Quick Tour of Vence view from a distance
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

A Quick Tour of Vence Makes You Want to Return

It was a hot, humid August day, so we took our time over lunch in a restaurant near the Place du Grand Jardin. None of us had much energy to wander, even though our plan was for Steve Wilkison to give us a walking tour of his adopted hometown. Steve, …

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French Riviera SamBoat Rentals
Boating - Rentals and ChartersCarolyne Kauser-AbbottExplore

French Riviera Boat Rental Made Easy with SamBoat

Are you thinking of renting a boat on the French Riviera? A friend who specializes in small group tours once told us the best way to see a country’s coastline is on a boat. They were right! The viewpoint from the water provides an often unexpected and relaxing perspective. Since …

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Fête de la Transhumance in Provence's Tinée Valley
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsSteve Wilkison

My Fête de la Transhumance Experience in Provence’s Tinée Valley

A Sea of Sheep I pressed my back tight against the stone facade of the ancient house on the narrow street where I stood. Around me were dozens of other people doing the same. How, I wondered, was that huge mass of sheep barreling toward us going to fit through? …

READ MORE  My Fête de la Transhumance Experience in Provence’s Tinée Valley
Mercantour National Park Hiking
ExploreStay FitSteve Wilkison

Mercantour National Park a Multi-day Hiking Adventure

When most people think of the Côte d’Azur, they visualize elegant, glittering cities like Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez or Antibes. Grand hotels and opulent beaches. Extravagant villas, splendid boulevards and stylish promenades. Of course, all of this is true but what many people who never venture very far from the …

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Russian Church Nice
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Visiting the Alpes-Maritimes Highlights Seaside to Summits

At first blush, many visitors may not realize that the Alpes-Maritimes department expands from the beaches of the French Riviera to the ski resorts of the southern Alps to the Italian border. Surrounded by the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Alpes-Maritimes has densely populated urban areas, famous Côte d’Azur cities, …

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Daluis Gorges Côte d'Azur Tourism @George Veran
ExploreGuest PostRoad Trips South of France

Southern French Alps 5 Must-See Natural Sites

What’s not to like about a beach and a lounge chair facing the Mediterranean? For some, the weather is too hot and cultural venues may not suit the whole family. Or, perhaps you are just looking for a getaway from the summer crowds on the French Riviera. Head to the …

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Lucéram, circuit des crèches
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & Traditions

The Circuit des Crèches Lucéram Holiday Tradition

Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes above the Cote d’ Azur is the medieval village of Lucéram. One day before Christmas, my friend decided to take me on a tour of the “Circuit des Crèches.” We drove high up the winding roads to the alpine region above the sea. Circuit des Creches …

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Col de la Bonette
ExploreKeith Van SickleRoad Trips South of France

Is Col de la Bonette the Highest Road In Europe?

In the easternmost part of Provence, near the border with Italy, lies the wild and rugged Mercantour National Park. It is famous for its natural beauty, its Bronze Age stone carvings and its growing population of grey wolves. It is also home to the Route de la Bonette, a road …

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Beautiful Mercantour in Winter
ExploreLiz LordStay FitWinter in Provence

Winter in Provence Snowshoe Mercantour Trails

Active Provence Winter Holiday It’s never too early to start thinking about your winter getaway. Perhaps the warm winter sunshine along the French Riviera coast in Provence is tempting. Maybe you are drawn to traditional skiing and snowboarding in France’s Savoie region or in Liguria’s Piedmont. We are truly blessed …

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Sainte Agnes-google image
ExploreJ. Christina

Sainte-Agnès: A Hidden Treasure in the Alpes-Maritimes, France

Sainte-Agnès, France is a perched medieval village, 10 kilometers inland from Menton, in the southeastern corner of the Cote d’Azur.  This rocky outcrop gracefully dangles at an altitude of 800 meters above the sea. Since 1997, this medieval village has been classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de …

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