My expert guide to all things Cannes and the film industry.

Well-known actors are immortalised artistically throughout Cannes.

Of course, we all remember ‘The Man in an Iron Mask’ particularly with Jeremy Irons.

However, at the Carlton InterContinental Hotel Cannes, you can book yourself into the Grace Kelly Suite, if available that is …

The Carlton is famous for hosting movie stars from around the world during the annual Film Festival

Stairway to heaven.

If you’re seeking a quieter area of the Cote d’Azur then Juan Les Pins should be considered. This area has a serene and unhurried feel about it.

Great little cafes and reasonable prices.

Driving along the French Riviera is easy, additionally there’s a train service connecting all the smaller locations along the way if need heading onto Monaco.

Quirky and fun – Mademoiselle Hotel Juan Les Pins, Cote d’Azur.

Breakfast at the Mademoiselle Hotel is more like a High Tea.

Symbolic for Cote d’Azur – relax and have a good time in the sun along the coast

Even this motor bike is tuned into the swing of life along the coast. Thought I might ditch the Vespa but couldn’t find the owner for a photo.

Fantastic bird’s-eye view over Nice and surrounds.

Fabulous and colourful buildings all throughout Nice.

Heritage-listed and artistically magnificent.

I wasn’t expecting to see an Aboriginal Exhibition in Nice but was great to see we’re on the World stage.

Sculpture of a different style and feel.

Lunch with friend Ria at the centrally-located restaurant filled with a collection of portraits of a bygone era. Le Grand Balcon at 10 rue Saint Francios de Paul, Nice

Something healthy for lunch this time … umm yes I know what you’re thinking, with all that yummy shaved fromage!

Coat of another kind …

Nice is also famous for glazed fruits seen at the Markets.

Heading in the direction of one of my favourite stores … Galeries Lafayette

Sunset along the Promenade and happy to keep walking.

Room with a view no doubt, Westminster Hotel is in a prime location with a balcony overlooking the Promenade.

Next door to the Westminster Hotel is Restaurant Koudoo at 28 Promenade des Anglais, these oysters must’ve been on steroids as my eyes bulged at the sight of them.

Grasse, France and how times have changed in the production and selling of fine fragrances.
International Perfume Museum, Grasse whereby you can learn about the history of fragrance dating back to the Egyptians and its development through various influences.

From all over the world, raw materials are sent to Grasse to be treated.

How it was …

A Perfumer is affectionately known as the ‘Nose’ and takes up to three years of training.

Being shown around the Museum; here are some plants which allow people to see the beginnings of a fragrance’s composition.

Also owned by the Museum is the beautiful gardens and parkland whereby you can hire out this space for functions and conferences.

Rows of lavender are only one part of the magnificent gardens.

Time for lunch – people can visit and bring a packed basket of goodies to enjoy.

I’m having lunch with Franck and Pascale along with some lively conversation.

Moving onto one of Grasse’s viewing points, to the south only 15 km away, is the city of Cannes with its yachts, fine-sand beaches and luxury shopping. To the east, about a 30-minute drive away is Nice, with its international airport, pebble beaches and the bustle of a busy city.

Starting at the Tourism Office Place de la Buanderie, you can discover the Medieval City by following the brass emblems in the street which mark the path to follow, aided by a map offered free of charge at the tourism office. Here Phillipe my guide shows an unnamed beauty outside the Cathedral which overseas Grasse and its surrounds.

It doesn’t matter which way you look, the buildings are historically significant in the architecture and design of the region.

Market in the city centre with an array of cafes and restaurants.

Now I’m at the Perfumery, House of Molinard and prices are quite reasonable for lovely French fragrances. Unable to buy in Australia I’m afraid.

It’s fun watching a bartender mix a cocktail, but here we’re learning the art of mixing the top, middle and base ingredients for our personalised concoction. You write down your own creation in case you perfect your dream scent and want to remember it.

And, here’s my creation with a Diploma as proof! Umm smells divine and like no other. Of course, I’ll call it Travel Gracefully …