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 …

Pont Saint-Benezet – possibly the most photographed bridge in the world? After Sydney Harbour Bridge perhaps?

Wrapped around the city, Avignon’s ramparts were built between 1359 and 1370. They were restored during the 19th century, minus their original moats.

Walking around and admiring the architecture on arrival.

Avignon Cathedral with its flying buttresses.

A must-see is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes).

Inside the Palace of the Popes, one of the largest medieval gothic buildings in Europe.

Near the rooftop of the Palace and heady to the café for some fantastic views over Avignon.

Heading out to Orange, Provence for a wine tasting. And of course Orange, NSW Australia produces high-quality wines as well. Be great to have a wine tasting event to compare!

Orange’s own Triumphal Arch.

The characteristic terrain of Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from a layer of stones called galets (“pebbles”). The rocks are typically quartzite and remnants of Alpine glaciers that have been smoothed over millennia by the Rhône River. The stone retains heat during the day and releases it at night which can have an effect of hastening the ripening of grapes. The stones can also serve as a protective layer to help retain moisture in the soil during the dry summer months.

Now for the best part – our wine tasting at Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

Fellow wine drinkers on our day trip out to Provence.

Admiring the views near the vineyard.

The Antique Theatre and Musee d’Orange is close by and worthy of a visit.

Having a walk around Orange, Provence.

Spectacular fields of grapevines can be seen all along the way throughout France.

Absolutely captivating views coming into Perpignan as the train follows the coastline.

What a way to start the day with fresh crusty rolls …

First sight of the day is an easy walk from the city centre to the Palais Des Rois de Majorque which is located on the hill of Puig.

The city centre of Perpignan.

The older area of the city.

Street Art can be seen throughout the city.

Funny fellows and very friendly people.

Any Aussie feeling a bit homesick, well you can always call into a pub – just a block away from the Tourism Office.

Novotel Suites are near the Theatre of the Archipel is quiet and well located – only a short walk to the old-city centre.

From Perpignan to Avignon you can take the TGV or travel on regional services and a direct service is about 3.5 hours. However, the TGV will always require a compulsory reservation with your Eurail Pass. If you decide the trip is too short to use your Pass then there are quite cheap fares available to book online. That way you can save your Eurail Pass for longer or more comprehensive journeys.