Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Restoration in Nice, France

After two full winters in London, I quickly realized that the weather is not the problem.  I don't much mind the rain.  It's the darkness that really gets to me.  Six hours of sunlight is not enough for this Texas girl.  (At what age must I stop referring to myself as a girl?)  Luckily, it doesn't last that long and we're rewarded with really long sunny days in the summer.  

Nice, France

Matt is very sympathetic, as I think it gets to him, too.  Our solution is to "get the hell outta Dodge."  By January, it's time to book a flight South to warmer temps in search of some sunshine. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

Pasty, white Brits have been retreating to Nice, France in the winter since the 18th Century.  The Promenade Des Anglais is named so because of the British uppercrust that would stroll along the beach with their top hats, corsets and parasols.  Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill would often winter along the French Riviera.  In fact, doctors would prescribe a visit to Nice and its warmer climate as a cure for many health problems. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France

A weekend in this health resort was just what the doctor ordered for this pasty, white American.  With 300 days of sunshine a year, we had a good chance of getting just what we were looking for. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice is the 5th largest city in France and the 2nd most visited.  I'm sure you can guess the first.  As one of the jewels of the Cote d'Azur it sits sparkling on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France

We spent the weekend like we do on most of our city break weekends, strolling and exploring.  Taking lots of photographs and enjoying the scenery.  We take our time and don't cram too much in. We enjoyed long leisurely cafe meals, stopping whenever we wanted for a glass of wine and some people watching.  Nice is the perfect place for this.  

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France
Don't expect sand beaches, these beaches are like the ones you find in the UK, full of smooth round rocks washed down from the rivers. I love the sound of a pebble beach.

Nice, France

Nice, France

The thing that struck me the most about Nice was the lighting and the colors for the views.  It seemed to constantly change as if in the middle of a kaleidoscope.  The special lighting of Nice has attracted such artists as Matisse, Renoir and Picasso. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

I couldn't take my eyes off of the sea, sometimes a moody blue grey, other times a bright turquoise blue that seemed to be lit from below as if the sun was shining underneath rather than above. 

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France

At sunset it was as if a million sparkling Swarovski crystals were floating on the surface, twinkling furiously before the light faded.  There is nothing so marvelous and ever changing as the sea.  

Nice, France

Nice, France

I'm completely sold on the healing power of sun and warmth.  But I think the real healing power of Nice and the French Riviera is found in this beautiful blue expanse. 

Nice, France

Nice, France


Where do you run away to for restoration?



13 comments:

  1. Maybe I'm weird, but I actually like the short winter days. It's a novelty for me still, I suppose. It's the long summer days that throw me off sleep-wise! That being said, I still don't like London winters. With short days, lots of rain and grey skies, and no snow, it's just kind of boring!


    We desperately need a "restoration vacation". This looks nice and sunny, but it still looks pretty cold - what were the temperatures like when you were there? All the people on the beach are wearing coats! I want somewhere with bikini weather! ;)

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  2. Nice looks beautiful. I've only ever visited Paris, but would very much liek to explore more of France. Your pictures are gorgeous <3

    captaincharghley.blogspot.com

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  3. What a place! Kevin and I have been trying to figure out when we should do the South of France. We have travel plans for the this summer and summer of 2017, but we cannot decide what to do next year (after Costa Rica in March.) Your pics may have just swayed us towards France ( away from Germany and Baltic Cruise.) I'll show hubby and see what he thinks!

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  4. These are really beautiful pictures Selena! I haven't been to nice and I am dying to go, especially after seeing these.

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  5. I'm with you sister! Wasn't the water just amazing? All of my pictures from Nice almost look fake!

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  6. I loved Nice... such a gorgeous city!

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  7. I love NIce! I've only been once but I need to fix that very soon. So blue and beautiful. I did find eating and drinking out quite expensive though, so will be more savvy with my dining choices next time.
    I'm glad the healing power of the sun and the blue sky and sea worked for you!

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  8. During a bout of asthma this winter I told Fredrik that if it was 100 years ago I would at least be sent somewhere warm on doctors orders!! This looks so lovely though that I think I would much prefer going when well!

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  9. Beautiful photographs! I couldn't agree more about the healing powers of sun and sea... I love to get semi-hypnotised by waves.

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  10. We're currently deliberating which city in the South of France to visit! Nice, Cannes, oh who knows! We'll visit them all! :D

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  11. We have the same problem with the weather living in Michigan. Nice looks like a really great getaway to beat the winter blues! Loved reading this and seeing your photos!
    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  12. Beautiful post as always! We are heading there Saturday :)

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