October 13, 2013

Travel diary: the South of France

You know how I mentioned that Paris was not a kid friendly place? Well, in contrast, the South of France is where parents in the know go to enjoy the sun, the sea and the children's playgrounds. After Paris we took a train down to Nice where we stayed for 10 days. This was the second time we were in Nice and while I loved it the first time, I really really LOVED it this time. It's probably the only place in the world that we would consider relocating to. The people are lovely, the climate is gorgeous, and there's just a general nice vibe about the place. Now if only the husband and I can come up with a way of making a living there, we'd relocate for sure!
On Promenade De Anglaise
Hotel Mediterranean - I love the art deco architecture
The old port
My little boy Luca getting his feet wet in the Mediterranean
Out for an early morning stroll around the old port, it was pretty hot already!

In Nice we stayed in an apartment in Place Rosetti in the old town, our window overlooking the gorgeous piazza. Every morning we just went down to Cafe Antonia's downstairs for a croissant and coffee breakfast, then off exploring the city.
The apartment building we stayed at
The view from our room

Nice is in a great location in Provence with a good public transport system. Buses to go anywhere in town, or into neighbouring towns cost 1.50 Euro. Trains to nearby towns were around 4 Euro. Bargain! We took buses out to towns including Monte Carlo and Villefrance Sur Mer for day tips. We also took a train to Antibes, though we didn't get to spend much time there as Luca was in a cranky mood (teething issues). Here are some pics from those towns.
Antibes! Only a 20 minute train ride from Nice
Street in the old town of Antibes 
Old town of Antibes
Monte Carlo casino
Doing the touristy thing, posing in front of a cruise ship in Monaco
The picture perfect bay of Villefrance Sur Mer 
The Rothschild Villa in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
The beautifully manicured gardens of Villa Rothschild

As I mentioned before, I love Nice and I'm looking forward to our next visit there, hopefully in the not too distant future!

Have you been to Nice or to the South of France?

10 comments :

  1. Lovely photos:) France looks beautiful:)

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  2. Gorgeous photos!!! We didn't make it to Villa Rothschild when we were in Provence but looking at your photos I kinda wish we'd made time to go. Nice/Cannes/Monaco/St Tropez are some of my favourite places. Oh and Luca is getting so big, my god...

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    1. You know I didn't really want to go to Rothschild initially, the hubby had to force me to go but I'm glad we went. And don't worry, if you're anything like me I'm sure you're planning your next visit to Provence so next time you can go! Oh yeah, Luca is 15 months old now, crazy how quickly time flies!

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  3. Beautiful photos! I adore the South of France, I think it has the typical French style but more of the spanish weather!

    Belle x
    Mascara & Maltesers

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    1. Oh you are so right, the weather is definitely more Spanish than french. It's just beautiful!

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  4. Such gorgeous photos! I'm in love with the bright blue skies :)

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    1. I know, we were so lucky to get blue skies every day. And the sea as well, it was so blue it didn't look real!

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  5. I worked in a hotel on the Promenade des Anglais and loved it! It's a very beautiful part of France.

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  6. I never had any desire to go to France, until I saw these photos! Wow, it is beautiful!

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  7. It's "La Promenade des Anglais" and "Villefranche-sur-mer" ;)

    I have the chance to live in South of France, in Perpignan. I can go to spain in less than 1 hour, go to the beach in 15 minutes, and to the mountains in 45 minutes. It's really an ideal location, the landscape is beautiful !

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