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. 

METZ, France.

On Saturday, J and I decided to take a little day trip to Metz, France. We decided to check out Metz' flea market that is hosted every first Saturday of the month. I am definitely always up for some flea marketing. :) 

We hopped into our trusty little car and away to Metz we went. We got there about 2 hours from the scheduled time for the market to close, however, apparently the French had somewhere to go, because as soon as 11 AM hit, they were packing up, though they were slotted until 12. Nevertheless, J and I found a couple of fun things. We got an umbrella holder in the shape of..wait for it..an umbrella. Love it! I got a wrap around sterling silver tiger ring with little bits of turquoise for eyes. Despite the stereotype of being rude, J and I have enjoyed most all of our interactions with the French people. And, we love France!

We also drove into the center of the city and were able to see their beautiful cathedral, as you saw from the previous post. We also meandered through the little Saturday fresh market.

For lunch, J was set on this place called Bouguignon. I was starting to get a bit hungry at this point, so we almost gave up the search, but as it always seems to go here, we stumble upon the right place at the right time. 

It seems my sweet husband picked this place because of my sweet tooth and love of French pastries, namely the French macaron.

As soon as I saw this window display, I was most definitely on board!

For lunch, we shared a tart Lorraine and a Croque-monsieur (a hot ham and cheese grilled sandwich). For dessert, we shared a Mont Blanc. A Mont Blanc is a French dessert made with pureed chestnuts atop meringue and finished with a thick, whipped cream. And, mirabelle macarons to go. :)

Tart Lorraine.

Mont Blanc.

Bourguignon.

Macarons!

Pastries at Bouguignon.

Mirabelle candies. The Mirabelle is a type of plum found in the Lorraine region of France.

The cathedral.