D20: French Riviera

...A whole day to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera, and a good opportunity to take advantage of the optional excursions. (B)

Today we headed to the gorgeous medieval village of St. Paul de Vence.  The picturesque village, set on a spur was made famous by artists such as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, and Miro.

The grave of the artist Marc Chagall

Tonight we drove along the French Riviera and arrived in the Principality of Monaco.  We had a very nice dinner at La Chaumière which had a pretty spectacular view of this sovereign city-state which amazingly only covers an area of about 2.02 km² with an estimated population of almost 33,000.

After dinner we visited the Royal Palace area which was stunning.  We arrived at dusk just as the lights outside the palace were turned on.  And what made it extra special was that we were virtually the only ones there.  I can only imagine that during the day there would be lots of tourists but we got to enjoy it to ourselves. 

Saint Nicholas Cathedral - where the Grimaldi family are burried, including Princess Grace.

Afterwards it was off to probably the most famous administrative area of Monaco, Monte Carlo which is home to the world famous Monte Carlo casino, the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris.  Yes, mum & I did have a little gamble and we actually both won!!! It certainly wasn't anywhere near enough to upgrade to Business Class flights for the trip home, but it was enough to pay for another handbag (or two)!!!

Didn't win enough to buy this car either...

(For the rest of my Day 20 photos - click here.)