Spotlight on southern

Spotlight on southern France A land of charm and enchantment Words by Janine Marsh; Photos by Marianne Furnes The south of France has long attracted artists and visitors who fall in love with the incredible light, the charm of the locals and their singing accents, the culture and history of this picturesque part of southern France, fields of fragrant lavender and glorious countryside, authentic and rustic seaside villages… Villefranche-sur-Mer ‘When I see Villefranche, I see my youth again. Pray Heaven it may never change’… French poet Jean Cocteau on Villefranchesur-Mer The 700-year-old traditional fishing village is home to around 5000 inhabitants but welcomes about a million tourists every year (thanks to the large cruise ships which drop anchor just at the entrance of the bay). Nevertheless, the village has managed to retain its authentic and charming nature, winding medieval streets and ochre, pink and yellow houses topped with orange tiled roofs. From the hills, those who climb have a splendid view of Cap-Ferrat, and from some spots even the Cap de Nice. Just as Picasso, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Henry Ford discovered, it is the perfect place to have a drink at the end of a beautiful day, while you soak up the view of the stunning sunsets. Nice Words don’t do justice to the charms of Nice. You have to see the palm trees gently swaying from the light sea breeze under the azure sky and taste the salt in the air. Walk down the chequered paths of Place Masséna and along the narrow wiggly streets of the old town, lined with bright terracotta-coloured building. Wander the Promenade des Anglais that winds around the Bay of Angels, lapped by the unbelievably turquoise sea, glittering from the rays of the warm sun. Listen to the clanking anchors of yachts in the harbour and explore 54 | The Good Life France Villefranche-sur-Mer The Good Life France | 55