Joel and Francoise visiting

In the middle of a rather busy social calendar (the end of the school year seems to send French teacher into a kind of dinner party/apero frenzy, which lasts for a couple of week, after which most people head off on holidays), we also had Joel and Francoise over for a visit. They had booked a residence in Villeneuve-Loubet for their stay, which was quite handy for us.

Mostly it was a pretty chilled out stay, with lunches usually taking place at their place, followed by some chilling out at the beach. We spent a few very relaxing days that way, mostly doing nothing, which is actually a pretty nice change compared to our normal rather busy/active holidays.

We did agree though that staying all the week in Villeneuve-Loubet would be a bit sad though, so on Wednesday, we decided to head out the Massif d’Esterel. It’s a very scenic little spot, located a bit after Cannes on the border of the Alpes-Maritimes/Var departments. The ochre-colored rock found at the Massif, and the presence of the sea, make the landscapes reminiscent of the Californian coastline.

We made our first stop near Trayas, in the Var department, taking in some rather gorgeous views of the wild coastline (funny how nature, as opposed to concrete, seems to take over when you leave the Alpes-Maritimes and enter the Var department). After that, we headed a bit inland, where we were planning to do a hike, “Les Balcons de Cap Roux”. We stopped on the way for a very tasty picnic lunch (with Joel and Francoise, picnic lunch is the full deal, with starter, main course, desert and coffee – unlike our somewhat improvised affairs). After taking a few wrong turns (the signposting in the Esterel is somewhat lacking in places…) we eventually found the start of the hike. It was a predictably pleasant hike with stunning views over the surrounding landscape and the med.

All in all, a very nice day spent amongst some of the most beautiful scenery to be found on the Cote d’Azur! We should come here more often, really…

On Thursday, we figured it was time for a bit of Cote d’Azur bling bling, and took Joel and Francoise to one of my favourite local restaurants, Dame Nature, located in nearby Saint-Laurent du Var. Well, let’s say responsible bling bling, as Dame Nature’s trademark is their use of local and organic ingredients, where possible. I have to say I enjoyed it even more than during my previous visits (which were lunchtime visits) – my scallops were absolutely delicious, and no complaints about the desert either (I just had to try their own organic vodka as well, naturally!). And the seaside location is a nice bonus, as well.

On Friday, we had a bit of fun cycling up and down the Cagnes-sur-Mer seafront with some 4 seater bicycles (of the double-bench type), oh what fun that was! For the evening, we had Joel and Francoise over for dinner. If memory serves me right, we had some nice fashionable verrines for a starter, followed by a filet mignon. I believe it was a success!

That brought an end for Joel’s and Francoise’s visit. It was great to have them over – and looking forward to seeing them again in the South-West of France end of August!