Ooh la la!
In a slight change to the norm, this blog post is written by Wilde & Harte Director, Paul Thompson, July 2024.
The French Riviera
With the holiday season in full swing across Europe, I am accompanied to the Côte d'Azur on the French Riviera by my very own Line of Kings Eltham Fusion Razor.
Day 1 highlights
Nice — A stroll down the Promenade des Anglais (The English Promenade) named so, as it was the English aristocracy who designed and built this beautiful coastline walk, a favoured destination for Queen Victoria and King Albert in the 19th Century.
Nice Old Town — Walking down narrow cobblestone streets through vibrant and pastel-hued buildings is the perfect way to escape the early afternoon sun, stopping for an occasional chilled beer of course.
However, just a 10 minute walk along the coast heading east of Nice, I found this absolute gem of a reastaurant — Le Plongeoir — an eaterie perched on a rocky promontory with stunning views out to the Med.
Le Plongeoir encapsulates the charm of southern France
Day 2 highlights
'Monaco Baby!'
The glitz and glam of Monaco is not everybody’s cup of tea, but for an F1 fan like myself, a photo opportunity with the Eltham sunbathing on the Juan Manuel Fangio Statue was too good to miss!
Juan Manuel Fangio & Line of Kings Fusion Razor, at the Rascasse curve of the Monaco F1 street circuit
Welcome to Antibes
Dotted with grand villas and secluded beaches, this chic resort oozes French elegance and sophistication of the highest class, with a stunning coastal walk to boot.
Luxury yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina, Antibes © Simon Hulbert 2024
Colourful apartment entrance, Port Vauban, Antibes
PBS 1 : ANG 2
The evening highlight was back in Nice Old Town watching the Euro 2024 semi-final between The Netherlands and England. Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal sending our Irish bar into a frenzy. Sadly, it was Gareths last win as England Head Coach.
Day 3 highlight
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Back in 1993, I stumbled upon David Niven's best-selling book 'Bring on the Empty Horses', a brilliant read, detailing all sorts of high jinks during the golden age of Hollywood. One chapter in particular I found very entertaining, Nivens friendship with Errol Flynn. So much so, that during a visit to LA in 1998 I stood outside the house they shared at 601 N Linden Drive, Beverley Hills. Now, visiting Cap-Ferrat would allow me to visit another of Nivens former homes, La Scoglietto.
Foreground: Line of Kings Razor. Background: La Scoglietto, home of the Niven family 1962-1983.
La Place David Niven. Once a well-heeled path for the glitterati.
Gardens of the Casino at Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
What's a great holiday without great company? A 'huge' thank you to my oldest and closest friend (of over 40 years!) Simon and his fabulous daughter Jess, for allowing me to join them for a few days on their own holiday in the south of France. Here we are on the final morning having coffee & pain au chocolat at Le Quai 28 overlooking the Port de St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The author, best mate Simon & his daughter Jess, Le Quai 28, Port de St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
#ILoveNice
Yves-Marie, my Airbnb host, #ILoveNice & Line of Kings Fusion Razor.
