Lemons and Lights in Menton & tips for visiting the Fete du Citron

We’ve just returned from our 3rd visit to the Cote d’Azur for our February fix of colour and fun at the Carnaval de Nice and (of course) the superb Fete du Citron that takes place in the beautiful setting of Menton from mid February until early March each year. If you haven’t read one of … More Lemons and Lights in Menton & tips for visiting the Fete du Citron

Afternoon Tea (french-style) & Japanese old masters in Aix

It’s probably hard to believe, but despite visiting Provence for so many years, I have only been into Aix-en-Provence a handful of times. So when my friend Marina (who runs her local French Language School Learn French In Provence) suggested an afternoon out in the town, I leaped at the chance as she knows it … More Afternoon Tea (french-style) & Japanese old masters in Aix

Travelling to Provence is never boring… A mad dash through the streets of Paris…

Today started early, with my body-clock waking me at 3.57am, rather than the alarm, which was set for 3 minutes later… In fact I am starting to wonder why I bother to set an alarm in the first place. I must admit though, even 3.57 felt like a lie-in, as after many years of having … More Travelling to Provence is never boring… A mad dash through the streets of Paris…

Day 2 & 3.. 24 hours in Paris…. Footsore, but what a day!

After a great day in Portobello Road, we arrived in Paris to a dramatic downpour, with the roads and pavements turning into rivers as we walked to our hotel in Montmartre. Hardly the balmy, sunlit stroll along the Parisian streets that we had hoped for…. More a saturating dash, ending with us wringing the water … More Day 2 & 3.. 24 hours in Paris…. Footsore, but what a day!

February Fun on the Cote D’Azur – Part 2 – The Fete du Citron at Menton

Last year we visited the Fete du Citron for the first time, 40 years after I’d first seen postcards of the incredible structures when I’d visited the town as a child. It was well worth the wait and the event exceeded my expectations and we had a fantastic time. Bollywood in France -Incredible Fête Du … More February Fun on the Cote D’Azur – Part 2 – The Fete du Citron at Menton

February Fun on the Cote D’Azur Part 1 – Nice Carnaval

Last year, 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 Fete du Citron at Menton for our wedding anniversary so thought we’d extend our stay to watch … More February Fun on the Cote D’Azur Part 1 – Nice Carnaval

Flowers, Lights & The King of Space – it’s Carnaval in 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 … More Flowers, Lights & The King of Space – it’s Carnaval in Nice