Versailles Gardens + Avignon, France

Now I understand why Marie Antoinette lost her head over this place, Versailles is just gorgeous. The garden is just a quick and cheap train trip away from Paris. It is easy to get to, you just take the metro RER C to the end of the line, be sure you get off at the right stop for the palace. The train takes something like 30 or 40 minutes each way.

From the train station, cross the road and at the Mcdonalds, turn left (towards the starbucks and around the corner). While you won't come upon the Chateau from the front, the tree-lined streets on this side make the short walk entirely pleasurable. Just follow the crowds to walk to the palace, it's only about a 5 or 10 minute walk. My advice is to go early to avoid the noisy crowd.

We decided to spend half day visiting just the gardens, not the chateau.The gardens are huge and very well kept. We sat outside with our packed goodies and enjoyed the garden views,the various fountains throughout the place. Louis XIV didn't think the Louvre was big enough so he built the Palace of Versailles and in doing so almost bankrupted France. I cannot imagine how much money royalty had back in those days and their vision to create such magnificent building and the creativity of those gardens. We spent for almost 5 hours just admiring the gardens.

So if you're in France you should definitely visit it. This is one of the world's great wonders.

Avignon

Known as the City of Popes, the walled city of Avignon was home to seven popes throughout the 14th century, who protected their papal territory by building enormous fortifications. The city charms visitors with its ancient streets, restored medieval ramparts and the Gothic architecture of the Palace of Popes. At the foot of the palace is a large area filled with restos and cafes where people can enjoy the great atmosphere.

This is a historic site and if you are really interested in the history of the popes, then you might find this place interesting, otherwise, just check it out from the outside and then move on to the rest of Avignon which is much more interesting.

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Nice + Cannes

The French Riviera conjures up images of sunshine, glamour, beautiful people, sand, super cars, turquoise waters, perfumeries, casinos, cafes and expensive beach clubs. The Riviera won't dissapoint you.

Also known as the "Cote d' Azur". Main destinations include Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco.

Nice "Queen of the Riviera"

She is the largest of the cities on the Cote d' Azur. Stroll from the famous Promenade or even roller blade if your keen. Hire blades from the "roller station" on the beach front. The beach is pebbly! So be warned you've got to work your way in to get comfy.

The beach as with the others on the Riviera is home to several beach clubs. These are set up on the beach with restaurants, beach chairs, umbrellas and waiter service. You pay for the privilege but if you're only here once why not!

Flash clubs can cost around 40 euros to hire a chair and umbrella for the day with half day rates available also. Cheaper alternatives can come as low as 6 -8 euros for a chair. There are free sections scattered along the beach where you can set up your towel for the day!

Buy a baguette and crepe and have yourself a picnic! Loads of women go topless so to all perverts, watch out! Lol.(have to warn you it's not always young attractive Frenchies!) There are some men on speedos also!

The old town toward the eastern end of town (left when you're looking at the sea) is amazing. There are winding cobblestone streets with all sorts of shops, markets, restaurants and cafes. Climb the stairs to Le Chateau/Fortress at the eastern end of the beach for post card photos across the city, and beachfront. Shopping along Avenue Jean Medecin runs inland from the promenade to the train station. You'll find departments stores, some designer labels and some reasonably priced shop as well.

Cannes (pronounced can as in "can of coke")

Home of the Cannes International Film Festival which takes place in mid-May. Smaller and with a more intimate atmosphere than Nice, Cannes truly does ooze the wealth you'd expect from the Riviera.

Cannes is the place to see and be seen. The beach is better here since it's sandy compared to the pebbly beach of Nice. The palm tree lined Promenade is another place to strut your stuff or drop some serious cash in the many designer stores and hotels along the main road.

Coldie's Tip: When travelling to or from Nice and Cannes make sure you get on the right train. Trains going towards Cannes leave from the seaside platform. Trains for Nice and Monaco leave from the inland side of the platform.

You must validate your ticket before getting on the train. It's very handy to have coins on you for the train otherwise you might have to wait a while to buy from the ticket booth.

Always bring your passport, police officials ramdomly check ID's especially at the train station.

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