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

Villefranche-sur-Mer

A charming Old Town and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea make Villefranche-sur-Mer, once a sleepy fishing village, my favourite destination along the scenic Côte d'Azur.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Monaco-Ville

Monaco, July 2012 - This was departure day for travellers on the Provence extension of an Avalon river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, but we planned to explore the oldest part of the principality, Monaco-Ville, before leaving Monaco. And the first item on my agenda this morning was a special experience from my Bucket List: a tour of Monaco by Ferrari.

Tour of Monaco by Ferrari

Monte Carlo

St. Remy de Provence, July 2012 - We boarded our motor coach this morning at 9:00 a.m. and reunited with our cruise director to say farewell to Provence. We were about to embark on the final leg of our journey with Avalon Waterways enroute to the French Riviera and the tiny principality of Monaco.

A couple of hours later, Mont St. Victoire rose in the distance as we approached the city of Aix-en Provence for a mid-day lunch stop.

Mont St. Victoire

St. Rémy de Provence

St. Rémy de Provence, July 2012 - We arrived in St. Rémy yesterday on the Provence extension to our Rhone River cruise with Avalon Waterways. Once again the weather promised to be hot -  35 Celsius by afternoon. Unlike my previous visit to Europe when my sun hat travelled around in my luggage, mon chapeau is being worn every day.

The Camargue, Delta of the Rhone

Port St. Louis, July 2012 - Situated at the mouth of the Rhone River, Port St. Louis marked the end of our river cruise through Burgundy and Provence with Avalon Waterways. We started the day with breakfast – and a mimosa – and then boarded a motor coach bound for St. Rémy de Provence for the Provence Extension to our tour.

The Quay in Port St. Louis