There is always something happening on the Cote d’Azur. And usually unexpectedly. After two days of thundering cloudbursts, we returned to sunny southern France. The fresh powder snow glistens behind us so that we can go skiing.
It is wise to consult the news before departure because sometimes things go wrong. Half a mountain rolled down at night two weeks ago, right on the narrow highway—fortunately no accidents, but a long traffic jam with ski enthusiasts who could turn around. Heavy tools were used to clear the mountain of stones, mud and sand. But the road is clear again.
Of course, those heavy tools came from the Leroy Merlin hardware store. There, they have everything you need to clear roads and build or renovate your house. This winter, they used their stock to create a mega hardware store. Where women like to get lost in Cap 3000, there is now finally a ‘men’s cave’ full of practical and fun devices. There are no fewer than four floors for parking, making the hardware store look a bit like the Nice airport.
Romance
That airport ranks 3rd in the Most Romantic Airport in France competition. I don’t know who came up with such a competition; maybe a lonely PR lady who had to come up with something new to make the bundled CO2 emissions more fun. Perhaps such a romantic moment will happen when the tram is ready to take you to the heart of Nice. Or when you leave for your loved one. Or arrive with your loved one. Or meet your loved one there. In any case, Lyon is number 1 as the Most Romantic Airport in France. And what made the difference? You can park there for free for 20 minutes at Kiss and Fly. What can people in a romantic mood do in twenty minutes? Oh, that’s why Lyon won.
The village of Gassin, near Saint Tropez, is not necessarily romantic but very popular. Gassin is participating in a national beauty contest to become The Best Village in France. No effort is spared; Gassin would like to win this prize to attract more tourists as if it wasn’t busy enough in the Gulf of Saint Tropez. The current title holder is the northern French village of Esquelbecq, which has just over 2,000 inhabitants. Where do you say? Celebrity is not bought by participating in a competition; that is clear.
Sale
You can buy many other things because Nice is going on sale this week. Those who had not yet spent enough money during Christmas or Carnival can continue in the long lines towards the store checkout. It’s as if people have run out of clothes; the sales are so busy on the Cote d’Azur. But it is essential to be well dressed, whatever the weather. And that makes the South of France ‘fashionable’ and always in fashion.
What is also becoming increasingly fashionable are parking spaces for electric cars. We had blue parking spaces for people with disabilities and a nice car. Green parking spaces are also being added for everyone with a plug-in vehicle. It’s driving you crazy; open green spaces are reserved for battery-powered cars everywhere. Is it symbolic: ‘Look at us being green; we’re going by bike’? To solve this misuse of public space, I purchased a charging cable with a car plug from AlieExpres. This hangs triumphantly as a connection between my bonnet (which hides a diesel engine) and the charging point. At least the green idea is there.
Also green is the e-Formula 1, a race with electric cars. Not as spectacular as the growling cars, but fun to watch, especially in Monaco. Due to a shortage of places this year, a floating stage will be added. The more than 1 million euro project provides 400 seats in Port Hercule that are only sold as a 3-day pass. For the historic, the Electric and the F1 Grand Pix of Monaco.
