February is synonymous with more than one big event; Valentine’s Day, the Oscars, Six Nations Rugby, and, if you live in Nice, Carnival. Like it, or loathe it (I’d say most residents fall into the latter camp), don’t even try to fight the Carnival. Plan your Visit to Nice’s Carnival The theme …

It was a “bucket list” item to visit Nice during the annual carnival period. The Carnaval de Nice is a long-standing festival in this French Riviera city and one more reason to visit. While the dates shift slightly each year depending on when Easter falls, from colourful parades to “flower …

Nice Carnaval In February 2018, for the first time, we found ourselves at Nice Carnaval – it probably sounds really awful, but we hadn’t really planned to go, only noticing it was on whilst we were planning a trip to the Fête du Citron at Menton for our wedding anniversary …

Iconic Promenade des Anglais The celebrated 7-kilometre coastal boulevard between the sea and palm trees offers superb views of the Bay of Nice and gives the city its unique identity. The openness and long span of the uninterrupted path gives a sense of freedom and space that is found nowhere else. …

Many people think of Provence in the summer with its lavender fields, sunflowers, chilled rosé and swimming pools. I invite you to explore my winter travel ideas for those months in Provence. The text below appears in English first, followed by French for those trying to improve their language skills. …

Whether this is your first trip to the French Riviera or you are a regular visitor to the Côte d’Azur, the only problem is overwhelming choices. Where should you start? In alphabetical order, we have highlighted ten (10) of our favourite places to visit along (or near) the coast. However, …

My BFF Patricia Sands just published the re-release of her novel, The Bridge Club. The book is a celebration of friendship shared with eight women over a half-century… and counting. Celebrating Friendship Patricia and I met in Uzès five years ago at the instigation of our mutual friend, Carolyne Kauser …

It was a pleasure to read an advance copy of A Season of Surprises at the Villa des Violettes, the latest book by Patricia Sands. This novella is the second in a series about Katherine (Kat) and Philippe’s new home (Villa des Violettes), and soon-to-be Bed and Breakfast near Antibes. …

I’m very happy to share some tips for families visiting the French Riviera, being a ‘local’ I sometimes forget where the hidden gems are myself. The French Riviera is a great place for families with an appealing mix of culture, outdoor activities and great climate adding up to a holiday …

#1 Nice Carnival, Nice 11 February – 25 February 2017 One of the world’s biggest carnivals, the 2017 theme for this annual event is ‘King of the Energy’. Fabulous flower battles, parades with floats and costumed actors and animations ensure a family-friendly event with plenty of entertainment. My top tips:  …