Hello July. Aren’t you meant to be summer? Aren’t you meant to give us lots of sunshine, BBQ’s and long lingering evenings outside? Well, I got fed up and so I decided to have a last minute quick escape to the sun.
My regular readers will know that for me, a 90 minutes flight to la Côte d’Azur just does that trick and •bang• I find myself in paradise. There’s something about landing in Nice that washes away any stress I might have brought along with me and like magic, my entire body relaxes with immediate effect and transforms me into holiday mode.
As I sort my photos to bring you a couple of posts to particular spots, here is a little something to cheer up anyone stuck indoors or with less beautiful weather. London has graced us with beautiful sunshine today. Long may it last!
I ask you, how can this view not lift spirits?
Beautiful cacti against the blue sea. Yum!
Everywhere you look you’ll find beauties like these. This here is in Villefranche.
A spot of lunch by the habour is just what the doctor ordered! Preferably a grilled dorade royale (gilt-head bream) or loup de mer (sea bass).
I just LOVE the colours of these houses in the South of France. Those shutters….
Some street art in Villefranche.
Not a fan of tourist places, but hey, you’ve got to admire the opulent building of the Casino Monte Carlo. Took a snap while driving past..
Some of you might remember that when I was in la Côte d’Azur earlier this year I visited the magnificent Villa Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild in complete downpour. Well, I went back this time in the most glorious weather conditions so look out for my next post.
Detail of wall painting in Villa Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild
So, I’m back, fully recharged and rearing to go. How are you all? Any summer plans?
22 Comments
Hi Tina, a funny to see how close you have certain places yet never go. I have been a couple of times to Nice giving a training there but never stayed and enjoyed the coast.I do remember though a fantastic dinner close to the sea, well, right at the beach and the most glamorous people. Hope the sum lasts a bit more for you! xx
Well, you live in Barcelona so at least you have the sea nearby.
The thing I miss most in London is the sea and the warm and non-humid weather like in Nice.
You can do dress up, dress down, there’s a little bit of everything there.
I must admit I love the Coté D’Azur and it’s definitely my go to place. Hope one day you’ll join me:-) x
How Fabulous!
I would love to be in your shoes!!
At least I’ve now got shoes on my feet and the cast is demolished..something to be grateful for. But to get to Nice would be very nice indeed. it’s been rainy a lot in Paris. We’re getting your weather!
There’s always something to be greatful for… yes, Paris like London is stressful and one needs to get out of the city and experience the sea.
I think the weather is bad in many places right now!!
I’ll email you some places.
Thanks Carol.
btw where do you stay in Nice?
would love to know…
Hi Tina, welcome back! I love how the south of France is your go to place to recharge and you’re so lucky that you live so close. We’re in the midst of winter here in NZ and Auckland winter’s are very much like the UK’s, wet and grey (albeit not as cold) so I totally understand how you feel. Thanks for my little escape! Look forward to seeing more photos and yes of the gardens, I remember it well! Mel xx
Thanks Mel.
Oh, don’t I know it. 90 mins flight and you’re in Paradise. It’s really like magic.
If it’s any consolation, today felt like winter. Windy, rainy and damp. Horrible really!
Aww, pleasure. I wish I could teleport us all there….
Ha. Glad you remember the gardens. xx
Hi Tina…beautiful photos as always! Enjoy the warmth.
xx,
Christine
Hi Christine. Hope you’re well.
Thank you. x
Ummmm…..why did you come back? I am sure Colourliving would be very helpful to the south of France! I vote you move and we can all come and visit. Your photography is stunning as usual and these should all be postcards. Much love, Jocelyn xx
Gooooooddddddddd question. The funny thing was that I had to be back for a meeting which got cancelled last minute. Could have stayed another couple of days.
Haha, the thought had crossed my mind. But it’s not really what I want to do there:-)
I was thinking though that in a couple of years I’d like to go for 2-3 months over winter, rent a villa and get everyone to visit. That would be fun, right??
Aww, thanks love… well, not sure about postcards but the scenery makes it easy to shoot good pics:-))
Thank you lovely and so excited about your news xx
I totally agree with Jocelyn! Why don’t you just move there?! We all come & visit and hang out on the gorgeous Côte! Looking forward to seeing what La Villa Béatrice looks like when the sun shines (and explore it myself… definitely could use a little paca visit 😉 ). Thanks for sharing these sun drown images, Tina!
Hahaha, ok, read the comment I wrote to J. I’m being serious by the way. A villa sleeping 10 with people coming in and out over the winter months. It’s still mild and beautiful there.
The Villa Béatrice was so stunning and I could have stayed all day there. It’s definitely a must visit every time I go. It’s like visiting paradise and who doesn’t want to do that?
You must try and go when you’re next in the area, you’ll thank me:-)
Hope you guys are having better weather but I heard it’s much like here. Sorry:-((
Thanks Judith. x
Excellent idea, I’d definitely hop over for a sunny stay with you in the South (if we don’t live there by then already, you’ll never know 😉 ). Just read your post about the Villa Béatrice in the sun and I put it on my list for my “prochaine visite” of the area. Wish it would be tomorrow 😉 The weather has been great today, hot & sunny after A LOT of rain. Bonne nuit, Tina! xx
Your pictures came just in time to warm me up, too. It’s been raining here for a few days now and has considerably cooled off. Plus I was sick at home with a mean cold for the past 4 days so these warm and beautiful images from southern France come as a sort of balm to my eyes! Wish I was there right now!! Happy hump day!
Oh Igor, I think we’re all feeling the cold and wet and I’m getting grumpy (very unlike me).
Sorry to hear you were ill, I had no ideqa. The ‘mean’ or ‘man’ flu???? hahaha, being naughty!!
I’m sending you many warm and sunny wishes and hope that this dreadful weather will disappear soon.
Jealous x a million! 😉 Loving all of the azure blues & hues. Delighted to see that you had a good time there x
I would be too:-)
Had a fantastic time, albeit short. But definitely felt recharged when I got back. Been thinking about going back but don’t usually like July/August when it’s full.
Thanks G x
Hi Tina,
Stunning photos. Hope you had a wonderful time and are fully recharged.
Hi Shona,
Glad you enjoyed Amsterdam. Thank you…. ready to go back!
Those blues Tina, I can see why you call it paradise.
Especially love the photo with the cacti.
Such lovely photo’s as usual. The weather has now turned nice in London so I don’t feel quite as jealous as I might have felt when you posted this but isn’t it incredible how much the sun or lack there of affects us? What a lovely place to return to again and again! xD