VILLEFRANCHE

After lunch & some time on our own in Nice, we hooked up with a local guide for priceless tours of Chagall's museum and the Russian church in Nice. The Russian Orthodox church was so interesting. I don't know if I will ever visit Russia, so this was a treat. I used Rick's guidebook to see all points of interest - but just being in the church with the aromas, visuals & sounds - it was excellent.

We actually arrived in the French Riviera late Sunday afternoon. As we drove along the Mediterranean we caught our first glimpse of French bathers, enormous yachts and turquoise waters! I actually got butterflies...

We checked into the Hotel LeDarse in Villefranche. Mary & I checked into our room on the second floor (which will remain my room after the tour ends - I requested an ocean view). As soon as you walk in you see these 2 floor to ceiling french door windows that open to a belcony overlooking the sea! ARE YOU SERIOUS!! This is what I am talking about!

Woke up to the sound of ship bells in the harbor, had breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean - it is going to be a good day!

Another beautiful day in the Riviera!
Daniela offered to lead a walk to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat for those interested this morning (we are free all day until our farewell dinner).

A gorgeous mostly uphill hike past clear waters and villas I could never afford (but can dream). Rothschild is wonderful. Set atop Cap Farrat, the 1905 mansion has views on both sides. An elegant interior gives way to richly manicured gardens that seem to go on forever (as well as the views). I could definately live here.

Walking back to Villefranche for lunch we checked out the water. It is hot outside & the water is soooo clear!

I still can not believe I am here!

(Above) Promenade des Anglais & me in front of Mediterranean

(Left) The group enjoying one of Daniela's many tales from Nice's past (the canon ball)

(Far Right) Cathedral of St Reparate in Place Rossetti

We had our farewell dinner at Brasserie le Cosmo. We all shared some special moments from the tour and enjoyed each other's company. As usual, the farewell dinner is bittersweet. We have finally become close as a group, and now we must all leave each other. We had some good times & laughs. Maybe we will meet again somewhere in this world...

Daniela snakes us thru the narrow streets of Nice pointing out churches, squares, cafes, a canon ball with a very interesting story! Wish I had video taped the story, cause it is hard to retain everything she is throwing at us in one sitting! She has so much info in that brain & she is so entertaining when she is telling us about the history of our destinations - Love her!!

We start the day off on a walking tour of Old Nice with Daniela. Olivier drops us off on the promenade & we walk thru an arched walk way into "Old Nice" directly into an antique market taking place today. Nice definately has an Italian feel to it.

To have a personal, knowledgable guide at the Chegall museum was truly priceless! Chagall is beautiful full of color, many biblical images and emotion, but our guide brought the canvas to life. It was magical! I could have earned 3 credits from that guided tour!!

(Above Left) Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

(Center) Villa's interior

(Bottom Left) Little lizards were running around everywhere

(Above Right) In the gardens at Rothschild - what a view!!

(Bottom Right) Dancing fountain in the garden