Delectable breakfast potatoes at our apartment in Cannes.
When I first visited France in 1998, one of the best experiences was fresh-baked chocolate croissants for breakfast. Luckily for me, my fantastic parents went out early every morning and bagged these flaky, not-too-sweet delicacies.
My parents also came back with three types of tapenade. The sundried tomato was my favorite. I think I ate it for every breakfast the rest of the trip.
At the Cannes train station, waiting for a sea-side train to Monaco.
The weather in Monaco was perfect for ice skating in a T-shirt. We exited the train station into a sort of Christmas-y festival along the water.
One of the waterfront cafes.
The Chistmas festival featured different multicultural sections segmented by a Santa-themed archway.
On the hike to the palace, the thoughtful city planners placed a defibrillator.
Crossing through the walls to the palace.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
Looking down the other side of palace hill to the rooftop gardens and pools.
The palace grounds had cannons and several stacks of cannonballs scattered around.
An archway from the palace to the hilltop parts of the city.
Gelato.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Grace Kelly married Ranier III, Prince of Monaco. This is also where they are buried.
Grace Kelly’s grave.
The Oceanographic Museum, around the corner from the cathedral. “Come and admire our jellyfish ballet,” the banner says. Jacques Cousteau was director of this museum.
Jacques Cousteau’s yellow submarine, outside the Oceanographic Museum. The sign says “Submarine Anorep 1 born in 1966.” The Internet claims this is the inspiration for the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.”
The view off the front of the hill, overlooking the ocean.
Back down by the water, looking at the boats.
When I think of Monaco, I think of Monte Carlo, then James Bond, then exotic cars. I thought we might get lucky and see a couple cars … but it was more like an exotic car show loosed on the city.
Climbing another hill leads you to the Casino Monte-Carlo.
This is the view from the steps of the casino. That crowd across the street has no reason to be here other than to watch the parade of awesome cars.
We suspected that these matte black Porsche Cayennes belong to the casino since they were identical and were parked in spaces with lines.
Walking back down the hill.
Another delicious dinner, at a cafe situated on the Monaco Grand Prix route.
Catching the train back to Cannes.