So we now come the last leg of our journey before returning home. We had planned to visit Bourges as a stopover en route to Paris, but have now decided to change plans and to head straight to Paris today and get an extra day there. That’s the beauty of a road trip – you own the schedule.
We will be leaving within an hour, and it’s around a 4 – 5 hour journey. We are excited to be finally getting to Paris, a place we have wanted to visit for some years now. Will update the blog as best we can, but for now, its’ time to hit the road.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Day 19 : 25th August : Chateaux Neuf du Pape & Lyon
On leaving Nimes this morning, we took a visit to a little place called Chateaux Neuf du Pape. Would be rude not to really, and we stopped at the Musse du Vin. Its a free place to visit, and learn about the history and heritage of wine making. Learned some interesting points, like the fact that each vine plant only produces around 500 grams of grapes (between 1 and 3 bunches depending on size). It makes sense now why vineyards are so huge. The museum tour was concluded by complementary tasting of some Chateaux Neuf du Pape wines and this was followed by a small purchase of a selection to bring home! We also visited a second place that made chocolate and wine, also offering free tastings. The chocolates were very nice, and we wanted to buy some – however keeping them in the car would have only ended in disaster by the time we got back home.
We then headed to Lyon. It’s an odd town with a mix of historical buildings mixed with older places and student areas. It’s the 2nd biggest city after Paris and it feels it. The population is also very diverse with a mix of cultures and races all in one big city.
We then headed to Lyon. It’s an odd town with a mix of historical buildings mixed with older places and student areas. It’s the 2nd biggest city after Paris and it feels it. The population is also very diverse with a mix of cultures and races all in one big city.
Day 18 : 24th August : Nimes
Today we left the gorgeous beaches of the south of France and began our journey north to Paris. The first stop was the town of Nimes. Quite a nice place to visit if passing for a day. We arrived late afternoon, and headed straight for the Arena. It was a Roman settlement, and the arena in the heart of the town is an interesting visit. We toured the insides and got a feel for what gladiator fights etc were all about. Quite an impressive building that is now around 2000 years old.
We then headed for the hotel to shower and change before heading out for a meal. We decided on Japanese food tonight, wanted a change from the Med! Found a place called Shogun which does traditional Japanese food, and so we enjoyed a feast of the Orient. Sushi was quite tasty, as was the interesting desserts flavoured with green tea salts.
We then headed for the hotel to shower and change before heading out for a meal. We decided on Japanese food tonight, wanted a change from the Med! Found a place called Shogun which does traditional Japanese food, and so we enjoyed a feast of the Orient. Sushi was quite tasty, as was the interesting desserts flavoured with green tea salts.
Day 14 – 18 : 20th – 24th August : St Tropez & St Maxime
We had a nice drive down from Monaco to St Tropez. We passed via Cannes where we stopped for lunch. Lots of very expensive shops to be seen around the beach areas, and we are sure it would be a hectic place during the film festival. However, it lacked the sparkle of Monaco – and as it turned out, didn’t do the Riviera town thing as well as St Topez/St Maxime!
On our arrival in our stop at St Maxime, the weather was hot. In fact, for the whole 4 days it did not drop below around 32’C. We spent most of the time relaxing and enjoying the fantastic beach at Pampelonne. This really is one of the 10 best beaches. Sand is golden, and the sea is crystal clear. Easy to spend time (and money) here. We enjoyed the days relaxing at the beach and the evenings dining at some local restraints along the sea front. San Marco is one diamond find, was a superb place where we ended up eating twice.
Plenty more stories to tell about St Maxime etc, but will save them for when we see you.
We enjoyed the time here very much, loved the relaxed life. Definitely would return again.
St Tropez/Maxime - we will miss you.
On our arrival in our stop at St Maxime, the weather was hot. In fact, for the whole 4 days it did not drop below around 32’C. We spent most of the time relaxing and enjoying the fantastic beach at Pampelonne. This really is one of the 10 best beaches. Sand is golden, and the sea is crystal clear. Easy to spend time (and money) here. We enjoyed the days relaxing at the beach and the evenings dining at some local restraints along the sea front. San Marco is one diamond find, was a superb place where we ended up eating twice.
Plenty more stories to tell about St Maxime etc, but will save them for when we see you.
We enjoyed the time here very much, loved the relaxed life. Definitely would return again.
St Tropez/Maxime - we will miss you.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Day 12 - 14 : 18th – 20th August : Monaco
The drive from Genoa to Monaco was superb. Despite fears that the coast road may prove to be another M25 (i.e. a huge carpark), it proved to be a great run. Superb sights, a nice stop by the beach for some lunch en route.
We arrived in Monaco to blue skies and lots of glitz and glam. After checking in, we decided to make plans for the night and got showered up etc. To our annoyance, the room we had at the Novotel was having issues with the drains – basically they stank something rotten! Not the greatest thing to have in Monaco, so a quick chat with the reception before dinner and we were offered an upgrade since they would not be able to have anyone look at the issue before the following day. We thought about, given that the alternative room would have no balcony, but decided that going from an executive room to a junior suite (billed at 500 Euros per night) would be worth the sacrifice. Was a great room, lots of space, lots of TVs and a great view.
We enjoyed dinner and then headed out for the glam of the marina at night. A few bars/clubs were in full swing. We tried a few out and relaxed for a few hours. Was a great night – though we did not see anyone famous. We then headed back to the suite for the night.
Next day was an early start to hit the beach in Monaco and chill out for the day. Was a hot day, blue skies and a really nice beach. After a long day chilling, we got showered and changed and headed back to the beach to eat at La Note Bleue. A great restaurant on the beach front, with a live jazz band and food that was out of this world. Portions were so huge that Amrit cancelled her main after just having eaten the starter. Great value for Monaco too – highly recommended.
After dinner, we ventured into the Casino – which to be honest was a bit of a let down. Outside the expensive exotic metal showed there was some serious money flowing, but the Casino, despite being grand and prestigious lacked any real atmosphere. We decided not to play, but watched a few others before a walk back to the hotel.
Our final morning in Monaco saw the heavens open – but we didn’t mind, it was an early start and a drive over to St Tropez where 30’c and lots of blue skies awaited our arrival.
We arrived in Monaco to blue skies and lots of glitz and glam. After checking in, we decided to make plans for the night and got showered up etc. To our annoyance, the room we had at the Novotel was having issues with the drains – basically they stank something rotten! Not the greatest thing to have in Monaco, so a quick chat with the reception before dinner and we were offered an upgrade since they would not be able to have anyone look at the issue before the following day. We thought about, given that the alternative room would have no balcony, but decided that going from an executive room to a junior suite (billed at 500 Euros per night) would be worth the sacrifice. Was a great room, lots of space, lots of TVs and a great view.
We enjoyed dinner and then headed out for the glam of the marina at night. A few bars/clubs were in full swing. We tried a few out and relaxed for a few hours. Was a great night – though we did not see anyone famous. We then headed back to the suite for the night.
Next day was an early start to hit the beach in Monaco and chill out for the day. Was a hot day, blue skies and a really nice beach. After a long day chilling, we got showered and changed and headed back to the beach to eat at La Note Bleue. A great restaurant on the beach front, with a live jazz band and food that was out of this world. Portions were so huge that Amrit cancelled her main after just having eaten the starter. Great value for Monaco too – highly recommended.
After dinner, we ventured into the Casino – which to be honest was a bit of a let down. Outside the expensive exotic metal showed there was some serious money flowing, but the Casino, despite being grand and prestigious lacked any real atmosphere. We decided not to play, but watched a few others before a walk back to the hotel.
Our final morning in Monaco saw the heavens open – but we didn’t mind, it was an early start and a drive over to St Tropez where 30’c and lots of blue skies awaited our arrival.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Day 11 : 17th August : Genoa (Genova, Italy)
Arrived in Genoa having taken the coast road (SP1) from Pisa. Was a really nice drive and we saw a few beach towns on the way. Italian Riviera is quite a nice place to hang out. Amrit got a little sick feeling again on mountain roads (as in Radicofani where a 10 minute journey ended up being 45 minutes). Altitude + Mountain bends + Jat’s driving = NOT GOOD FOR AMRIT! I however really enjoyed the drive, roads are great to stretch the legs on the car and get a feel for how well it holds the road!
Staying at the Bentley Hotel is downtown Genoa. This place is very grand, 5 stars and all the service you could ask for. We spent the afternoon enjoying the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Great way to wind down after the drive.
This evening we had a meal in the hotel, with full silver service – staff could not do enough for us. At one point, Amrit went to pick up the bottle of wine to top up our glasses. This did not go down well at all! I have never seen a waitress and a restaurant manager run over to a table so fast! They apologised sincerely for momentary lack of attention, and insisted they poured the wine for us. Amrit felt like a naughty child being caught doing something wrong – was very entertaining!
Tomorrow we head out of Italy :( and into Monaco :)
Can’t wait to live up the quiet life.... ;)
[Sorry, no pictures today - will have to tune in next time to see more...]
PS: We caught a little sun again today, tan is coming on nicely :)
Staying at the Bentley Hotel is downtown Genoa. This place is very grand, 5 stars and all the service you could ask for. We spent the afternoon enjoying the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Great way to wind down after the drive.
This evening we had a meal in the hotel, with full silver service – staff could not do enough for us. At one point, Amrit went to pick up the bottle of wine to top up our glasses. This did not go down well at all! I have never seen a waitress and a restaurant manager run over to a table so fast! They apologised sincerely for momentary lack of attention, and insisted they poured the wine for us. Amrit felt like a naughty child being caught doing something wrong – was very entertaining!
Tomorrow we head out of Italy :( and into Monaco :)
Can’t wait to live up the quiet life.... ;)
[Sorry, no pictures today - will have to tune in next time to see more...]
PS: We caught a little sun again today, tan is coming on nicely :)
Day 9 - 10: 15th – 16th August : Pisa
Pisa....this place is a real tourist hotspot. From Chinese, to Indians to Nigerians to Singhs – they are all here! Not the most enticing place (but the Tower etc all have to be done) and would recommend a single day here. A bit too touristy for our tastes.
I (Amrit) was hounded by the Nigerians with the Louise Vution bags (spelled as it appeared on the bag), but did not give in. Man they did my head in. I have never been so close to knocking someone out as I was here! To make things worse I made the fatal mistake of asking the price! Never again – never heard the end of it from them. To my surprise, prices fell round 75% as I started to walk away, was just like India!
We hopped on Cycle/Rickshaw to do a 40 minute ride round the area, was not the best idea in 36’c and just after lunch – but you live and learn!
The hotel, San Ranieri was superb. Never seen such a futuristic hotel, all very modern etc. The gardens were also a great place to relax.
Downside of Pisa – the mosquitoes had a feast! We are covered (Jat has 7 bites, and I have 6). Had a second day here and just relaxed really, and took a serious afternoon nap!
I (Amrit) was hounded by the Nigerians with the Louise Vution bags (spelled as it appeared on the bag), but did not give in. Man they did my head in. I have never been so close to knocking someone out as I was here! To make things worse I made the fatal mistake of asking the price! Never again – never heard the end of it from them. To my surprise, prices fell round 75% as I started to walk away, was just like India!
We hopped on Cycle/Rickshaw to do a 40 minute ride round the area, was not the best idea in 36’c and just after lunch – but you live and learn!
The hotel, San Ranieri was superb. Never seen such a futuristic hotel, all very modern etc. The gardens were also a great place to relax.
Downside of Pisa – the mosquitoes had a feast! We are covered (Jat has 7 bites, and I have 6). Had a second day here and just relaxed really, and took a serious afternoon nap!
The tower is actually perfect, just a dodgy camera angle here :)
When in Rome and all that - so when in Pisa, be a tourist - has to be done!
Our wheels whilst in the city, notice the convertible roof and panoramic windows
PS: we ached after this one.
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