French Riviera: Exploring Nice

On any vacation I go on, there must be time set aside for touring, picture taking (a given) and of course, shopping.


We spent the day shopping and discovering things in Nice. The morning was spent in our apartment, enjoying fresh local specialities for breakfast, along with our daily coffee, before heading out for the first part of the day.


We popped in and out of several shops, then found a little spot for lunch. As with every meal we enjoyed in the Riviera, the local olive oil was in great supply. Honestly, I had never had so much olive oil in my life; now, I am most certainly a believer. The olive oil in Nice, in particular, was infused with spicy peppers. Sister and I enjoyed quite a lot of local variations of pizza, which we happily devoured as a side to our olive oil. :)


After lunch, we went in search of a tourism office, to find out how to travel to the local cities we wanted to visit. The signs weren't as easy to follow as one might think, so that was an adventure in and of itself. However, we did finally locate it and get the information we needed. Mission accomplished.


We thought instead of taking the same way  back to the apartment, through the streets and such, we would walk along the promenade and enjoy the view of the water. It was actually quite chilly much of the time we were in the Riviera, but we didn't let that stop us. For a potential once and a lifetime trip, one must make the best of it.


We, read: I, were very much in need of coffee and a sweet (or two). We found the cutest and most delicious little sweet shop! Emilie's. I highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Nice and in need of a little sugar. I enjoyed a couple of sweets. I had been wanting a REAL cupcake for a while, they just aren't something sold frequently in Europe, so when I saw them on the counter, it was on. :) Generally, I eat pretty healthy and clean, but sometimes, a girl needs her sweets.


After our little break, it was back to the apartment to let little dog out and take a little nap before our evening festivities..

French Riviera: Nice Beach

We spent a day meandering around Nice and the area around our apartment. My sweet husband bought me fresh flowers at the market (Cours Saleya) and presented them in this cute little teapot that came with the rental. 


We have spent a good amount of time in France, but Nice, by far is the most laid back. The beach? Absolutely gorgeous! I loved staring at the stunningly blue water. Pictures don't do it justice. 


We stopped for a couple of drinks, mid-day and enjoyed the view of the market square.

French Riviera: Monaco

Monaco & Monte Carlo were a short train ride away from Nice, so we took advantage of that and visited the Principality of Monaco for a day.


The train stations in Nice & in Monaco were gorgeous in and of themselves. All the lines & curves & architecture. Perfection.


Monaco is where the Monaco Grand Prix is held, yearly. The Grand Prix actually took place the week we were in the Riviera. We walked along the track and were in awe of the grandiose yachts docked for prime viewing of the race. Can I just say these things were crazy awesome?! I loved day-dreaming about the fun I would have sunning on the decks or swimming in one of the pools on-board. Ahh. Maybe one day. ;)


Later in the early evening, we found a little cafe to have dinner at and as a bonus, saw a fireworks show from our seats outside. 


In any place I visit, I love getting the feel of a place by watching the skies get dark and the lights of the city light up the sky. Monaco was no different. I loved the lights along the coast.