The moment the bus rounded the corner and the beaches came into view, I was enchanted by the clear blue sea and it was calling to me.I also saw a great sign that said, “Don’t Splash Your Trash”. Meaning do not throw your litter in the water.
We disembarked and went in search of a taxi. On the way we were subjected to our second impression of Cannes, that some people obviously have more money than class.
I am just going to be honest here. There was a very wrinkly old geezer, in a speedo, instructing his much younger arm candy on how to pose in a public fountain while wearing just her bikini bottoms. She had laid her top on a brick wall, and went to heeding his commands. So he is running around her like a teenager, snapping photos while everyone around was privy to their little display of oddity. I have no problem with nudity on the beach, but think there should be some sort of decorum and self-respect when in town. When they were done, they strolled off towards where laid the mega yachts. “Bless their hearts!” > insert huge eye roll here.
We were greeted by a very friendly hotel attendant and given our room key for our next two nights at Hotel Alize.
Very cramped room, tiny bed, curtains did not close all the way, no english speaking TV channels, the shower stall was incomplete, lightbulbs missing, but the AC was cold and the bed was comfortable. The perfect location we dd learn until the next morning as we did not even leave the room being wore out from the bus trip and walking to find taxi while lugging too much luggage.
Looking forward to some sleep and beach time.
August 7
Beach time…………..let’s go!
We had a coffee and croissant at a cafe, walked through an open air flea market, checked out the Petanque courts, bought Han a pair of sunglasses, took some pics and arrived to a lively beach area and found a little spot in the sun. We did not have beach gear, so we used towels from the hotel and a rain umbrella for shade. Yep, we were the hillbilly couple on Cannes beach but I did not care because the water was clear, salty and felt freaking fantastic. We have both missed the Caribbean waters so very much.
We stayed a little under two hours, since we now have too white sun deprived skin. It was a simple joy of soaking in some sun rays and feeling pure happiness.
We walked across the street to a little road side food vendor, bought sandwiches and picnicked in the park.
Afterwards we went on a one hour tour of Cannes via a cute train and saw much more than what we could have on foot. It was definitely worth the 10 euro each. We were taken to a gothic church at the highest point of Cannes and soaked up the outstanding panoramic views. I also lit a candle for my mom inside the church. I have lit so many candles in memory of her while on this trip and I miss her every single day.
We were in amazement that the train was able to maneuver through the tiny winding streets and not take off a car mirror or two.
By the end, we had had enough of the heat so we went back to rinse off and get cooled down a little. The moment I walked into the room, I smelled cigarette smoke. I was a bit miffed and went to complain. I also let him know about the toilet and light so we would not get blamed for it. He could not fix the toilet and did not inform our “neighbors” that the hotel is supposed to be non-smoking. grrrr…
Footnote: Take my word for it, find another place to stay than Hotel Alizé, even though the location is great.
Later we took a walk and I saw a Lancel store. I purchased my first Lancel travel bag in St. Maarten about 12 years ago and it is getting a little worn, so I replaced it with an even better one for traveling. I am in love with this and Han was not surprised to see me come out carrying a big red gift bag.
Enjoyed some silly tourist things like standing on the red carpet, placing my hand inside Meg Ryan’s hand print (one of my favorite actresses) and window shopping.
We finished our lovely day with dinner and a glass of wine at a cafe on the square with outdoor seating and the best duck I have ever eaten.
A La Potiniere gets a five star rating from me for food and atmosphere.
We called it an early evening because our alarm was set at 7:00am to catch the bus out of town on the road to Genoa. Sigh!!!
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