We left Nice in the morning and headed along the Mediterranean coast for the medieval village of Eze. Eze is a medieval hill town - built on one of the rocky promentories along the coast. The original plan of Eze was similar to other medieval cities of the time - to protect the inhabitants from invaders from the sea. It was easy to see miles out to sea and prepare for attacks and invasions. Residents of the village would have plenty of time to build up their defenses. If the invaders happened to make landfall, they would still have a long steep climb to even get near the village. Today Eze is still a functioning community - full of shops, restaurants, and even residences. Flowers grow everywhere over the narrow, rocky, steep "streets" of the village.
We climbed the steps and winding alleys to the uppermost point of the village for a stunning view, then meandered around on our own to see the beautiful secretive alleyways.
After we had some time to look around, it was back to the bottom of the hill, where the Fragonard Perfume factory just happens to be located. The city of Grasse, which is nearby, is the perfume capital of France. Fragonard has a factory there, in Paris, and at the foot of the village of Eze. We were led into a beautifully scented room, where it was explained to us how essential oils are extracted from the flowers of France (and some from other places in the world). Those oils are selected and mixed by "noses" - a select few people who have a heightened sense of smell, and can tell the layers of scents, which ones will complement each other, and, which to add to perfumes, soaps, and other beauty products. We saw the labs, the soap stamper, and the bottling section. Finally, we were lead to, where else, the sales floor!
After lots and lots of sniffing, we all left the Fragonard factory smelling much better, and with little shopping bags of the scented stuff.
Since we smelled so wonderful, it was time to go to Monaco! We traveled on the famous Corniche highway winding along the high rocky coast and entered another country - the principality of Monaco. Monaco is a city and a country - and it takes up less space than New York's Central Park! We drove through the narrow windy streets where the famous Grand Prix is held. We saw the fabulous yacht harbor, and of course the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Only people with a "certain income" level may become residents of Monaco - we are guessing that level is pretty high. Real estate is at a premium in Monaco, and so now the only way to build is up. People are getting pretty creative about how new levels are added to the already high high rises. Besides being a city for the very rich, Monaco is also a tax haven, which keeps the money rolling into this first class city. We went to the one large rocky promintory that is probably the least crowded - the royal castle of the ruling Grimaldi family. Currently Prince Albert is the sovereign of Monaco. This bachelor prince, now in his 40's is finally going to tie the knot this year. Also near the palace is the Oceanographic Museum, which was organized and run by Frenchman Jacques Cousteau (and now his family). We explored the area, taking in the changing of the guard (the 35 palace guards are Monaco's only military), the alleys of souvenier shops and restaurants, the beautiful cathedral in which Prince Ranier married the American movie starlet Grace Kelly, and the gorgeous royal gardens.
It was time to make the quick drive back to Nice, but one the way, one surprise stop - at a candy factory (bon bons!). We were showed how the fruit is selected and "candied", and then how this candied fruit and other flowers of France are added to the beautiful chocolates and candies - many purchases made here!
Finally - back to Nice! We took the afternoon to tend to some very important business - donning our bathing suits and sunning ourselves on the French Riviera! Everyone had a swim and lots of sunbathing (unlike many of the French, we kept our tops on!). After the hectic pace we've had, an afternoon on the beautiful beach was just what we needed.
Suntanned and relaxed, we headed out for our last dinner in France - an Italian restaurant in Old Nice where they made their raviolis by hand. This meal ranked among one of our favorites! Dinner was fun, and also a little sad as we had to say au revoir to many of the friends we've made within our bigger group -
students from California and Ohio who of course are now "Facebook Friends"!
Although we had an early departure early the next morning and needed to pack, we couldn't resist an evening stroll around Nice to take in the sights, the street performers, and of course have one last Nutella crepe! We sadly returned to our hotel around 10:30pm, ending a last wonderful day.
We don't want to say "au revoir" (good bye) to France, so we'll leave it at "a bientot" (see you soon) - because we HEART France!
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