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The French Riviera

lindaglamour
May 14, 2016
2 min read

The French Riviera in May is a glittering desirable location. The stars are here - Blake Lively, Russell Crowe, Colin Firth, Marion Cotillard and others are in Cannes for the film festival. From this epicentre, the glamour flows up the coast of the mediterranean to Nice and Monaco. I may not be a movie star but I feel equally special to arrive in Nice on a day that is so fine that the ocean and sky are achingly blue.

Staying at Le Meridien the location is pre-eminent on the Promenade des Anglais. The promenade is a long strip of glorious faded hotels fronted by cafes and bars with seats facing the street so one's gaze is forward towards the sea.

If I was an electrical appliance I would need an immediate recharge so that is what I did. I walked the promenade to ease my tired limbs, my skin soaked up the sunshine and I breathed in the slightly salt fresh air. In my room I lay on the lounge on the balcony and sunbaked - I could hear the ocean crashing on the shore and I could see the sea, people promenading, cars cruising the strip. Did the beach beckon? No. I'm an Aussie girl so a seafront of grey pebbles didn't appeal though it seemed thousands disagreed as people prostrated themselves on the shore. A more comfortable alternative was the lounges; where one can sunbathe, drink and gourmandise all in one place.

In the morning I walked around the city centre. I intuitively found my way to the luxury brand stores, the department store Galeries Lafayette and then the square with ornate fountain and gardens. My battery now full I felt able to begin the real adventure of the day - collecting my rental car and driving to Grasse.