The original plan was to visit Forcalquier in the morning to take in the sights but there is a change in the plan after re-considering the time that we've got. We decided to set out at 7AM in the morning from Manosque to Cannes via the A51 and then towards A8 in the direction of Cannes so that the kids can have a good sleep in the car. The toll for this expressway cost us €27.40 (If I am not mistaken) which is far more than the mountain road of €0.70 but is a small price to pay for a smooth and vomit-less ride.
We stopped by at a rest area for coffee and refuel. There is a small Relay at the petrol kiosk and we ended up buying some souvenirs. I bought a small can of lavender olive oil, a triple lavender soap pack and a bag of dried lavender while the rest of the party bought soft toys filled with lavender (as a gift to a cousin's daughter who absolutely loved it! She and the lavender teddy is like pea in a pod), lavender candle, etc.
The journey took us approximately 3 hours including the rest stop. Finally, Cannes! It has an endless stretch of beaches. We explored the long stretch of beaches by car but decided that it is way too long so there is no point in doing that. We parked our car at Casino Barriere Le Croisette after our failed attempt to find a street parking. Good thing we did not find a street parking. It is baking in Cannes! We visiting the beaches along the stretch starting from the Palais de Festival. OK, much time has been spent across the street where the luxury brand shopping is situated from Armani to Ermenegildo Zegna. We did managed to pick a "nice" restaurant - Plage de I'Hotel Gray d'Albion (Yes, I am highly suspect that they are tourist trap too but we need a spot with shelter for the children and facilities to wash ourselves after a dip, so this will do).
The water is very clear and very cold despite the summer time's super hot weather. This is an absolute pleasant experience as you can immerse yourself into the cold water when you feel hot and exit the water when you feel cold. For those travelling with young children, this is a must go! My two boys absolutely enjoyed it, especially my younger boy, Eden. However, please also be aware that Cannes and most part of French beaches are topless beach i.e. you will see topless women sunbathing on the beach. Meals, snacks and refreshments are extra costly here. We bought a hotdog from an alley (did not looked that shady) and it costs us €4.50 each! Bring your own snacks if you could e.g. sandwiches, fruits and water to save back on the dough for spending on other more valuable items.
Oh, pay a visit to the InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel and if you could, perhaps stay there and share with me some photos of the room. It is an absolutely beautiful! For MVCI owners, there is a JW Marriott Cannes Hotel. Did not know it until we saw it... Should have redeemed a night or two there. After checking the points, it is listed as a category 9 hotel. I have second thoughts about staying here already.
Some photos of the day are shown below, well not so much photos really since it is a topless beach so havve to exercise some discreet. Next stop, rejuvenation and recuperation in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Project WWWT Day 28 ~ 34 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Project WWWT Day 26 of 72- Provence, France
Project WWWT Day 24-25 of 72 - Nice, France & Monte Carlo, Monaco
Project WWWT Day 26 of 72- Provence, France
Project WWWT Day 24-25 of 72 - Nice, France & Monte Carlo, Monaco
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