We decided for our trip we wanted a mix of relaxation, culture and good food; therefore, we hopped on a plane to the French Riviera, and we were not disappointed. While we made Cannes our home base, we were able to visit several of the seaside towns and even made it to Monaco for the day. Also enjoyed seeing the setting for an all-time favorite- "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."
Our little French convertible, Bill's head didn't fit in the car with the top up.
Beach in Cannes, France.
"French cheese platter? Yes please!"
We were on the fence, but Rick Steves said Monaco was a must, and you can't argue with him, so we took the train there for the day. The country of Monaco is only three-fourths of a square mile, but is a huge draw for it's 30,000 ultra-wealthy residents because there is no income tax. When Monaco lost two-thirds of his land in 1860, France suggested they build a fancy casino and in return France promised to connect Monaco by rail in order to boost tourism. Today Monaco is run by Prince Albert (son of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III), whose wedding a few years ago was slightly overshadowed by Prince William's nuptials a few months prior. Prince Albert is actually a graduate of Amherst College and competed in several winter Olympics in bobsled. We didn't get a picture, but we were able to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace.
There were just a few yachts parked there.
The palace
I found this FOR SALE at the gift shop across from the palace. It was the only US license plate in the shop, I guess the Prince has friends in CT.
The cathedral where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married.
Inside the cathedral.
Monaco is home to the Grand Prix every May.
The Monte Carlo Casino. You can only go inside in non-formal attire before 8pm, but no pictures are allowed. Not sure which was more impressive, the interior, or the cars parked outside. You have to pay to enter the casino area so we decided we would leave the gambling to James Bond.
A glass of Rosé and a view, doesn't get better than this!
Our final stop for the evening was the town of Antibes for dinner. Antibes is not only beautiful, but also happens to have the largest yachting port in Europe. Pablo Picasso visited here for 6 months and created several works of art during his stay.
I wish we had a better view of our restaurant, it was in this incredible garden terrace, and you just felt like you were in a movie. It didn't hurt that live music was playing and that Bill had what he called "one of the best meals of his life."
You can get a slight view of the port at night through the archway into town.
Final day on the beach in Cannes before we leave.
Meanwhile, back at home....
While we were gone Jacob and Bria were having a blast at their first "Grammy Camp." My parents had lots of fun activities planned for their visit that all centered around the theme of animals. Unfortunately, the weather didn't really cooperate, but they made the most of it anyway. Here are some pictures from Grammy Camp:
The rain held off long enough the first day to spend a little time at our neighborhood playground.
In the afternoon they made playdough animals.
The finished product.
The next day they went to a local wildpark. Here are Jake and Bria in the petting zoo.
Each day the kids picked a job. This day Jacob's job was to help make dinner.
Grammy Camp 2014
I don't know if it was because we were gone, but this picture makes her look so big and old!
Once we returned to town we had a few more days of fun before Grammy and Grandpa left...
Of course we had to take them to the Val-Dieu Abbey.
They decided they couldn't leave town without trying this fun toy at one of our nearby playgrounds.
What a special visit for Jacob and Bria and we are so grateful to Grammy and Grandpa for letting us get away for a few days. Thank you!
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