Very, Very Nice!!!

The Nice Promenade.  Need I say more?

After two blissful days in the South of France, I must say that there is a new #1 at the top of our list for best vacation spots in Europe: NICE.

Nice (pronounced like "Niece") is the 5th largest city in France, and boasts all the comforts and attractions of a big city: large boulevards, great restaurants, and interesting sights.  However, its unique blend of Italian, French, and English culture gives it an incredible energy, and with over 300 days of sun per year, its inhabitants walk around with huge smiles on their face as if they've all just won the lottery.  (Which they really have by living here!)

Breakfast was melt-in-your-mouth French Pastries (Pain Chocolate) and Orange Juice.

To see the city, we rented bikes for half the day... and rode around with our jaws on the floor!  The "Promenade de Angeles" was our main destination - running for about 4 miles along the Mediterranean with panoramic views and wide bike lanes.  We passed beach resorts, casinos, restaurants, and of course, the hospital where Angelina Jolie gave birth to twins this week.  It was awesome!

Forget Museums!  Christie's favorite tourist spot was Angelina's hospital!  (Right behind her, which she quickly recognized from paparazzi photos.)

Afterwards, we rode past the port and into the Old Town, where cars are not allowed and cool shops & restaurants cater to any taste or fashion.  We had a great patio lunch of Mussels, French Fries (or Freedom Fries for you Bush fans), and stuffed Tomatoes.  Barely able to ride due to the massive amounts of food we consumed, we returned our bikes with smiles on our faces and went home to prepare for an evening in Monaco (just a short 20 minute train ride away).  What a first day!

A local favorite: Moules (Mussels) and French Fries.

Topless Beaches:  1) Yes, they are everywhere here.  2) NOT BECAUSE THEY SHOULD, BUT BECAUSE THEY CAN.

The Port is filled with million dollar views and yachts.

Old Town Charm - Flowers and Patios.

Beauty and the Blue.

And did I mention that the French offer FREE WATER with every meal?  It was like God had finally heard my prayers on the subject...

~ J. Twice