What is the celebration of spring in Nice la Fête des Mais? Phoebe has the answer. On the 1st of May and then every Sunday throughout the month, Nice celebrates the arrival of spring.  This custom dates back to Roman times when a “Mai” (a large pine tree felled in …

Nice airport has recently been voted the most beautiful aerial approach in the world, by Private Fly. For people living in the Alpes-Maritimes it remains a thrill, as you approach from the West along the Var or East past Monaco, before landing on the sea (well that is how it …

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 …

I got back to Europe from Australia this morning. As usually happens when I go home to Sydney, people (especially those who I don’t know very well) kept asking me: “When are you coming home?” (ie moving home. growing up. Coming back to reality – it’s a loaded question – I’ve been travelling pretty much since …

With all the cold, rainy weather in January, I enjoy looking back at some of last summer’s favorite places. Enjoy and think about sunny days! The city side of Nice Traveling to Nice to enjoy the beaches is always nice. However, don’t forget there’s a city side to explore, too. …

Paul Shawcross is an Economics major who turned his sights to travel, photography and writing in the 1990s. He has written many freelance articles for Francophile publications. His experience led Michelin to knock on his door for help writing and revising their Green Guides – for a long list of …

A cousin of the Ligurian focaccia, which is also known as fugassa over there, fougasse is a provençal loaf easily recognised by the slashes cut through it prior to baking. Back in August, after a mooch round the beautiful Cours Saleya food and flower market in Vieux Nice, Explore this …

Previously published on Ginger and Nutmeg: Biking in France Whether you own a custom-fit, carbon fiber steed with electronic shifters or a three-gear cruiser bike with tassels, you have to admit that watching the Tour de France each July is addictive. The right to wear the maillot jaune is earned over …

A Move to Provence? Why not? As you’ve heard, Americans are considering moving to France, and you, too, may be wondering, “Is this the time to make this dream a reality?” After all, Provence is the magical place where Marcel Pagnol (La Gloire de Mon Père, Le Château de Ma …

It’s one of the prettiest towns on France’s Mediterranean coast and one of the country’s sunniest. But while international tourists flock to places like Nice, Antibes, and St-Tropez, lovely little Sanary-sur-Mer remains relatively undiscovered. Sanary, as the locals call it, was founded as a fishing village in the 16th century. …