Day 33 - October 3 - Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, Monaco
Got up a little later this morning. Headed out for a day of sightseeing. We sat outside on the sidewalk drinking coffee and eating pastries at a cafe across from our hotel near the bus stop that would take us to Nice.
We waited at at least 30 minutes for a bus, there was a cruise ship in port so the buses were all crowded. We got to the Nice bus station in about 30 minutes. We walked into the heart of Nice through some shopping streets, to the tourist information area for a map and then to the famous Promenade Anglais in front of the ocean. We walked all the way around the promenade to the Nice port watching all the cars line up for the ferry to Corsica.
We caught a bus in front of the port that took us all the way to Monaco. All of the buses are 'stop on demand' and we weren't sure which stop to get off at, but we figured it out and hopped off in Monte Carlo. The principality is a bit different from the other towns we had visited. Monaco is actually up a steep hill and somehow you have to wind your way down the hills to get to Monte Carlo. We stayed in the middle and went to get pizza and beers at the 'Monte Carlo' Bar. I will note here that there were lots of police and cameras everywhere, on every street corner. I'm certain the crime rate is low!
The pizzas were good but about 2x the normal price. I got up when we were finished to use the restroom and as I walked in and headed towards them, the owner/bartender shouted at me that the toilets were outside. I thought that was odd as I had seen a sign for them inside. I kept walking towards the restrooms inside and he kep pointing and getting a bit mad and telling me they were outside. It finally dawned on me that he thought I was just walking in off the street and he didn't want me using his restrooms. I told him in French that I had eaten lunch here and he seemed to not believe me. I stood my ground and told him again that I had eaten here and said very confidently I would go get my receipt. I must have looked quite serious because he said 'no' that's ok go on and use the restrooms.
After eating, we walked up a steep hill/steps to the Monaco Palace area and small village. It was quite crowded but the view down in to the harbor was wonderful. All the yachts lined up! We toook some photos, saw some tacky Princess Grace souvenirs - can't believe they let them sell that crap. Hopped on the bus back to Villefranche-sur-Mer to rest and blog!
We relaxed on the balcony with some more wine and David decided he wanted his haircut. So we went to the coiffure across the street and using my French and hand signals David got a razor cut in France! They were very nice people and helpful as we have seen all throughtout France.
Off to dinner at a French-Moroccan restaurant the hotel owner had recommended. We hadn't explored Villefranche yet so weren't really familiar with the town layout. We had been given directions, but of course got turned around. We eventually found the place and sat outside on the cobblestone street. It was nice except for scooters/motorcycles that kept cruising through. The streets were so narrow, I can't believe they let them drive through there when people are eating outside- Ah France.
David had couscous poulet: they served it soup-style, the couscous and the chicken and veggies on the side of it, with a broth mixture- it was delicious! I had rack of lamb, veggies. It was quite good also. The restaurant name is La Grignotiere.
We were tired and started back- this time the correct way and fell into bed.
