Musee de la Castre, Cannes, France

On a business trip one day, I was stuck in countless meetings that sucked away the hours while the beautiful view outside slipped by…

By some stroke of luck, I had managed to free up the next half of the day, and had the opportunity to take a walk around the area. The first stop I’d chosen was the Musee de la Castre, located atop the hill of Suquet in Cannes.

I took a little stroll uphill to get to a ancient castle building, much of which I was told, were ruins as it had once been ordered to be destroyed by the Bishop of Grasse. I had never imagined that there could be a view of this town so beautiful…

The museum housed various collections ranging from primitive arts (seemingly from Middle East or Asia), and landscape paintings from the Provence region. But this wasn’t the only reason to visit the museum. Its gardens and yard were amazing as well. Around the area you could find evidence of the past, but what caught my attention – which I nearly missed, so if you’re there, make sure to keep your eyes peeled – was the watchtower that you would come up to after the painting collection. Interestingly the Watchtower lasted until the 11th century, acting as a defensive redoubt against enemy attacks. It later became a seigniorial prison. It takes about 109 steps to get to the top of the tower, but I could vouch with its amazing 360 view, that you will never regret climbing the spiral.

I had unfortunately missed the ship out to the Lérins Islands. The Île de Sainte-Marguerite would show an interesting site of the Fort Royal, and the Île Saint-Honorat where a monastery spans across the woodlands. These would perhaps be reasons for more efficient meetings when I’m back in Cannes!

Montmartre, Paris and the Eiffel Tower

Having a little more time than I’d expected after completing the necessary, I took a quick bus trip down to Montmartre. It didn’t seem to look quite like what I’d remembered it to be.

The market place had changed to include a huge pavilion and some food establishments. I didn’t like the idea; but I still appreciated the beautiful artwork that the artists displayed.

Of course, when at Montmartre, how could you miss the Basilica of Sacré Cœur in remembrance of the French victims in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War. I took a walk inside, and the interior was unquestionably magnificent. However, as with every church and cathedral in Europe, watch your belongings as you enter/exit.
The view back was as stunning as you could imagine. 
I wish I had taken more photos, but even without, I’m sure you will consider taking a trip down next time! 

To end of my day, it was instinctive to find somewhere to enjoy the romantic views of Paris. I ended up in Maison Blanche on Avenue Montaigne. The food was alright, but the interior wasn’t impressive. Plain, to say the least. I’ve heard many complain about slow service. But when in France, take your dinners like they would! Slow down, enjoy, and chat with your companion! If you’re on a date, I guess this would work out fine. Unfortunately, the view to the Eiffel Tower was only available if you were seated outdoors, and this was only possible in the warmer seasons of the year. Do remember to make reservations if you wish to go!

<<I had to remove the image of the Eiffel Tower because I heard that it is now illegal to put up pictures of the Eiffel Tower’s night view!>>

short stop in Paris

When I stopped briefly in Paris a few weeks ago, I stayed in the ever-convenient St Germain’s area. Having nothing planned for the day of arrival, I took my sandwiches and drinks to the second largest public park in Paris – the Jardin du Luxembourg. The park has a palace and the Medici Fountain, both of which exhibit strong Italian influence. I later learnt that Marie de Medicis had built the palace in imitation of that in Florence. 

It’s a beautiful place to read a book and relax before the start of a week’s work. There are plenty of chairs for you to pull around and pick your favourite spot to rest. Not necessarily a tourist area, but definitely a great place to visit!