Travel Agent Co. Cork

During my 5 day trip to the South of France I really only experienced a taster of what this picturesque vibrant area has to offer. I want to share my experience with you because as soon as I set foot on the plane to come home I wanted to be back there again. It was amazing.

I based myself in the exciting city of Nice and toured from there. Nice is one of the most popular cities in the South of France and its easy to see why; whether you want to see the sights, laze on the beach, shop till you drop or sample the wonderful culinary delights, Nice has it all.

The stately Promenade Des Anglais (famous beach front promenade) is lined with elegant hotels and graceful palm trees and a wonderful promenade to stroll along. At various areas of the promenade you can hop on a little tourist train which gives you a whistle stop tour of what Nice has to offer. I did this and found it excellent, so much so that when I visited Cannes and Monaco later in the week I hopped on the tourist trains there also, an excellent way to see what the South of France has to offer when your time is limited.

The old town of Nice is just wonderful, a maze of narrow streets, delicious inexpensive restaurants, colourful craft shops and street vendors. Its quite an nice atmosphere, everywhere is lively and buzzing. Nice is also very much an historic city with numerous museums, churches and listed buildings so plenty of sightseeing for all tastes.

Finally the harbour is well worth a visit. See the cruise ships dock, experience the wonderful restaurants, cafes, multi million pound yachts and great nightlife too.

At the central train station in Nice, I purchased tickets to Cannes, Eze, Montecarlo & Monaco. Cannes, which is about 45 minutes on the train was such an experience. I really got a taste of how the rich and famous live. Cannes is the home of many luxurious houses and mansions. The city is also famous for its various luxury stores, fancy restaurants and prestigious hotels. And of course not forgetting the Cannes Film Festival. The centre of Cannes boasts a beautiful beach, this is a public beach so open to everyone. As I mentioned before in front of the beach on the promenade you can avail of the tourist train, its great fun and an excellent way of learning about the local area. The town of Cannes is very pretty, wonderful shops, not just designer boutiques. I really enjoyed my day there and would definitely go back for another visit.

Another day I boarded the train and visited the medieval village of Eze and onwards to Montecarlo & Monaco. Eze is a village perched overlooking the Mediterranean, amazing views. Eze is famous for its 12th century fortified castle the ruins of which now sits on a narrow rocky peak.
Eze is a pretty village with narrow streets and souvenir shops, well worth a visit, you can hike up to the village it takes a good hour and half but you will be well rewarded by the magnificent view. I of course took the easy route by bus!!

Onward to Monaco and Montecarlo, in my opinion its like another world here. Not a blade of grass out of place, beautiful buildings, no place for a little boat in this harbour, only some of the world's most expensive and luxurious yachts. The Prince's Palace and the Oceanograohic Museum and Aquarium are well worth a visit. Again I took the tourist train here and explored both Monaco and Montecarlo with excellent commentary. What an experience, magnificent architecture, exquisite gardens, many museums and churches. All in all you definitely get a taste of how the REAL rich and famous live, even if only for a day!!

Nice is very accessible all year round for a short city break or a 2 week holiday exploring the French Riviera as a whole. This is one area in the world that I for one cannot wait to go back and visit.