, the food and all the history!_I am sure you would love it!
I must say that I am envious of you, it looks so beautiful!! So far the only place I have scratched off the bucket list is Jamaica. Looks like you had a wonderful time!!
Well since I am from Jamaica I think that is a great choice! Thank you for reading and commenting!
So glad to see a post on Nice, a city I much prefer to Paris! All those atmospheric old hotels along the promenade, a wonderful museum with gorgeous Belle Epoque portraits, the flower market, and it’s a great hub for day trips to all the towns made famous by artists. A favorite memory? The whole candied clementines. Mmmm!
Lesley you described it so well! I hope to return for those clementines!
I absolutely adore Cannes, but I’m glad I didn’t have any expectations of the red carpet for the film festival. It was so tiny!! hahaha but the yachts aren’t!
Hi Nadeen! Maybe you don’t know, but not far from the Cannes coast are the magnificent Lerins Islands. It’s worth taking a ferry from Cannes for a walk by the sea surrounded by trees! In addition, on one of the islands, the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned! Nice story, right? 🙂
Oh that sounds lovely. We plan to go back to the French Riviera next year.