The proper way to pronounce Nice is not how one pronounces “nice” as in the quality of something or someone being kind – Nice (nee-hsssss), nonetheless, is very nice and the epitome of the French and Italian border it straddles. Originally an Italian city until it voted itself into becoming French a hundred something years ago, Nice is the quintessential beach town packed with scenery, sea, and savory food.
For a tiny royal principality on the southern coast of France, Monaco packs a real punch! The natural beauty is abundant, palm trees, deep blue seas and of course the well heeled glitterati who are sitting pretty on their billion dollar yachts! Upscale hotels, designer boutiques and shiny champagne bars! Having money in Monaco is most definitely helpful! Alternatively, set up camp in Nice and take the 30 minute train journey to Monaco! Make sure you check out our top five things to do!
When you go to the south of France, you are remiss to miss St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It is an absolute feast for the eyes and a super easy trip from Nice or Cannes.
You’ll be wandering the streets of the French city described by writer Marcia DeSanctis as “more Paris than Paris” when you visit Nancy in the Lorraine region. Rich with history and filled with dizzying Art Nouveau stretching from buildings to the minutest of details, this northeastern city is just about an hour and a half away from Paris via TGV and is well worth a weekend trip if you’re interested in art. This city is a hidden gem for art lovers wanting to venture out of Paris as there are two museums with extensive collections and not packed full of visitors as one would find at the Louvre or the Orsay, for example. Nancy’s history is intertwined with art as the city was host to the famous school for the art nouveau movement known as the École de Nancy in the early 20th century; you know those sprawling jade metro…