French Riviera Sights

Nice was nice. We got a hotel for cheap . We went out to the waterfront where we discovered that it was very awesome! A walkway for miles along the waterfront with nice hotels and buildings. Reminded us of Waikiki Hawaii. Ate dinner late at a nice outdoor restaurant. From Nice, we took two day trips, one out to Monaco (next page), as well as a trip out to Cannes. Heading toward Barcelona, we stopped in Marseille for a few hours then we stopped in Montpellier for a couple hours.

Marseille

Nice

Montpellier

Cannes

One of the best waterfront cities, the walk the Promenade des Anglais with the city on one side and lush palm trees and beautiful beaches on the other. The historic buildings and architecture are great. The city is large and has many areas and sights to explore from Old Town Nice to Roman ruins, narrow streets, cathedrals and several museums.

Marseille is the oldest city in France with a 2,500-year history. It's not as fancy as Nice and many like it this way. It's the leading commercial port on the Mediterranean so with that comes a rich diversity. Marseille retains a more traditional appearance though Marseille is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers exciting activities, restaurants, theaters, an international soccer stadium and more than 20 museums. Popular tourist sites include the ancient district of Le Panier, Palais de Longchamp, Cath�drale de la Major, Jardin des Vestiges and the 19th-century Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Montpellier is the fastest growing city in France over the past 25 years. Being situated on the Mediterranean coastline and having a large Old City, it's also very popular for tourism. Scenic spots include the 17th-century Arc de Triumph, the soaring steeple of the church of Saint Anne Church, the Cathedral St. Pierre with it's twin towers or the H�tels Particuliers' area.

Cannes is a very expensive city with great restaurants, hotels, clubs and good beaches. But for those of us on a budget, at least its an easy day trip where you can take a look but stay outside of town. The easiest activity is La Croisette, a catwalk beside the sea where the city's tourist activity happens and where you'll find the luxury hotels and boutique shops. Because of its exceptionally mild climate you'll find tourists here year round.