We made it!!

Ad and I successfully made it to Nice, France yesterday morning. We left Colorado at 10:30 am, arrived in New York at 4:45 pm then departed at 6:00pm for France. Thanks to our friend, Alan, we were able to enjoy Business class that included champagne, reclining seats, down comforters, dinner and cold sundaes!

We arrived the next morning in Nice at 8:15 am (12:15 am Colorado time). The French Riviera is beautiful, surrounded by mountains, beaches of le gallets (rocks) and the Mediterranean Sea. We took a bus to the village of Cagnes Sur Mer, stopping at the local police station for directions to the Jaujous, the family we are staying with while in Nice. The Jaujous (the father-Luc, his wife-Genvieve, Victoria-daughter, Adrienne-son) are wonderful and we enjoying our time with them as well as their generous hospitality. We connected with them through friends of ours, the Filions- thank you!

After arriving, we took a nap in our bungalow then woke up and enjoyed our first delicious French lunch of salad with rice, peppers, dressing, a plate of fresh tomatoes with olive oil and basil and a fresh baguette. After lunch, Luc let us borrow some bikes and we rode from Cagne Sur Mer to Nice, biking up to a waterfall (Col de Chateaux) just above the town Nice. The Chateaux is an old castle that was used to defend the land and protect it's territory.  The views were breathtaking and the falls felt amazing as it was 85 degrees and very humid.

After the ride, we cruised back through town coming upon road closures for the next day's celebration of Bastille Day, France's independence holiday. As we continued to ride through the closure, Ad was stopped by the French police along with Luc and myself, and scolded in French for riding our bikes through a busy area. Ad's face was priceless as he didn't know what to say yet they let us go and we made our way home through the backstreets. The route included riding down the middle of winding roads in two way traffic with motor scooters coming right at us.  I called this - French controlled chaos.

Finally home, we enjoyed another delicious dinner of sliced red peppers in olive oil and garlic with red potatoes and a fresh baguette. So simple, fresh and delicious.

Wednesday-- we woke up at almost noon. We needed the rest since we had been up for 41 out of the last 48 hours. We joined Luc for a tour of three areas around Nice: Gourdon, Tourrettes sur Loup and Saint Paul de Vence.

Goudon means "mountain" in French and over looks the Valle du Loup in the Cote d'Azur. Built on an isolated rock, it also served to protect and defend from invasions. The next town, Tourrettes sur Loup, otherwise known as the City of Violets, is a medieval village perched in the back country of Provence and surrounded by fields of violets. It is set between the mountains and the sea. The village is a mecca for artists such as musicians, painters, writers and craftsmen. We learned from two women living in the village that it use to have over 50 violet farmers but now is down to 5 due to a weakened economy.

Our last stop was to Saint Paul de Vence, a beautiful village overlooking Cagnes sur Mer and the Mediterranean sea.  It features famous contemporary artists, poets and writers and one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence region. The narrow and picturesque streets are a favorite for those looking for 5-star hotels and dining.

Tonight, we enjoyed another beautiful dinner with the Jaujous out on their veranda.  And now, it's time to go to bed.

Goodnight and love to you all,

Cathy and Adam
(To view pictures, look to the right and click "France-Provence")