FRANCE/MONACO

Marseille

Where I Stayed: Air BNB on Boulevard Baille

What I Did: Tours, Excursions, Beaches

I chose to deviate from my original itinerary to go to France, Marseille especially, because of the Alexander Dumas Novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. The Count of Monte Cristo has been my favorite movie for as long as I can remember and visiting the city of Marseille and the Chateau d’If is something I’ve always wanted to cross off of my bucket list.

My first day in Marseille started with a Viator Tour; Provence Sightseeing Tour: Mareille and Cassis Calanques Cruise. I met my guide, Matthew, in from of the Radisson Blu Hotel at the Marseille Vieux Port. From there we headed pass the 11-century Abbey of Saint Victor to the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. Here we marveled at the amazing panoramic views of the city, from the highest natural elevation in Marseille, all the way across the sea to the Chateau d’If. The Neo-Byzantine architecture of the Notre Dame de la Garde was unbelievable; mosaic pieces covered the entirety of the church and green limestone from Florence was used to build the basilica. There was also a Roman-like crypt below the church area where anyone can light candles and pray in silence under the semi-circular arched ceiling.

After the basilica, we headed south east traveling along the scenic Corniche des Crêtes road, stopping to gawk at the mesmerizing costal views of the Côte d’Azur from Cape Canaille- ‘the magnificent headland that tops France’s highest sea cliffs-, on the way to the small village town of Cassis.

Once arriving at Cassis, we hopped aboard a sightseeing boat and cruise out of the harbor towards the regions three Calanques. These spectacular Calanques are a ‘series of striking limestone rock formations that comprise the Fjords of the French Riviera along the coastline.’ The Calanques we viewed were as tall as 1,900 feet above the sea level and in between some of the tall cliffs were pristine secluded beaches with turquoise waters- truly a lovely place to enjoy a nice dip!

After the boat cruise we walked around the pretty harbor of Cassis, lined with vibrant colored houses, window shopped and ate gelato. With the 15 minutes that was left before the tour concluded, I walked down to the Gulf of Cassis and took a dip in the warm waters of the French Riviera.

Upon returning to Marsielle’s Vieux Port, I immediately hopped on the last ferry of the day to the Chateau d’If, a fortress located on the island of If, the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, I toured the prison while immersing myself in the settings spoken in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. This three story escape-proof prison became quite famous after The Count of Monte Cristo novel was published and houses a tourist attraction in the hewn dungeon in honor of the only man who escaped the Chateau d’If (fiction), Edmond Dantés. It was a magical experience!

Nice

Where I Stayed: Day Trip From Marseille

What I Did: Sightseeing, Beach

I didn't have as much time in Nice as I had hoped, so I was only able to walk the famous Promenade Des Anglais for a couple hours and visit the beach towards the end of the coastal road. There is an endless number of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels that lie on the famous Promenade Des Anglais. I stopped at a restaurant called Opéra Plage, which was full service and also provided lounges and parasols on the pristine pebbled beach. I spent a couple hours here sunbathing and floating in the calm clear waters of Nice.

MONACO- Monte Carlo

Where I Stayed: Day Trip From Marseille

What I Did: Botanical Garden, Casino, Old Town, Harbor/Port

I took a day trip to Monte Carlo in Monaco by train from Marseille which took 4 hours round trip Once arriving at the Monte Carlo train station I walked towards the Monaco Square, which houses the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the Opera House, a few world renowned hotels and a new shopping center (with only the most lavish of designer shops). At the square I walked around and gawked at the fancy Maybach’s, Roles Royce’s and Maserati’s, which lined the streets, as well as the luxurious décor of the nearby hotels where only the most welcomed international high society person’s stopover. I worked up enough courage to go into the casino but didn’t dare to gamble.

After the square I jumped in a taxi and headed to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco. This botanical garden is made up of many different species of succulents and cacti and has the most spectacular panoramic views of Monte Carlo, Port Hercules, Monaco Old Town (The Rock) and Fontvieille; a photographers dream! There is also a grotto underneath the footbridges that was founded during the construction of the garden that I visited, along with a Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

Next, I headed to Monaco Old Town or ‘The Rock’ as locals call it. On the way to the top of The Rock, I stopped at the Place d’Armes, the central market square, to take a break from walking, people watch and enjoy a cappuccino. Sitting at the market area you can see the fortifications that surround the Prince’s Palace at the top of The Rock. After my rest stop, I climbed the 16th century staircase of the Rampe Majeure and marveled at the great views of the harbor. Once I arrived at the Old Town, I weaved in and out of the narrow stone streets littered with souvenir shops, café’s and bars to get to the Prince’s Palace. I paid to take a tour of the Prince’s Palace, which was pretty interesting, and saw the main courtyard and the throne room, where the Royal Wedding took place.

I had a couple hours before my returning train to Marseille departed, so I walked down to the harbor, Hercules Port, to have lunch. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants that line the harbor so that made it pretty difficult to choose somewhere to eat; however, I finally decided on Bella Vista Restaurant, because of the large open patio. The food was just as lovely as the view!