Tobons Around the World: From Crappy to Happy

French Riviera: June 14-June 22, 2011

Poor Miguel and his terrible travel day! I felt so badly, but I must admit I was happy to not be the one with the tummy problems for once. He finally got a taste of the misery! I reminded him at least he wasn’t stuck on a Chinese train with no toilet paper!

We ended our 12-hour drive in the beautiful “Old Town” section of Nice. We were walking distance from the famous promenade that runs parallel to the equally as famous stretch of rocky beach. Even though we were exhausted we were so excited to explore our new digs.

Shops in Nice

I loved the narrow streets

The main harbor that houses the beautiful yachts

The sights we passed on our way to the beach

We rented a one-bedroom apartment for a week and were so thankful to have a fully equipped kitchen. A refrigerator, stovetop and oven are so rare in our daily lives, that I welcomed them with open arms! I have never wanted to cook my own meal so badly. We quickly filled the refrigerator and our bellies with delicacies of the region and were ready to plan our daily adventures.

You know you're in France when you walk down the street with a baguette

We have learned (the hard way) that it is imperative to rest. We are constantly moving and finally made time for some much needed R&R. The French Riviera is the perfect spot because it is lined with many different beaches and sweet seaside towns. So, each day was spent finding the perfect beach spot, bringing a picnic, and lounging all day long. I’m a professional relaxer….I’m very good at it, but Miguel reached his peek in the Riviera. This place some how helps even those self-proclaimed non-relaxer types to unwind. It’s the laid back, go with the flow, enjoy yourself attitude that takes a hold of your spirit the second you arrive.

Our favorite spot for watching the sunsets

The packed rocky beach of Nice

The restaurants of Old Town

Sandy beach at Villefranche

Our favorite section of beach was the glamorous Tahiti beach in St. Tropez. We really didn’t know what to expect, but heard great things. When we arrived and parked our Ford C-Max we were in the company of almost all Ferrari’s. Miguel was so excited…I think I heard “THIS IS AWESOME!” like 10 ten times. I was a little nervous to hit the beach….I wasn’t sure what kind of set-up we were going to find, but to my surprise it was the most unpretentious pleasant beach we found on the Riviera. It was full of couples, families, girlfriends, and buddies drinking beers. The atmosphere was so relaxed and everyone was having a great time. We spent “another day at the office,” enjoying our spectacular views and savoring our fresh baguette sandwiches.

Miguel's dream garage

Our delicious homemade baguette sandies!

Miguel gets an A+ for relaxing!

One of the many private helicopters that landed behind the beach...dropping off beach goers.

Getting my nap and tan on...

Entrance to the BEST BEACH EVER!

Streets of St. Tropez

Many sailboats line the harbor in St. Tropez

Our favorite one...beautiful!

We spent the evenings watching the glorious sunsets over the ocean in Nice and then after heading for coffees or cocktails in the city center. The main pedestrian street is lined with multiple restaurants, coffee shops, bars and it’s the BEST people watching ever! It is full of the “see and be seen” and is so fun to watch! Everyone is tan, full of jewelry, and ready to party.

Every sunset looked like this....all just as pretty as the next

I will always be thankful for our week in the French Riviera! Miguel and I had such a great time. We relaxed, we ate, we drank, we celebrated my handsome husband’s birthday, and we had the opportunity to just play! It was wonderful and much needed. Summertime in the Riviera is a must and so sensational!!