There is, of course, far more to the French Riviera than the Cannes Film Festival – more even than the area’s fabulous, flesh-bedecked beaches. After May 27, after the crowds leave Cannes, could be the best time to travel there this late spring and summer.
You can save considerable plane changing by booking this country’s only non-stop link to the Riviera: Delta’s nonstop from New York Kennedy to Nice. It departs daily.
Before you leave, you might want to consider lining up:
A room at Vence’s newest B&B. Sited hard in the heart of the town’s artist district, the 2 Bed & Bistrot is on Place Godeau, Vence’s oldest square. It’s just opposite a 12th Century clock tower. All rooms are air conditioned and come with Wi-Fi. The price tag is reasonable: €90, plus tourist tax.
A ticket for Cuisine & Littéature en Fête, a celebration of cooking and literature. Set for June 3 in the village of La Colle-sur-Loup, this gathering of gourmets, TV chefs, food writer and sommeliers is a foodie’s Nirvana. On tap are cooking demonstrations, lectures, food debates (really), wine tasting and workshops.
A seat for Sir Elton’s Riviera performance. June 22 is the date, and Nikaia Palace in Nice is the place for this phase of Elton John’s trio of French appearances this summer.
A half-day to take in the Monaco Oceanographic Museum. Be sure to see the Ile aux Tortues – Tortoise Island – a new salient of the museum set aside for learning about tortoises and turtle. Find out how to make sure they’re around in some abundance for future generations. From the museum’s terrace, sit back, order a drink and gaze out on the everlasting sea. That may just be the best reason to come to the Riviera of all.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: julienmagne)
