Villefranche, France
We had to be tendered to shore here as the port can not accommodate big ships. That really didn’t create a problem and even added to the charm. I had to put aside all of the Italian I had learned and switch to French. (lol) We had a quick tour of Nice before heading up a highway first built by the Romans called the Grande Corniche. Beautiful views over the bays, including our ship. We then went to a medieval town called Eze. The fortifications had been renovated into shops and restaurants. Really fun, peaceful and beautiful. Next we drove to Monaco. It only covers 1 sq mile, but what a mile! The place just oozes money. We walked through the town and saw the palace changing of the guard, and did some looking in the shops. There were yachts in the harbor and expensive cars around the casino, including Lamborginis, Ferraris, Rolls Royce and other very expensive cars. One guy in our group estimated one car was worth over $1,000,000. We chose to walk in the gardens and around the square after a very good lunch right beside the casino while others went inside. We only had an hour and by the time we stood in line to check our cameras, stood in line to get in, took a quick look and then in line again to get our cameras, we didn’t think we would have much time left. Interesting place to visit, especially considering that not that long ago it was facing bankruptcy. The gambling and the rich tourism industry changed all of that.
We drove back along the water front and then walked through the old town before taking the shuttle back to the ship.
It was our last formal evening, so rested before showering and then dressed for dinner. Food was excellent, as always. The waiters all carried in flaming baked Alaska. After the meal we went to the show. It was really well done, with singing and dancing. Following that was the midnight buffet. This was the one with the ice sculptures, food made to look like animals, etc. Amazing amount of work, but who could eat again?
We had to be tendered to shore here as the port can not accommodate big ships. That really didn’t create a problem and even added to the charm. I had to put aside all of the Italian I had learned and switch to French. (lol) We had a quick tour of Nice before heading up a highway first built by the Romans called the Grande Corniche. Beautiful views over the bays, including our ship. We then went to a medieval town called Eze. The fortifications had been renovated into shops and restaurants. Really fun, peaceful and beautiful. Next we drove to Monaco. It only covers 1 sq mile, but what a mile! The place just oozes money. We walked through the town and saw the palace changing of the guard, and did some looking in the shops. There were yachts in the harbor and expensive cars around the casino, including Lamborginis, Ferraris, Rolls Royce and other very expensive cars. One guy in our group estimated one car was worth over $1,000,000. We chose to walk in the gardens and around the square after a very good lunch right beside the casino while others went inside. We only had an hour and by the time we stood in line to check our cameras, stood in line to get in, took a quick look and then in line again to get our cameras, we didn’t think we would have much time left. Interesting place to visit, especially considering that not that long ago it was facing bankruptcy. The gambling and the rich tourism industry changed all of that.
We drove back along the water front and then walked through the old town before taking the shuttle back to the ship.
It was our last formal evening, so rested before showering and then dressed for dinner. Food was excellent, as always. The waiters all carried in flaming baked Alaska. After the meal we went to the show. It was really well done, with singing and dancing. Following that was the midnight buffet. This was the one with the ice sculptures, food made to look like animals, etc. Amazing amount of work, but who could eat again?
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