Advertisement
View of the Mediterranean
Promenade Maurice Rouvier Yesterday we laid low, venturing out only to visit the local butcher for a poulet roti (rotisserie chicken); the boulangerie (bakery) for a baguette and croissants; and a vegetable vendor outside our door for some zucchini flowers, fennel, potatoes, apples, tomato, green beans, white asparagus and some shallots. Apparently Chef Dee is planning something special for dinner?
Feeling somewhat rejuvenated today, we decided to try one of the designed promenades, or walking trails, that hug the coastline of the Cap Ferrat peninsula where we are located. These walks are of various distances and degrees of difficulty, so we selected one of the least-demanding of them, the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, which runs in a northerly direction for about 1.2 kilometers starting from the Saint-Jean town hall.
The path we followed was very flat, with only a few gentle slopes, and the walking surface paved and even. Our modest goal today was to walk about one-half the total distance, as far as the Place David Niven, and then return, for a total distance of about 3/4 mile. We made frequent rest stops at benches along the way, admiring the scenic views over the Mediterranean Sea while listening to its gentle waves
Beauty by the sea
Promenade Maurice Rouvier lapping at the rocky shores beneath us. What a tranquil setting, almost hypnotic!
At our snail's pace, it took us about 90 minutes to complete the roundtrip, but Dee was a real trooper throughout, even with her bad knee. The Place David Niven, the half-way point of our walk today, is named after the eponymous and famous British actor who spent part of his leisure time at this villa, which he purchased in the 1960s. Now known as the Villa Fleur du Cap, it still stands at the same spot on the square. Apparently this villa was even used in one of the scenes from the
Pink Panther series of films produced back in that era.
After we had backtracked our way to our starting point, it was lunchtime, so we decided to try a different kind of restaurant we had passed several times during our stay. Unlike the "classier" (and pricier) establishments that ring the port area, this place (Sea Side Restaurant) is self-service.
Orders are accepted at a door on the street, after which patrons receive a paging device to alert them when the food is ready. The restaurant has a very pleasant outdoor terrace
Rocky shoreline
Promenade Maurice Rouvier area (overlooking the sea) with tables and chairs where diners eat their meals after they are prepared; there are no servers or table service of any kind.
The menu includes pizza, beef, chicken and fish platters, and the prices are lower than the conventional restaurants in the area. We shared a large vegetarian pizza (topped with red peppers, artichokes, mushrooms and olives), along with a beer and iced tea, and spent about 20 euros. Other diners were bringing delicious-looking platters and salads to their tables, as well as wine and other beverages. No doubt the self-service angle here allows for lower prices, and we've made a note to return for another lunch or dinner during our stay.
After lunch, we briefly considered another "promenade", but instead decided to return to our apartment and take a "Nappy Walk". After resting for about an hour-and-a-half, we simultaneously came to the same revelation, rather like an epiphany, i.e., that we are truly and completely captivated by this enchanting place. Both of us wholeheartedly agreed that we could happily spend the rest of our days in this haven of tranquility and natural beauty: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, on the Côte d'Azur, in the south of
France!
Dee's Comments: I believe an investment in travel is an investment in yourself. Wow, I can say that we have discovered a gem of a place here in Saint-Jean! Went on a 3/4 mile walk along a trail by the sea today, enjoying the picturesque setting, while listening to the sound of the waves hitting the shore. What a sense of serenity we felt!
This town is so beautiful, with its history, its friendly people, and its idyllic location by the sea...and let's not forget the great food, which is a huge part of any traveling experience. Looking forward to more memorable experiences in this little corner of paradise!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.151s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 13; qc: 29; dbt: 0.0867s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Danielle
non-member comment
Beautiful Views
Wow what a serene place so beautiful..Chef Dee of course never disappoints! You both look so relaxed. Enjoy your stay..