How's the serenity?...Nice.

Was going to call this post "Nice and HOT!" as it was 40 degrees the day we arrived in Nice and our little cottage had full length windows and balcony facing the afternoon sun so it was STINKIN' HOT inside.  Luckily the night cooled down and the owner found a fan for us.

But the view from the balcony was magical...

 
...overlooking an untouched valley that leads down to Nice and at night sitting out there with the odd ale/bubbly the fireflies would appear to the sound of distant frogs. How's the serenity..

Our digs were pretty special nestled on the edge of this valley at the bottom of the owners block.  Our roof was actually their terrace.

They also had a spa that we were invited to use when we liked.  I didn't quite feel up to dipping in a 40 degree spa on a 38 degree day, but miss coldy-locks  couldn't resist upping the temp a couple more degrees.

The place we stayed at was a couple of Ks from the edge of Nice proper, which was good as we could drive down the hill to a Parcazur (park and ride) and be in the centre of Nice within 20 mins for as long as we liked for a total cost of 6 euros (the cost of 2 return tram fares).


We stumbled on this man-made cascade a couple of minutes away from where we were staying in the hills of Nice..

even some of the locals though it was OK..

We made it down to the old centre of Nice a couple of times.  We loved it...
...the dark alleyways... 

 ... the majestic architecture and fountains... (no water restrictions here!)

 ... the beautiful blue sea... (not sure if this security guard will be quick to pounce if needed!)

Some things aren't always what you think they are...

... if you look closely, the building on the right is a pristinely painted wall and on the left is reality.