Victor Hugo bent oer at his desk, pen in hand. Rousseau. Cousteau. Clousseau! (jk!)  Not to mention the great philosopheres, scientists, perfume-makers, cheese and chocolate artisans, skiers, novelists, vintners, chefs, craftsmen, fashion designers--and whomever it was that baked that
very first baguette!  And that's on TOP of the phenominal musicians and composers who take their inspiration from this glorious part of the globe.  Debussy, Jacques Brel, Michel Legrand, and on and on and on.

From the air--my first glance at the Cote D'Azur!  I've been to the coast 3 times previously, but have always taken the train from Paris, so I haven't been treated to this view.

Yachts large and small dot the beautiful inlets; their wakes long and white behind them like comets streaking through the deep blue universe. Stunning!  Islands studded with red tiled rooftops and enormous free-form pools, elegant sailboats on the prowl, and individual jetskiers zigzagging between the tall ships--magnifique! All with the Alps for a backdrop in the distance. It's a total WOW!
I'm definitely awake NOW!

I arrive in Nice momentarily--where Philippe Saisse's Mama still lives in the family home and where he spent many happy days honing his craft.  (By the way, I learned today that there are 280,000 men in France named Philippe. So, if you're ever in trouble, just scream "Philippe!" and surely someone will come running to help you. :)

From Nice, it's a short drive down the coast to Cap D'Antibes, where I check in at the Meridien Hotel in  Juan Les Pins.