Friday 11/9-Along the French Coast by Rail
The day dawned bright and a bit blustery, so after a quick bite at the buffet breakfast at the Hilton, I was off to the rail station. I bought a Cannes-Monaco return ticket for about $12 US, and was off! I had done some research on the towns between those cities and figured I'd stop off and explore as I went along. My first stop was at Biot, which was described as being a 'charming hill top town' near the train station---wrong . After walking by a variety of closed amusement parks, smoldering dumps, various glass works factories, and some mundane track houses, I inquired "ou est le centre de ville" etc. from a local worker. He pointed and responded 'au loin....', with that I checked my watch, and figured it was at least a 20 minute walk back to the SNCF and the 'village--not nearby and with the next train east expected soon, I'd better head back. At the station, I did take a few nice pictures of the sea and coastline--but nothing really representing the perched village of my expectations.
Next stop was a bit better: Villefranche Sur Mer. This was an absolutely beautiful town right on the sea. I was able to wander around the harbor and down the 'hidden' streets below ground. I imagine during tourist season this place must be packed, but luckily the streets were practically empty except for local merchants. The houses were all the various beautiful shades of Provence, and the streets cobbled, twisting and charming. All in all I would definately want to make a return visit here and spend more time. After a quick 'cafe' near the station, I was off again. I had been planning to visit Eze, but after my Biot experience I thought I judge the distance from the station while on the train, and if it looked 'walkable', I'd stop on my return. The train itself 'hugs' the coast for most of the trip and the views alternated from merely great to fantastic. I did see another town 'Cagne Sur Mer', just before Monaco, which also looked promising for a nice stroll--and it's village appeared very near the train.
Monaco-- arriving in Monaco, I was surprised by the very modern rail station. After walking what seemed miles I exited near the Palace and gardens. I wandered around the harbor, imagining who could possibly own those enormous yachts and checking out the tacky amusement rides and games. Then walked up to the Casino (but decided not to go in) then back down for lunch at a seaside cafe. I was seated next to the harbor and all was well for about the first 5 minutes, then a large gust of wind hit, followed by darkening clouds. It was all I could do to keep the cloth & silver on the table. Sill, I managed to keep my hands on a 1/2 litre carafe of Provence rose, and an order of moules By the time I left, the rain seemed just about ready to start, so I hurried back to the station. Now it had really started to pour, so I'm afraid both Eze and Cagne Sur Mer would be out of the question. The train was a commuter line, and getting on in Monaco it was already packed. I felt as if I was on the Lex during rush hour--only this was the local;. I finally got a seat at Nice, and almost dozed the rest of the way to Cannes. It was still raining when I got off the train at 6pm, and as the PIP Winetasting was to begin at 7--I just hurried back to my hotel to prepare for the fun.
Coming next our PIP wine tasting.....


[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 11-16-2001).]