Monday Nice to Cassis
Tuesday 9th September Nice to Cassis
We went into the the old town, and up on the walls to wander around, some lovely views, east and west of the calm Mediterranean Sea and coast.
There is a Picasso Museum there in the Chateau Grimaldi which was purchased by the city, because he lived there for 6 months in 1946, but the two members of our group who waited in line were disappointed with what was on show. We made our way to the markets, the produce looks so stunning, I was yet to find an ATM machine though and cash was required.
Followed by a wander through the streets onf the old town of Antibes. Napoleon came here after he escaped from Elba, but even they the city had previously supported him, this time they closed the doors to him, Obviously could see he was on a losing streak.
Small touches of modern art works can be found on the walls. We talked to, or our guide Connie talked to an elderly lady in a window, much more elderly than me … I am sure, who used to be a hairdresser, and was born in her house, she was so forth coming about her life, maybe just wanted to talk to someone but was a sweet insight into old town Antibes life.
All sorts of things could be found in the windows if you were observant, or being observed.
A sandwich for lunch then walked back along the walls to a sculpture by a Spanish artist, also a view of some very expensive yachts in the marina, of which I didn’t seem to get a good photo of, maybe I didn’t like how the other half live?
I walked with the Americans (Three nice American ladies on our tour, who went to college together) to climb the fort, but unfortunately we ran out of time, as we had to continue our journey onwards to Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume. We visited the church of Mary Magdalena. Word was in 1279 that they found the remains of Mary Magdalena in the tomb of St Maximin, they were friends apparently and had sailed over to France together. Relic pilgrimage was big business in those days. They are now both in the crypt of the church.
Was a nice church to visit, not too much bling, and although the exterior is a little deceiving, beautiful gothic height and light inside.
On our way to our destination for the night, our minibus couldn’t get in until about 6 o”clock, and our driver had to back down a narrow street, narrowly missing outdoor shop displays.
Cassis - pronounced Cassie is a lovely fishing village, with it’s own castle, now an exclusive hotel, not for riff raff such as I, So could only look on in wonder!
A lovely dinner, company and fabulous surroundings, That concludes the first day of the tour
First up a drive along the coast to Antibes. First sight was Fort Carre, constructed in 1550 under orders of Henry II of France, mostly to protect the citadel of Antibes from them Italians,
There is a Picasso Museum there in the Chateau Grimaldi which was purchased by the city, because he lived there for 6 months in 1946, but the two members of our group who waited in line were disappointed with what was on show. We made our way to the markets, the produce looks so stunning, I was yet to find an ATM machine though and cash was required.
All sorts of things could be found in the windows if you were observant, or being observed.
A sandwich for lunch then walked back along the walls to a sculpture by a Spanish artist, also a view of some very expensive yachts in the marina, of which I didn’t seem to get a good photo of, maybe I didn’t like how the other half live?
Down to the Harbourside for a dinner, with the Americans and our tour guide, Connie. Our restaurant was at the far end of the buildings. Sampled Kir - white wine and Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), would have been rude not to. And a lovely antipasto and then beautiful Angus beef steak, tasty chips and salad, which I couldn’t do justice to. But we got to see the castle and the cliffs behind in the last light of the sun.
A lovely dinner, company and fabulous surroundings, That concludes the first day of the tour
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