3-day French Riviera Itinerary – The best place to visit on the Cote d’azur
The French Riviera, or the Cote d’azur, is famously known for its glitz and glamour. Stunning coastlines, magnificent yachts and picturesque towns are just some of the things you will find in this part of the world.
Now I LOVE holidays. If I had the chance, I’d be off somewhere new every weekend. Sadly commitments mean that this isn’t always possible and you have to make the most of the 3/4 days that you get off. The only way to fit in so much is a hell of a lot of pre planning! We did surprise ourselves with just how much we fitted in!
Day 1 Nice – Antibes
Early morning on day 1, we landed at Nice Airport. we took the nice airport express bus which took us to nice main station. We left our luggage at Nice central station and made our way to the waterfront. We decided the easiest way to see the sights was to get the mini tourist train that cost us 10 euros. Within 45 minutes, we saw the most important sights of Nice. It took us to the Colline du Chateau where we had the picture perfect view of the Bay of Angels. It stopped here for 10 minutes. The train also took us past Massena Square, the Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais and Albert I gardens.
Antibes
We then got the train from Nice to Antibes – roughly a 10-15 min journey. The main train station was an easy walking distance to the harbour.
We took a stroll along the waterfront until we reached the town. We were really lucky to get the chance to see Dilbar – the world’s biggest yacht. We visited the Musee Picasso and took a lazy stroll around town.
Cannes
We finally made our way on the train to Cannes where we would be staying for the next 2 nights. We had dinner and got ready to get much needed r&r. Our home for our trip was at the Intercontinental Carlton Cannes. The highlight was walking along the Cannes waterfront in the dark with the glittering hotels and shops with the supercars revving.
Day 2 Monaco – Eze
This day I was really looking forward to. It has been on my bucket list for a few years now and the yearning to go increased once I watched Riviera on tv which was set in Monaco.
A fairly short train ride took us from Cannes into Monte Carlo station where buses were waiting to take tourists around the sites. Monaco can be done on foot but to save time, we mostly used the buses. Our first stop was to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco to beat the crowds where we had a clear unspoilt view. There is a stunning view looking over onto Fontvieille with the luxurious mansions, yachts and red Ferraris. We had sometime before the changing of the guard at 11:55am so we decided to have a wander around the Old Town with its winding paths.
Following the road around, a short walk brought us to the Monaco Cathedral and the Musee Oceanographique. It was time then to make our way back to see the changing of the guard by walking through Saint-Martin gardens.
Our next stop was Monte Carlo Casino. We even had a peak inside!
We had a little time before our bus to Eze so ducked into the Metropole shopping centre.
Eze
We knew we’d have some free time as we had dedicated the whole day to Monaco, so why not take a small detour to a neighbouring village. We took the Lignes d’Azur 112 bus up to the mediaval Eze village which is perched on a narrow rocky peak.
You must pay a visit if you are visiting Nice, Cannes and Monaco for a sublime experience. Link to the timetable here: https://www.departement06.fr/documents/A-votre-service/Deplacements/transports-en-commun/112.pdf
Day 3 Cannes-Grasse
We started our morning eating breakfast on the terrace of our hotel. Cannes is small and very easy to fit in one day.
We walked along the stretch of the Croisette, first to Port Pierre-Canto, then back towards Palais des Festivals and Le Vieux Port. Keep an eye on the ground for the stars!!
Marche Forville is well worth a visit for those unique souvenirs and food gifts for back home. I stocked up on the most fragrant Herbs de Provence and use it in as much cooking as I can!
Grasse The 600 line bus took us to Grasse – the centre of the perfume industry. Of course, there were some truly stunning views! There was plenty to do in Grasse such as visit the perfume factory.
After a couple of hours in Grasse, we made our way back to Cannes. Taking a walk up to the Musee de la Castre rewarded us with beautiful views of the croisette.
Finally made our way back to Nice Airport by bus from Cannes (bus no 200) And that for only 1.50 euros with the most spectacular view of the coastline!
Already wishing I was back! Until next time …
Au Revior!
These crunchy and tantalizing Maddur Vada are also known as Madhur Vada too and are prepared with mixed flour such as rice flour, plain flour, semolina and flavoured with onion, green chillies and curry leaves. Ideal for an afternoon tea, trips and picnic when cooked perfectly and stored in an airtight container.
Why name Maddur/Madhur Vada?
In the state of Karnataka, there is a small town called ‘ Maddur’ and you can find these irresistible fritters in every corner, hence these fritters are called ‘Maddur Vada’. Travellers who pass through this town cannot ignore it’s frying aroma but give up and indulge in these crispy and tasty vadas.
Can I make Instant Maddur Vada?
Maddur vada can be prepared instantly, and you do not need any raising agent to prepare these vadas.
Can I omit curry leaves?
I don’t recommend, as curry leaves are important ingredients in south Indian cuisine and lend beautiful aroma and taste to these vadas.
Can I add dry or frozen curry leaves? Certainly, you can.
Can I make Vegan Maddur Vada?
Yes, you can. Instead of ghee or butter add oil.
What can I serve with Maddur vada?
Maddur Vada goes well with south Indian style coconut chutney, tea or coffee. On a warm day, serve with cold drinks such as cola, lemonade or milkshake.
MADDUR VADA
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice flour
- ½ cup plain flour Maida
- ¼ cup semolina Sooji/rava
- 1 large finely chopped onion
- 4 finely chopped green chillies
- 1 small sprig curry leaves finely chopped
- 3 tbsp. finely chopped coriander
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp. dried red chilli flakes or red chilli powder
- 4 tbsp. hot oil
- Pinch asafoetida Hing
- oil to deep fry
Instructions
- In a bowl place all the flours, and add onion, chilli, curry leaves, coriander, hing and salt to it.
- Mix everything and well and leave it aside for 10 minutes.
- Add hot oil and then mix it with the spoon.
- You won’t need any water to bind the dough, but if the dough is too dry or crumbly sprinkle some water and knead the dough.
- The dough should be hard.
- Divide the dough into equal parts and make lemon size balls.
- Start heating the oil in a kadai for deep fry the vada on medium heat.
- Put butter or greaseproof paper on a worktop, put one ball and press gently with your fingers or palm and make round circle. It should not be too thin or thick.
- Carefully lift the vada and immerse in the hot oil.
- Fry the vada till it becomes brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove it from the oil and leave it on a kitchen towel.
- Repeat the same procedure with the remaining balls.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney, tea or coffee.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
