Seven things you might not know about Nice
Nice has been the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera for centuries. The stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, luxury yachts, amazing fresh food and joie de vivre are just some of the things Nice is celebrated for. Many people think they know Nice on the French Riviera, but how familiar are you with Nice? Here are seven interesting facts about Nice that you might not know. 1. Why is Nice named Nice? Originally known as ‘Nike’ and settled as part of the Greek empire, Nice also spent a period of time under Italian rule and named ‘Nizza’. In fact, Nice only became part of France in 1860 when the…
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the many gardens
There is much evidence of the decadent lives that have been lived on the French Riviera, but few trump the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The pink villa set high upon the promontory commands spectacular views over the nine elaborate gardens (yes, nine) and the glittering Mediterranean on both sides. It is a stunning property, and one not to be missed. Visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Baronness Beatrice de Rothschild was an eccentric soul, judging by her south of France home. Built between 1905 and 1912, many of the rooms have been preserved with the same furnishings that were in place while she lived in the…
Musee Renoir – an insight into Renoir’s life in Cagnes-sur-mer
Do you love art enough to be interested in the story behind it? In the hills above sleepy little Cagnes sur Mer on the French Riviera coastline, hides a real treat for art lovers, especially fans of Pierre Auguste Renoir. A short walk from the centre of Cagnes-sur-mer, Renoir’s final home, now open to the public, is a beautiful sanctuary overlooking olive groves and the glittering Mediterranean. It’s easy to see why, when driven to a warmer climate by agonising rheumatoid arthritis, Renoir chose to live there. World-famous artists seem quite untouchable at times, unreal almost, so it is incredible to be able to walk through the house that was…
5 of the best villages in Provence
I feel really lucky to have been able to spend some time exploring Provence. I think it to be one of the most beautiful areas of France, if not the world. From tiny villages filled with mystery, to sophisticated settlements offering incredible backdrops while you sample the local produce, there is definitely a village for every taste. Here are my five favourite villages in Provence. St Remy de Provence One time home to Vincent Van Gogh and Nostradamus, Sainte Remy de Provence is a beautiful example of a perfect Provencal village. Across pretty village squares and beneath arching trees colourful shops entice you in to discover locally made melt in…
Sanary Sur Mer – a small town with a big history
Many visitors to the Marseille region of Provence travel east far enough to explore the marvellous calanques along the coastline. Some even make it far enough to appreciate Cassis and her charms, but those that travel just a short distance further east are rewarded with time spent in Sanary Sur Mer, which is far quieter than other more famous towns on the French Riviera, but just as pretty. Sanary, as it is known locally, is a beautiful fishing port, without all the crowds. The town is near Toulon, about 75 km east of Marseille and 150km west of Nice. Sanary is a small town with a big history. The little…
Celebrate life: Visit the Chagall Museum in Nice
If you’re a fan of Chagall’s colourful and dreamlike compositions, the Chagall Museum in Nice is a must-see. Nestled in the hillside neighbourhood of Cimiez, high above the city, the unassuming museum is a haven of tranquillity, housing a host of treasures. The French Riviera has been a source of inspiration for innumerable artists. While many visited the Cote d’Azur, Marc Chagall was one of the artists that called the region home. Chagall first visited Nice in 1926 but, having had to leave Europe and relocate to the USA to survive the Second World War, he only lived in Provence from 1950 to 1966. Chagall’s Old Testament stories Opened in…
Three of Europe’s best coastal hikes
Europe has some incredible scenery, and a hiking adventure is one of the best ways to truly appreciate it.The European continent has it all, beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and spectacular rivers, with unique and charming towns and villages, often historic, scattered throughout, not to mention the food! There is an enormous variety of walking paths, offering everything from simple strolls to hardcore hiking. These three walks are my favourite coastal hikes in Europe, and worth the effort for the views alone. The Lycian Way, Turkey Covering more than 500 kilometres, the Lycian Way (Lykia Yolu) is made up of several historic pathways that stretch along Turkey’s beautiful south west coast…
Saint Remy de Provence – the essence of Provence
For the ultimate Provencal experience you can’t surpass Saint Remy de Provence. From the tree-lined boulevard leading into town to the charming historic buildings, magnificent local produce and reputation for having inspired Impressionist genius Vincent Van Goph, there really are lots of things to do in Saint Remy de Provence. Saint Remy’s Old Town While slightly challenging to navigate, Saint Remy’s historic centre is charming. Although no longer surrounded by ramparts and a moat (the moat was transformed into the town’s ringroad), the maze of beautiful but narrow streets, decorated with shuttered windows, shady squares and cooling fountains, is a delight to wander around. Amidst the picturesque scenes in the…
A Day in Cassis
A last minute change of plans during a trip to Provence left a friend and I looking for accommodation between St Tropez and Marseille the night before catching a flight from Marseille. Where should we overnight that would be enjoyable but also within easy reach of the airport? It looked like an opportunity to explore Cassis had landed in our laps. About 20 kilometres east of Marseille, Cassis sits nestled at the foot of high cliffs and gazes out at the Mediterranean. It is a good place from which to explore the spectacular calanques (inlets) along this stretch of coast. This one-time fishing village, now a picturesque little town, is…
Spectacular Provence Beaches
Having grown up only a whisper away from France, in the UK, I had always rather disregarded the beaches, assuming they would be very similar to UK beaches, with shingle and cold murky water. In northern France they have vast sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Being the other side of the channel, the water is not very different. But with regards to the Provence coast, how wrong could I be? What a difference a land mass makes Of course Provence is on the south coast of France and the Mediterranean. This makes a huge difference. The water is generally sheltered and beautifully clear. Don’t be…
