Days 11-13: Nice
Day 11: Les Baux and Nice
On the way to Nice, we stopped at Les Baux. Our first stop was at the Carrieres des Lumieres at Les Baux, which was incredible! It is an immersive sound and light show on the (indoor) quarry walls, and the theme was Venice, La Serenissima, plus a shorter experience about Yves Klein. It is hard to describe how wonderful it was, the imagery is spectacular and the sound really enhances the whole experience. We got there right when it opened, so it did not feel crowded at all. We also had some time to explore Les Baux. We spent time in the castle ruins, though I enjoyed wandering more than listening to the audioguide. We also browsed a few shops, picked up a sandwich for lunch, and had ice cream before returning to the bus to head to Nice. At our final “aire” rest stop on the way to Nice, we said our farewells to our wonderful driver Joseph and our guide presented him with a card we had all written in. Julie, our guide, and Joseph, truly made a wonderful team and made the tour run incredibly smoothly.
On the way to Nice, we stopped at Les Baux. Our first stop was at the Carrieres des Lumieres at Les Baux, which was incredible! It is an immersive sound and light show on the (indoor) quarry walls, and the theme was Venice, La Serenissima, plus a shorter experience about Yves Klein. It is hard to describe how wonderful it was, the imagery is spectacular and the sound really enhances the whole experience. We got there right when it opened, so it did not feel crowded at all. We also had some time to explore Les Baux. We spent time in the castle ruins, though I enjoyed wandering more than listening to the audioguide. We also browsed a few shops, picked up a sandwich for lunch, and had ice cream before returning to the bus to head to Nice. At our final “aire” rest stop on the way to Nice, we said our farewells to our wonderful driver Joseph and our guide presented him with a card we had all written in. Julie, our guide, and Joseph, truly made a wonderful team and made the tour run incredibly smoothly.
Upon arrival in Nice, our drop off was quick, as we had to park a short walk from the hotel. Our room at the Mercure was small but pleasant, but the location was top notch, right near the pedestrian promenade and beach. After checking in, we had a walking tour to get oriented. Nice felt very busy after staying in smaller towns, but it was very lovely and charming. After our walking tour, we ended up back in the old town with some fellow tour members to have a cold beverage since it was very hot out. We stopped for a drink at La Favola, and decided to eat there too. I thought the pizza was great. After dinner, my mom walked around the old town, noticing that Nice reminded us both of Italy. Despite being full from dinner!, I cannot bypass good ice cream, so we tried Fenocchio, which was excellent. The promenade was a lively spot, with many people out walking, socializing, playing volleyball on the beach, and enjoying the beautiful night.
Day 12: Nice
For our last day in Nice, I went out for an early morning walk along the water. After breakfast, we had a lovely walking tour of Nice. I found the House of Reproach to be particularly fascinating, and really enjoyed learning about (and trying) socca from Chez Theresa. In the afternoon, we relaxed at the plage (beach club) that was across from the hotel. I alternated reading with swimming in the lovely Mediterranean sea, and had one last spritz while relaxing and enjoying the beautiful setting. We also visited with some tour members that we saw at the beach and reminisced about what a great tour it was. Finally, it was time to get cleaned up, packed up, and head off to our farewell dinner. It was a fun way to wrap up a wonderful tour, especially when we shared our favorite part of the tour and celebrated our wonderful guide Julie. After one final cup of champagne and farewells on the beach, people started to drift back to the hotel, especially those with early flights.
For our last day in Nice, I went out for an early morning walk along the water. After breakfast, we had a lovely walking tour of Nice. I found the House of Reproach to be particularly fascinating, and really enjoyed learning about (and trying) socca from Chez Theresa. In the afternoon, we relaxed at the plage (beach club) that was across from the hotel. I alternated reading with swimming in the lovely Mediterranean sea, and had one last spritz while relaxing and enjoying the beautiful setting. We also visited with some tour members that we saw at the beach and reminisced about what a great tour it was. Finally, it was time to get cleaned up, packed up, and head off to our farewell dinner. It was a fun way to wrap up a wonderful tour, especially when we shared our favorite part of the tour and celebrated our wonderful guide Julie. After one final cup of champagne and farewells on the beach, people started to drift back to the hotel, especially those with early flights.
Trying socca and enjoying the beautiful flowers and produce on our walking tour of Nice
Day 13: Au revoir, France!
The next morning, I was up at 4am and headed to the airport by 4:30. Julie, our tour guide, got up to see us off and say farewell. This is yet another example of what a caring, amazing tour guide she is! Nice Airport was easy to navigate at the early hour, and I had time for one final croissant and macchiato at Pret. By 7:00, I was in the air and saying au revoir to two memorable weeks in France with my mom. With a stop in Frankfurt along the way, I was back home with my family by dinner time and it was a very happy reunion! We never did rebook that trip to Ireland, as peak summer travel and work schedules did not align to make it happen. My family has other trips in the works for 2023, and we are looking forward to exploring some new states and countries together.
The next morning, I was up at 4am and headed to the airport by 4:30. Julie, our tour guide, got up to see us off and say farewell. This is yet another example of what a caring, amazing tour guide she is! Nice Airport was easy to navigate at the early hour, and I had time for one final croissant and macchiato at Pret. By 7:00, I was in the air and saying au revoir to two memorable weeks in France with my mom. With a stop in Frankfurt along the way, I was back home with my family by dinner time and it was a very happy reunion! We never did rebook that trip to Ireland, as peak summer travel and work schedules did not align to make it happen. My family has other trips in the works for 2023, and we are looking forward to exploring some new states and countries together.