Last Day in France

After a wonderful nine days in France, we awoke to face our last full day of the trip. It started with mini muffins.

All pastries are better in France. I stand by that statement completely.

After breakfast we met with our tour group and got ready for a walk down towards the water.

The French Riviera is absolutely gorgeous. I am a huge fan of being on the water anyways, but this beach was like something I'd never experienced before.

I didn't realize that the beaches in Nice consist of all rocks- no sand! It was a little difficult to walk on, and I couldn't believe that people were laying on towels at this beach.

My mom was insistent on sticking her toes in the French Riviera.

So she did! She was the only one brave enough to go in the water- it looked too cold to me. It also was very rocky- she said it was difficult to keep your balance in the water!

After our side trip to the water, we headed to the flower market down the street. I wasn't particularly interested in perusing the flower market, but after seeing what it was like, I was glad that I had the chance to see it.

I couldn't believe the number of flowers in one place. The bouquets were so colorful and amazing. It's really too bad that we couldn't buy anything since we couldn't take it with us.

After we left the flower market, it was time to head to Monaco. When we first arrived in Monaco, we were able to go to the palace and see the changing of the guard. It was a very cool experience to watch the guards march past one another to change shifts.

We did a bunch of sightseeing throughout the morning.

We even were able to see the chapel where Princess Grace is buried.

When we were all done checking out Monaco, it was time to meet at the yellow submarine.
Yes, I'm serious.

Our tour guide Jeff kept talking about the yellow submarine and my mom and I could not contain our giggles. Who arranges to meet at a yellow submarine?! All I kept singing in my head all day was that song, "we all live in a yellow submarine...."

Next, we drove to Monte Carlo.

I have to say that I thought the Monte Carlo casino would be way cooler then it actually was. It has about two rooms, that's all. There are also only a few slot machines. I pictured it being way larger, I guess I am spoiled being nearby Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino, but I was very surprised when I saw the inside.

However, I guess the fact that it has real gold plated all along the walls makes it a bit cooler.

No pictures were allowed inside the actual casino which I was really bummed about so you will just have to settle for an outside picture!

Once we left the casino, we decided to grab some gelato.

and check out the super nice cars parked outside...

I'd never seen a Maserati and Jaguar that close before!

After arriving back at the hotel, we had just enough time to change into nicer clothes and meet in the lobby for our farewell dinner at La Bergerie D'Eze.

Dinner was completely delicious. I loved the beef stew and greatly enjoyed the table we were sitting at. It was a wonderful dinner and a great night on the hillside of the Maritime Alps.

Once we all finished dinner, it was time to go back to the hotel and pack our bags since the next day we were heading back home.

It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I had a wonderful time with my family. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to travel to France and see a ton of the country in one trip.