France Trip: Matisse Museum in Nice

Friday, June 5, 2026

I had not realized I was a big Matisse fan until I went to the Matisse Museum in Nice and was completely blown away.

Between visiting Monet's Giverny, Cézanne's Atelier and Home, the Picasso Museum in Antibes, and now the Matisse Museum. This trip had a healthy exposure to the home and work of specific French artists. Sent me back to the 'States with a meed to paint!

This is, unfortunately the last France post! What a trip! So incredibly delightful. Every town I visited was absolutely wonderful. There were stressful moments, sure, but my overwhelming takeaway from this experience was one of great appreciation for all the beauty and deliciousness available to me!

France Trip: Menton

Thursday, June 4, 2026

At this point, it was pretty clear my France trip was overwhelmingly wonderful. I lay on a beach where, if I opened my eyes, I would see the verdant Italian mountains with low hanging clouds. If I tipped my head back, brightly colored buildings were behind me. The rain gently spritzed from the sky, and a wonderful sense of peace and gratitude slipped over me.

This is Menton. So close to Italy that all the local limoncello they sell makes sense. Had a fantastic plate of pasta with (yet another) limoncello spritz. Did soem souvenir shopping, laid out on the beach, and just had an absolutely relaxing pleasant time on this little day trip from Nice.

France Trip: Food in Nice

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

The food in Nice, and around Nice, definitely does not disappoint. Please note, somewhere around this city I switched from Apérol Spritzes to Limoncell Spritzes, lol.

Why are the French so good at chocolate ice cream?! I don't know!

France Trip: Picasso Museum in Antibes

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Say what you will about Picasso, the musée named after him in Antibes, where he spent 6 months in Château Grimaldi is just wonderful.

I was particularly moved by Anna Eva Bergman, even going so far as to make my own replica of it at home. While I know it's supposed to be reflective (har!) of the landscape of Sweden, it brings me a great deal of peace.

France Trip: Antibes

Monday, June 1, 2026

You guys. Antibes. It is the place. Frickin' magical. Walking along the marina from the train station to get to Viel Antibes. Great restaurants and shopping in there.

Strolling along the ocean on the Promenade Amiral de Grasse.

The Picasso Museum. But also, the beaches! Antibes is a definite rival of my favorite French town so far, Aix-en-Provence.

France Trip: Snorkeling near Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Another half day trip organized by the French School. Snorkeling near Saint Jean Cap Ferrat!

France Trip: Monaco

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Part of the aforementioned French class comes with day trips that others plan (huzzah!), like this one to Monaco.

I will say Monaco is lovely but the constant show of excessive wealth is a bit much to take. The luxury speed boats in the water. The middle class ogling the fancy cars arriving at the Monte Carlo Casino. The weird thing around Grace Kelly. I, just...eh.

It was only a half day trip, though. So a small, little enjoyable few hours, easily accessible by train from Nice!

France Trip: Around Nice

Friday, May 29, 2026

When I saw the color of the ocean in Nice, I gasped. Like, audibly.

I spent around a week staying in Nice. Such a great jumping off point for lots of great day trips via train. I also took another week of French classes, as I needed a small break from planning excursions...and also needed some actual socialization. Traveling alone can be rather isolating at times.

This city, though? So, so beautiful. So many things to see and do.