Part 4- FRENCH RIVERIA

DAY 7

The train from Avignon to Cannes was beautiful, it ran right along the Mediterranean. We were very excited because we had finally reached the part of our vacation that we agreed would be the "relaxing" part. Our hotel The Belle Plague Brougham (just like Pat) was located on Rue Brougham in Old Cannes.

We walked the marina and decided on some Italian food for dinner right on the beach.

DAY 8

We finally got the opportunity to sleep in a little bit and spent the morning on the beach, which happened to be a clothing optional beach. Unfortunately most of the people who opted out of their swimming suits, should not have :).

We walked the shopping district and saw the location for the film festival. There is a circle that surrounds the building with all the celebrities hand prints, so that was neat to see.

We picked up some wine and headed up to our rooftop pool for some more R & R. After we both napped a bit we got ready and headed out to the casino in Cannes, which to our surprise was empty. I guess only the weekends are busy in the casino. We won a bit then lost it but managed to walk out with what we brought in so I guess that is always good. We walked up to Old Town on the top of the hill and took some pics and then headed to bed.

DAY 9

We took a tour of Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo in the morning. It was great because it felt like a private tour since there were only 3 of us (Pat, myself and Jill, from Ireland).

Eze was another mid evil village situated on the top of a mountain, only this town was on a cliff so the views were spectacular. It felt like a postcard every turn you made. Bono, from U2 has a house right below the village and dines at the famous restaurant quite a bit (coffee is 7 Euros there YIKES!!!).

I was very excited for our next stop to the perfumery Fragonard, where we got to experience how perfume is made and learn the history of it. Since 99% of perfume is made in Grasse the region is famous for it. We then were able to purchase any of the perfumes we liked at the factory.

Then we were on our way to visit the second smallest country in the world (behind the Vatican), Monaco. The drive to Monaco was breathtaking and our guide told us so much about the area on our way and while we were driving though. We drove on the road where Princess Grace died and our guide told us all about the scandals with her daughter Princess Stephanie.

Once we entered Monaco, you could literally smell the money. Our guide explained that the only way you can live in Monaco is if you marry someone born in Monaco, or you must have at least 2 million Euros in your bank account. There is zero crime in Monaco because there is one policeman for every 5 people. They have a jail but it is empty :).

Our first stop was the Cathedral of Monaco, a beautiful church where the royal family is actually buried inside under the marble floor. The graves of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier's are the last in the circle.

We then went to the Prince's Palace to watch the "Changing of the Guards" and then take some photos over the city and marina. The flag was waving from the palace which means the Prince was actually there.

Then it was a quick drive on the Indy race track in Monte Carlo which led to the main circle that included the very famous casino and a boutique for every uber famous designer in the world. The cars parked out front just showed how much money was in this tiny country.

Once we returned we quickly grabbed our luggage and headed for the bus to Nice, where we had to spend the night because our flight was supposed to leave at 7am. But, as we got to experience traveling in Europe is sometimes very difficult and after an airline strike and 3 different flights, 24 hours later we arrived in Denver :(.

Had a wonderful time but am happy to be home and get over this jet lag hehehe.