They always say that the ultimate vacation is one on the Cote D’Azur (or the French Riviera aka South of France). While I didn’t exactly live it up millionaire style in three cities that the Mediterranean bordered – Nice, Cannes and Marseille, I had quite the experience, taking in all the sights, dining on freshly-caught seafood and wandering through winding alleys and cobblestoned paths.
We crossed the border into Spain the last couple days of our trip, and visited the bustling city of Barcelona. There we shopped till we dropped, not forgetting though, to take an upclose look at genius artist Antonio Gaudi’s handiwork scattered all throughout the city.
Pure joy.
NICE, France
The Nice city tram that feels like you’re in an MRT but travelling on the roads. I like how there are tracks on the grass too.
The Nice beach is lined with these smooth stones/pebbles as far as the eye can see. I HAD to feel what it was like lying on a bed of rocks while listening to the waves crashing onto the shore.
CANNES, France
The auditorium where the Cannes Film Festival is held every year. Somehow it isn’t as exciting without all the bright lights, red carpet and movie stars
MARSEILLE, France
(Above) View from the hilltop, overlooking most of Marseille. (Below) I’ve never seen this many private yachts all in one place before.
CARCASSONE, France
This tiny little town just before the border of France and Spain holds a very distinctively medieval castle that transported me back in time to when knights jousted to win over the heart of fair maidens and princesses.
We spent a wonderfully glorious day wandering within the walls of the fortress.
No, this wasn’t our hotel. It was a hotel we spotted nestled at the bottom of the fort. Quite reminscent of a Tuscany villa don’t you think?
Steak Tartare. Yes, that is raw beef with a raw egg and super-thin, crispy fries. Best meal ever!
BARCELONA, Spain
This restaurant serves one of the best Paellas in town. We had complimentary welcome Sangrias while waiting for our table – there was quite the queue – and we sat at the same table Michael Douglas sat at. A must visit in Barcelona!
(Above) The Sagrada Familia. Amazing work of art by Gaudi. (Below) The Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:11) in every single language in the world.
Spain’s most well-known espadrille store. Celebrities have been spotted getting a pair of espadrilles here.