Before I begin my blog post, I'd like to just say a few words about the Nice Attacks. Our tour group was set to stop in Nice, France on July 17th but when the Bastille Day attacks happened just three days prior to our estimated arrival, everyone assumed, and most likely hoped, we would be rerouted. When our tour guide announced we would be continuing as planned, I was absolutely shocked. We were told that the people of Nice needed to feel as normal as possible in the wake of the terror attacks and tourists would help that, but it still felt strange to be visiting a grieving town. However, I'll never forget the somber sights I saw during my two nights in Nice. Praying for Nice, and for peace.
Day 8: Eze &Nice
Onward and upward. The drive to France was full of so much anticipation. It was one of those 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? How about now?' kind of ordeals. I could not wait to be in the country I'd been studying for the past four years. I was practicing my vocab words and conjugating skills in my head while trying to recall every little bit of French culture I could remember. I was literally bouncing up and down absolutely FREAKING out! The second I stepped off the bus on to the French soil outside of a parfumarie in Eze we stopped at, I squeezed my mom's hand so tight I'm surprised it didn't fall off. Maybe it was just me, but everything seemed so much more beautiful in France than it had a few miles up the road in Italy. Either way I felt like I was living in a dream.
My first ever picture in France! I literally could not contain my excitement and was trying so hard to hold back my very happy tears! Dress: Marshall's (super old) Bag: Longchamp Shoes: Birkenstock
SO SO SO happy to be in France!
After our stop in Eze, we arrived in Nice where we'd be staying for the next two nights. My mom and I tried not to whip out our phones and snap pictures along the promenade since memorials were set up everywhere but we did find a delicious place to eat. I ordered (in french !!!!!) another extremely well balanced meal; a Nutella, Banana, and Coconut Crepe. Absolutely Amazing!
Day 9: St Paul de Vence, Nice, & Monaco
A big family tradition is sea glass hunting whenever we visit a beach. My mom and I were so delighted when we found a few shards on our beach walk on night one that we set our alarms extra early and searched for sea glass while watching the sunrise to kick off our second day in The South of France.
Second on our daily itinerary; a trip with the tour group to the nearby, hill top town of St Paul de Vence. I've never been, and doubt I ever will be, in a more beautiful, peaceful, and charming place in my life. It's safe to say I fell in love.
I'd put this outfit in my Top 3 Favorites of the trip. The white on white and the striped top just seemed so effortlessly chic to me and gave the French girl vibe I was going for. Top: Forever 21 Jeans: Gap Shoes: Dolce Vita (found at DSW)
Grapes growing on the side of someone's house like it's no big deal.
Even St Paul de Vence's ancient cobblestones were picture perfect so my mom and I had to snap a shoefie.
Lets not forget how stylish my mom looked, color-coordinating with the flowers and all!
This place without a doubt stole my heart. Around each corner was new scenery that absolutely had to be photographed.
We made our way back to Nice and had Pomme Frites for lunch. Some of the best fries I've ever had.
A classic Nicean view that never gets old.
For dinner we made our way to Monaco (bonus country !!!! (sort of)) with the tour. My mom and I took tons of selfies on the trip but with a background as stunning and the Monaco harbor, this one takes the cake.
Jumpsuit: Banana Republic Necklace: The Loft Bag: Longchamp Shoes: TJ Maxx
I was just a few weeks shy of being old enough to enter but it was still fun to see the famous Monte Carlo Casino and spot the Chanel bags as they walked by.
Of all the places I visited, The South of France is the first place I'd return to if I was given the opportunity. Each view left me breathless and shocked that places so beautiful even existed. Not to mention, I was finally surrounded by people who dressed in the effortless French Girl style I've always tried to emulate. But as much as I wished I could stay and explore the coast, especially St Paul de Vence, the next stop was Paris and I could hardly wait. Stay tuned!
Xo.
-Kate
Xo.
-Kate