From Riviera With Love...

I've arrived, I have found the meaning of life, I understand what the fuss is all about..... Hello South of France!!!

As we disembarked the A8 motorway, four and a half hours after leaving Lyon, we caught our first glimpse of ocean since leaving wintery Perth some weeks before.  The heart swelled a little at the sight of it, then sank a little at the sight of Nice, a drab and unsightly city from behind, rather grubby and killing my buzz in an instant.  Thankfully I had heard that this place was not a true reflection of the region and held hope for what lied ahead.  To be fair, I later was afforded the benefit of some of the prettier parts of Nice.

Our destination was St Paul De Vence, some 5 or so km from Nice, as the crow flies, but 20-30 mins by car (summer traffic permitting).

Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries such as Foundation Maeght which is located nearby. It is a postcard perfect village with cobbled walkways lined with quaint shops, flower boxes, and stunning sculptures around every corner.  

Our villa Mandarinette is literally at the doorstep of the village, with stunning views across to the village and beyond to the Mediterranean Sea.  It's location gives us the perfect combination of village and coastal lifestyle in this most beautiful part of the world. 

The villa, designed by the "queen of white interiors" Jacqueline Morabito, is everything we had hoped for and more.   Over three levels, we and the kids have the top level consisting of three rooms each with ensuites and views to the village and ocean.  The mid-level (street level) consists of open living space with chefs kitchen, dining area, and versatile living space and terrace.  The lower level consists of large studio with ensuite, stunning gardens, and pool all overlooking the village and the ocean, complete with multiple garden "rooms" and hot/cold outdoor shower.  Upon settling in, we wondered if we might just stay right there in the confines of our villa for the week, blissfully unaware of the world outside.  This is living.... Xoxo

See below pics of the villa and the stunning village just a few steps outside.