There are times when you feel that everyday life has turned grey. Routine, routine and more routine. What do I do in such cases? I go on another journey. Nothing original, you might say. I agree. However, traveling allows me to breathe different air, see different colours and meet different people. Each new journey is like a brief escape into a different world. And after every trip I come back with new ideas and great motivation. I hope you do too.
So, make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, or pour a glass of wine, sit back and join me on a journey through the South of France.
CASSIS
Miniature marina of Cassis
The first stop wasn’t pre-planned, it’s just that after the flight we really wanted to eat. I chose the nearest fishing village close to Marseille airport. And I was not disappointed. A lovely seaside village with a miniature marina and lovely people. A good place to escape the tourist sites and enjoy the quiet everyday life of a fishing village.
SAINT TROPEZ
Old town Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez was also an unremarkable seaside village until the legendary Brigitte Bordot filmed there. The famous “And God Created a Woman” brought worldwide fame not only to Bardot but also to Saint Tropez. Is there anything to look at? Oh yes! But the feeling that Saint Tropez is synthetic and inauthentic persists. Too sterile. Too snobbish. My impression of Saint Tropez was rounded off by a huge yacht moored in the center of the harbor, with an impressively sized display case at the back of it, displaying some kind of super-special motorbike. The yacht was blaring music at full volume, completely out of tune with its surroundings.
To look at others and to show off, this is my impression of Saint Tropez.
ANTIBES
Port of Antibes
Antibes left a very pleasant feeling on me. A nice old town, not as sterile and snobbish as Saint Tropez. Deep and interesting history. Lots of cute little streets, delicatessen shops and restaurants. And the view from the marina alone is worth it: the sea, the castle, the yachts and the mountain peaks glistening white in the distance. A postcard! Impossible to stop staring!
GRASSE
Town of perfumes
The capital of scents! As soon as you enter the town, you can smell many different aromas. But first, I’d recommend to stop by the International Perfumery Museum. Here you will get to know all the scents imaginable, their history and the different ways in which they are made. I would also suggest a visit to the Fragonard factory nearby. And now that you are sufficiently educated and informed, you can go shopping for perfumes, soaps and other fragrant temptations. Happy shopping!
GOURDON
If only these streets could speak..
A few minutes from Grasse, Gourdon is definitely worth your attention! It’s one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched high on a cliff. It’s like a fairytale village straight out of a children’s movie. You wander around and it seems that an elf will pop out of any courtyard covered in creepers to say hello. Or a knight on horseback will gallop through the village gate. Gourdon has a spectacular view of the sea and you can spot Antibes in the distance. Bear in mind that Gourdon is tiny, and you’ll have enough for another hour’s stroll. However, it’s popular with tourists, so if you want to grab a bite to eat there, it might take a while to get a seat in the restaurant.
MONACO
Isn’t Monaco spectacular?
Well, how can you do without visiting Monaco? There’s something really magical about it. A tax haven of two square kilometers, it manages to sell everything it has. Cave views, history, Formula 1, casinos, restaurants, luxury cars, yachts and a whole host of sights. It may seem like a very overrated place for the rich, but I see Monaco a little differently. For me, it is a wonderful marketing project that was started 600 years ago by the Grimaldi family and is still very successful today. And in my opinion, Monaco’s success story should be included in every marketing or PR textbook and every marketing or PR student should visit this place. On top of all this, don’t hesitate to climb up the mountain to visit the Royal Palace of Monaco. Not only will you be rewarded with stunning views of the piers, but you’ll also visit a palace of incredible beauty. Along the way, you’ll see Monaco’s impressive cathedral and a host of other historic sites. Definitely worth it!
EZE
Where is the elf?
Another fairy-tale village just outside Monaco. It is also full of small, cute houses, covered with creepers and flowers, which seem to be home to fairy elves. However, instead of elves, influencers emerge from the tendrils, so it’s best to plan your visit for early morning.
SAINT PAUL DE VENCE
I will definitely be back to Saint Paul de Vence!
My favorite! That’s the spirit of Provence I was looking for! One of the oldest towns in Provence, and later a mecca for the Impressionists, Saint Paul de Vence is still beautiful today. If Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Mark Chagall called this village home, it must be a special place, right? Here you will find everything: breathtaking views, a maze of small medieval streets, ancient cemeteries, many galleries, restaurants and cafés. And to my great surprise, not so many tourists. And to remember, buy a famous local jam or a chocolate covered in raisins. Just buy more raisins, because they disappear from your bag surprisingly fast.
Well, now it’s time for you to turn to a new google page and check flights to the French Riviera. Nobody can see the beauty, smell the aromas, or taste the raisins for you. Only YOU!
Have a wonderful journey!
L.