The Cote d’Azur is Riot of Colour at Carnaval de Nice

In February, there is an explosion of colour along the Cote D’Azur when the hillsides are fringed with yellow from the bright flowers of the Mimosa trees and the citrus fruits glow orange and yellow against the dark green leaves– it’s as if the plants are reminding us of the sun that is to come, as spring starts to force itself onto the scene.

Continue reading here for Julie’s photos from the Carnaval de Nice (2018) when “King of Space” was the theme for the incredible floats, dancers and musicians. She says, “I felt like a child again.”

Visit Nice Anytime

Old Hotels:

For over a century the striking Hotel Negresco has been the favourite holiday destination for celebrities, royalty, millionaires, and politicians.

This magnificent belle-époque building, instantly recognizable by its pink domed roof, stands proudly on the promenade des Anglais in Nice. The hotel celebrated its centennial in 2013. Five centuries of French history are visible (in the art and furnishings) in the suites, where portraits of Kings and Queens rub shoulders with more contemporary works by Sosno, Dali, Gruau, Moretti and Nike de Saint Phalle.

Street Art:

Like the Tour Eiffel of Paris or the Big Ben of London, La chaise bleue has long been considered the symbol of Nice.

The iconic chairs, as blue as the rippling Bay of Angels they overlook, are wedged in rows of 20 along the famous Promenade des Anglais. While it is relatively easy to find a free chair in winter and enjoy a contemplative session of sea staring, it may be a real challenge in the busy summer months.

Off-season:

Traditionally the French Riviera, and Nice in particular, was a winter resort. It served as a destination for the upper echelons to escape harsh northern winters amongst their own. Today Nice in the winter is a largely local affair – which means less hustle, bustle and fewer crowds to contend with. The average daytime temperature is a moderate 10 degrees so you won’t have to wrap up in too many layers whilst you explore. Here we explore some of the things to do in winter in Nice.

The Food:

For years, I came to Nice every chance I got. It wasn’t just for its luminescence, warm sunshine and beautiful landscape. It was her flavors: delectable, often surprising, and always memorable. And the people who made my favorite dishes: full of soul and personality, their passion infusing every bite.

Now that I live here, I still visit my all-time favorites, the familiar flavors like old friends continually revisited with pleasure. Exploring food favorites in Old Town Nice.

Rosé all day: wine tour with sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits in Provence

Splash of rosé here, splash of rosé there, splash of rosé everywhere. Let's explore three wonderful wine estates in the world-famous rosé area that is Provence!

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Julie Whitmarsh

Julie and her husband Andy started visiting the Vaucluse area 25 years ago & over the years have increased the amount of time they spend there with their growing family. She has a deep affection for the area, finding it is a great place to visit, where the whole family can relax and enjoy time together.

She longs for the day when she can ‘up-sticks’ from her home on Dartmoor & relocate to the Luberon and spend her days cycling, walking, visiting markets & brocante fairs and of course enjoying the local food and drink.

Her blog VaucluseDreamer gives her a space to highlight some of her favourite things about the area from places to visit to particular activities that she and her family all enjoy.

She hopes one day it will be a place where she can share the process of renovating a house in France, but at the moment that will have to wait.