Deauville: The Parisian Riviera

Before my trip to France I'd never heard of Deauville but that's probably because I'm neither a wealthy Parisienne nor a Hollywood film star. This chic, upscale resort on the coast of Normandy boasts the nearest beach to Paris (two hours away) and it's also home of the annual Deauville American Film Festival, thus earning its nickname as the Parisian Riviera.

Deauville, France

Nice: the Resort

Nice is more than just a large city in France – it's also a major Riviera resort. With its prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea it was only a matter of time before people fled the cold climate of northern Europe for the sun and surf of the Côte d'Azur.

Beach Therapy

Like water

which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees

only so long as its surface is undisturbed

the mind can only reflect

the true image of the self

when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.

~ Indra Devi

The Beach, Toronto

Cinque Terre: the Five Lands

On the rugged northwest coast of Italy there are five small fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. I love saying the names out loud – it makes me feel like I can speak Italian. (I really can’t.) Together these villages are known as the Cinque Terre, the Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once accessible only by sea and untouched by the modern world. Today the villages welcome visitors but retain their old world charm.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Cap Ferrat – the name conjures visions of million dollar villas hidden behind massive security gates. In the 1800s, the peninsula was a popular spot for wealthy families in Nice to come for a picnic.  In the 1950s, celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton discovered the town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Today the village is a quiet side trip on France's Côte d'Azur.

The Beach of Villefranche-sur-Mer

For many vacationing on the French Riviera in summer, a visit to the beach is a must. Those who spend time in Villefranche-sur-Mer won't be disappointed with its small but sandy beach. Further down the coast in neighbouring Nice, the beach is much larger but also more pebbly, and on some sections guests must pay to use the facilities.

Umbrellas on the Beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Sunny Sorrento

Sorrento, May 2010 - Our last full day in Italy with Carrani Tours on the 3-day Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento tour was warm and sunny. After breakfast, we packed our bags, checked out of our room at the Hotel Michelangelo, and left the luggage in the hotel storage area. We had the morning free to explore Sorrento before departing for Rome in the afternoon.

Sorrento's Gorge