Here's the download on this seriously off the beaten path secluded hippie artist village:…read moreDating back to as early as the second half of the ninth century, this little village has been operating autonomously, sans the government of Genoa, since as early as 1429. An earthquake in 1887 led to a series of eviction orders by the police and the tiny city remained in ruins until the mid 20th century when Italian immigrants began to illegally settle. Following the artistic revolution of the 1960's, a small group of international artists claimed the village and began to rebuild the destruction out of the original materials and remains of the ruins, despite the police eviction order. When the Italian authorities arrived at the village to enforce the order, they faced a rowdy group of angry artists and international media representatives. They backed off, and the village has been in the hands of these open minded crafters ever since. We enjoyed glasses of wine, a plate of parma, and fresh vegetables for a seriously low cost (say 11 euros total) aperitivo as we simultaneous took in the expansive view of lush green hills rolling down to the Italian Riviera. The local artisans sat and talked in groups at the tables, and also on blankets out in the nearby field. Conversation, smoking and drinking wine seem to be the modus operandi during the evenings here, and they are in no hurry to serve you or anyone else. Please, be respectful and don't come with a touristic attitude.

One of a handful of touristy spots to check out in Monaco - in a country this small this palace is…read moreconsiderably large! It is located on the elevated old city walled part of town (or really country), you really can't miss it since coming up the pedestrian walkway this imposing, regal building sprawls across the north side of a large cobblestone square. During certain times of the year (end March to mid-October) it's open to tourists for tours, but the months are fairly limited since it's very much the living and working quarters of the Monaco monarchy. Appears there are beautiful frescoes and grand staterooms you can view inside. If you happen to be there during those months tickets are €6 for adults and €3 for children, with combo tickets possible if you want to visit both the palace and the prince's royal car collection (€17 and €8 respectively, I guess someone has to pay for the upkeep of those cars and that's the tourists). Otherwise for the rest of the year you can catch a glimpse of the daily changing on the guard in front of the palace at noon. Nice views of Monte Carlo and the harbor along the old city walls by the palace.

The palace is in easy walking distance from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate where Prince…read moreRainer and Grace Kelly were married and buried. It is also near the Musei Oceanographique made famous by Jacque Cousteau. At the top of the rock the palace sits in a large public square surrounded by apartments of the rich. Formula 1 race car drivers and others. From the palace you can see the yachts of the rich and famous docked in the bay. At 12 pm there is a changing of the guard which always attracts a crowd. Admission to the palace is 8 Euros and comes with an audio-guide. You can purchase a ticket online or at the entrance. Tickets are fee on some Sundays.The guide takes you through lavishly decorated state rooms that are strategically focused on photos of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer, their marriage and life together. The architecture and history of the family is also mentioned. Many of the photos where taken by the media and government promotional releases. Grace Kelly is much loved in Monaco. The guide also elaborates upon the key features of the palace which are ornate and house fine furniture and artwork. I liked the armory and Throne room. The dress that Grace Kelly wore at her civil marriage in the palace is on display. as are correspondences and extracts from newspapers and film. Photos of the interior are not allowed. The entire tour takes less than an hour.

Located on the island of Île St-Honorat. One of the two islands making up Lérins - are Île…read moreSte-Marguerite and Île St-Honorat. 20-minute boat ride of Cannes. Imes de Lérins is the smaller of the two and we have been told less touristy. An oases of peace and tranquillity, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera. Pack a picnic or enjoy food and wine from a cafe, the only one on the island. Hike through beautiful paths that lead to a historic castle, an Abbey, church, cafe and gift shop. The scenery is breathtaking. The flowers, wildlife and water views are spectacular. No flushing toilets, an open pit in the bathroom awaits those I need. Just remember to lean or you will wet your shoes.

From the owner: Le vin sacré Débutée vers 1073, la construction du monastère fortifié de l'Ile Saint-Honorat, qui…read morefait partie de l'archipel des Iles de Lérins, durera plusieurs siècles. Tours de refuges, cloîtres superposés, caves de réserves de nourritures sont autant d'éléments ajoutés au fil du temps. Aujourd'hui, le lieu est habité par une communauté de moines cisterciens en charge d'une exploitation vinicole depuis les années 90.

We happen to pond the fort on a holiday Monday after visiting the town of EZe…read more We wanted to have a little picnic time and started driving up the hill. When we got to the parking lot. The views are amazing and we had a nice time. The fort was closed because it was a holiday but it looks pretty cool. Fun fact during world war II, the Nazis used it as a POW camp for allied air crews. It's definitely worth visiting and having a picnic up there.