On Friday night we quickly checked into our next AirBnB and were happy to have an apartment of our own for our time in Nice. The clean minimal decorating is perfect for a beach town (I apparently watch a lot of HGTV). We walked from the apartment around the corner to Place Garabaldi to grab a bite and then headed to bed in hopes we could get a better start on the next day.
We woke up this morning on the early side for the first time since we left the U.S. We were out of bed by 8:30 to make coffee and get our laundry done before setting out for the day. It was nice to get all of our clothes cleaned as Bareclona was nice and hot.
We left the apartment and set out for the Collins du Chateau which was a "short" walk up to top of the hill on the Eastern end of the Promenade de Anglais. This was the site of a medieval stronghold that watches over the Old Town. All that remains now are a some of the ruins, but the views are spectacular. Along the climb we came across the Cimetiere de Chateau which was founded in 1783 and holds 2,800 grave stones divided into Cathlic, Prodestant and Jewish sections. The entire hike was beautiful and after taking in the views of the city/ beach we decided it was time to head back to town.
The next stop was an open market that has everything from flowers to produce to soap. This area, called Cours Saleya, was also where Matisse established his home for a number of years that I can't recall right now. We worked our way through the market, grabbed breakfast at a bistro and headed for the beach. On our walk we came across the registration area for the Haute Route which at our best estimate was opportunity for amateurs to bike some of the Tour de France roads over a span of three weeks.
We set up shop at a public beach for a few hours and were able to get some relaxation time in... and some solid people watching. We even got to witness a lifeguard rescue to required an ambulance, two cop cars, four lifeguards two boats and a cop on horseback.
After the beach we walked through Old Town on our way back to the apartment and grabbed some Gelato at Fencchio along the way (100 flavors to choose from). Amazing to see all of the apartments and shops right on top of each other as you wind your way through the narrow streets.
Once back at the apartment and cleaned up it was time to make our way over to Hotel Negresco. We made a pit stop to walk down the Avenue Jean Medecin (I'd heard it described as a mini Champs Élysées, but no where near an accurate description). We also did a mini goose chase to track down a Photo Studio that made pictures my grandfather had during WWII. Not surprisingly, 4 Rue de Russie is no longer a photo studio. Big thanks to Ashley for humoring me on that one.
We arrived at Hotel Negresco and decided we had earned ourselves a drink on the porch to watch as the sun set over the city. This place has always peaked an interest with me as it seemed to be a special place for my Grandfather. Definitely inspired some of his best paintings and it didn't disappoint... an interesting mix between 100 year old architecture/design and a modern vibe. Ashley was on a mission while there and grabbed some incredible pictures (most of what you see on this blog is from her, BTWs). It was the perfect spot to wind down the day before dinner. Hope you were there with us Pop Pop.
After drinks we headed back into the madness that becomes of Cours Saleya for the dinner crowd. We quickly grabbed a table for some Mussles Provençal and then strolled home back through Old Town.
The night came to a close with a FaceTime with my mom and dad.
Later Gators
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