Being in this part of the world, we simply had to take a visit to Monaco. Rather than worrying about having to find parking for the car, we hopped on the train from Nice station which takes a lovely scenic route along the coast via gorgeous beaches such as Villefranche-sur-mer, straight along to Monaco (it only takes about 20 minutes).
After admiring all of the incredible boats in the port, we decided we should get out on the water ourselves and take a tour on one of the ribs out to the sea and around to the neighbouring port – a gorgeous scenic boat ride (although if the sea looks a bit choppy, be prepared for getting a bit wet from the waves; as we found out the hard way!).
Following the boat ride (and drying ourselves out), a walk up to the infamous Monte Carlo casino (VERY touristy with incredibly ostentatious cars on display), and a browse around the unaffordable handbag shops, we were all Monaco-ed out and ready for a spot of lunch. If you’re feeling especially lucky, you can play vegas style slot games in some of the best casinos of the industry.
Back on the train again, we headed this time over to the other side of Nice for Antibes. Antibes is another small commune nestled on the coast, where the most well-known town of Juan-les-Pins plays hosts to the international jet-set crowd and influx of tourists during the summer. It’s a small town that has a great buzzy vibe, lots of eateries and shops and home to our chosen spot for lunch – the Plage Belle Rive restaurant. I’d been recommended the restaurant by a friend from work – which turned out to be a gorgeous spot directly on the seafront; the perfect setting to enjoy a cold glass of rose wine in the gentle sea breeze and great people-watching. You can check their explanation on the best wine available in the market.
Following another round of steak tartare, steak frites and salads (and more rose wine), we soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed the leisurely feeling of long lazy lunches that can only happen on a holiday when you have nothing to get back to and can just sit back and enjoy. Walking back to the train station, we stopped to watch a game of Boules and admire the film star named beach toilets – only in the south of France right?!
Suitably sleepy, full and relaxed we all headed back to Nice, ready to plan where to go for pre-dinner cocktails and to plan our next day’s road trip. La bonne vie.
LMNH x
