JetSet Coco

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Exploring Nice


Nice, France is an enchanting city that has something to offer to every visitor, whether you wish to catch some rays on the pristine pebble beaches, soak up some culture in Vieux Nice and at the many museums, or simply eat your way through the town. Once under Italian territory, Nice is the perfect combination of both French and Italian cultures, which is reflected in the delicious cuisine as well as the laid back attitude of the locals.


Vieux Nice

Opera House

Courthouse


For a quintessential day exploring Nice, I would suggest to first grab a creamy cappuccino on the way to one of the daily markets in Vieux Nice on the Cours Selaya. Each morning, the old town boasts a superb farmer's market with local produce, fish, breads and tantalizing sweets. For breakfast I tried a pistacchio filled croissant from a market vendor, and it was fantastic! While in Vieux Nice, let yourself get lost wandering through alleys and passing by the numerous restaurants, while the scent of French delicacies waft through the air.

Marzapan at the market


Then, hike to the top of town via stairs from old Nice to catch a glimpse of the incredible aerial views Colline du Chateau has to offer of the beautiful city. The panoramic view of the ocean, terra cotta town, and Nice port are absolutely jaw dropping. I could have spent all day marveling the sights, but instead ventured down the other side of the hill to the port to check out all the yachts and pretend that I belonged there with the rich and famous. After coveting just about every sailboat and massive yacht in the port, it's time to cool off in the topaz ocean and people watch on the pebble shores.

Views of the port




After working up an appetite from the morning's adventures, head back to Vieux Nice for lunch, and I recommend pizza or pasta, since the French put a delightful spin on the traditional Italian cuisine. Order a bottle of rose and waste the afternoon away enjoying great food and company. When you can't stand the art of doing nothing anymore, take a stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais and grab a cone of French ice cream 'glace'. While I tried many interesting and delicious flavors of glace, I must say my favorites were the rose and lavende (lavender) flavors!


Promenade Des Anglais

Hotel Negresco

If you have an itch to shop, venture to Avenue Jean Medecin for a plethora of shops, including one of my favorite department stores, Galeries Lafayette. If you like to vintage shop as much as I do, don't miss the wonderful shop Caprice Vintage, tucked away on a hidden street in old Nice. If you have a sweet tooth, you must check out Canel Confiseur, for the most extravagant and colorful spread of chocolates, marzapan, and sweets shaped as any object imaginable such as animals, fruits, etc!


The perfect way to end such a busy day is with a great bottle of wine over a candle-lit dinner. There are tons of restaurants sprinkled throughout the old town, and it can get confusing looking at menu after menu trying to make a decision, so I'll make your decision easier. Go to Chez Juliette for a pleasant French meal, and you won't be disappointed. The escargot were phenomenal, as was everything else I ate here.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Antiquing in Nice


I have been known to obsess over a good flea market. Whether I'm in NYC, Miami, or lucky enough to be at Brimfield, I love to scour local flea markets for a great vintage find. Vintage shopping in Europe is heaven for a flea fiend like myself, so I was pleasantly surprised to find Nice's flea market, open every Monday in Vieux Nice. I spent the entire morning coveting gorgeous French baroque style furniture that I knew I couldn't take home with me, and marveling at all the antique treasures. While I maintained enough will power to not go too crazy shopping here, I did manage to capture the flea market with some photos. Enjoy!





Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Our Apartment in Nice, France


When considering where to stay in Nice, France, there are endless options of hotels, from the famous Hotel Negresco to smaller boutique hotels near Vieux Nice. We chose a less conventional route and decided to rent an apartment for our week stay in Nice from the fantastic rental agency Go Nice. Just three blocks away from the ocean and the famed Promenade Des Anglais, and a short fifteen minute walk to the train station, our apartment could not have been more perfectly located. Not to mention, the baroque decor throughout the apartment was to die for! With a wrap around balcony with views of the city and mountains, it was hard to want to leave the apartment, but we managed somehow to venture out and see the majority of the French Riviera.








Awesome view from our balcony

Saint Remy


After wandering through the tiny town of Les Baux, we took a short drive to the most picture perfect provincial town of Saint Remy. Based on its allure, it's no wonder that Van Gogh was inspired in Saint Remy to paint Starry Night. Of all the towns we visited in Provence, Saint Remy may have made it to the top of my favorites list. It has an effortless way of combining its unique charm and old world perfection with the conveniences of the modern world. Walking in these streets took me back in time, and while there were some provincial craft stores, there was also a plethora of modern clothing shops hidden behind the facade of the 14th century architecture. It's easy to get lost wandering the cobblestone streets of Les Baux, marveling at the stunning architecture and the magazine worthy window boxes and doors, lusting over a provincial flat of your own. After a successful afternoon of meandering through the town, shopping, and just appreciating the art of doing nothing, we worked up an appetite and headed to the town's famous restaurant, La Maison Jaune. This hidden restaurant lures you in by the tantalizing scent of its authentic French cuisine. We were seated at the best table of the restaurant, on the second floor outside, overlooking the town square and local houses. The three course meal consisting of perfectly prepared cod, delectable strawberry custard dessert, and of course lots of wine, proved to be one of my favorites of the trip. I wish I could go back right now!

Entrance to the historic town of Saint Remy

Town square




City Hall



Amazing windows all throughout Saint Remy


I want this chair!


Cute cafe in the square

Wandering the residential streets

Shopping


La Maison Jaune

Dinner table views

Les Baux


After a morning of shopping in Aix-en-Provence, we took a scenic drive to the medieval town of Les Baux. This town which hosts a church, castle, and provincial shops is made entirely of stone. It's stunning and unlike anything I've ever seen. Les Baux rests upon the top of a steep hill, once you finally drive to the top, the views of the countryside are astounding. It's amazing to me that a small town from the 16th century can be perfectly preserved over the years, and still maintain its original charm and craftsmanship in the little shops and restaurants. Now if only there could be a rule about how many monstrous bus tours get dumped here a day, the town would be even more quaint and authentic.

View of Les Baux from below

Les Baux's original chapel



Church

Local crafts shops


Cobble stone narrow streets

Restaurant with amazing views


Stunning views from Les Baux



Soap shop boasting more scents than I've ever seen