Cannes & Nice

The tour bus dropped us at the Cannes sea front where we had the first glimpse of Cannes. It was sunshine at last, but note the wet road as it was raining earlier.

We crossed the street to the many restaurants looking for our lunch. As it was lunch time, most of the restaurants were packed and we settled at one a bit away from the centre. We walked around and was wondering what they are admiring.

It was preparation for a giant sea-food platter that you can have for 100 euros or so. No, I did not have this for my lunch but I will surely get one of these if I ever visit Cannes again in the future!

The main attraction is the sea-front where yachts, sailing boats, people and dogs are on parade.

There is also a casino

and the famous Festival Palace where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually. Now anybody can walk the red carpet but during the festival it is only meant for the movie stars to make their grand entrance.

The symbol of the Palme D'Or or Golden Palm, prized prize of the Cannes Film Festival.

You can spend time looking for hand prints of your favourite movie stars in the surrounding pavement.

Some shots across the street from the Palace.

After the visit to Cannes, we took the local bus back to the hotel for a rest before we ventured out again in the evening for the optional trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco. We drove through Nice, passed the seemingly never ending promenade by the coast, the Promenade des Anglais that was financed by the early English tourists.

We passed the Nice harbour with more yachts and sailing boats

before we took the Corniche or hill road towards Monaco.

Ronald Kwok. 

St. Paul de Vence - Day 10

It was another wet morning the next day, the bane of all travellers. What's more, this is in supposedly sunny Riviera. After our breakfast at the hotel we set off for our (optional) visit to the medieval hill village of St. Paul de Vence. The rain gives the view along the way a misty and mystic look.

After parking the bus, we made our way to the village on foot.

Looks like most of the tourists are well prepared for the wet weather.

The road was rather slippery because of the rain and the slope and it is a good thing that the road is paved with decorative stone pattens to provide better grip.

We took shelter from the rain in the Collegiate Church that is well-decorated with many paintings and ornaments.

And some colourful stained glass pieces.

Outside, there are many shops in beautiful setting.

There are numerous studios and galleries selling all types of arts

and crafts.

There are signpost leading to the urn-shaped Grande Fountain in one of the squares.

You can also walk along the ramparts around the village or visit the small cemetery that looks mysterious in the rain.

Just wandering around the narrow winding streets among the medieval buildings is very soothing for the eyes and the soul. No wonder so many artists and tourists visit this place.

There is a cafe just outside the village wall where we sipped coffee and watched the world go round before we made our way back to our bus.

After the hill visit, we were dropped off at the sea front of Cannes for our lunch and free time to explore the resort. And finally we saw the sun!

Ronald Kwok