Day 2: road trip to St.Paul de Vence, Vence, Haut de Cagnes, Antibes

Slept 'til 9, breakfast on hotel balcony,then walked to pick up rental car. After several navigating errors we made it to St.Paul de Vence, an hilltop village only 11 miles from Nice. It was gorgeous and although it is reputed to be the most visited town in France, and a favorite of Picasso, Matisse,and Chagall, it was really not that crowded. Pefectly manicured, narrow streets filled with shops and galleries. We had a fabulous outdoor lunch under a huge linden tree whose shade was most welcome.

We then drove only a few miles north to Vence and viewed a chapel that Matisse designed, and vainly searched for his home. From Vence we had another short drive to the hilltop town of Haut-de-Cagnes, where Renoir lived. His work was displayed in the Chateau Grimaldi, built in 1310. Many of Renoir personal items were on display including his wheelchair, pallet, brushes, etc.

Back in the car for another short drive to Antibes, a resort for the rich and famous along the Mediterranean. Boats, beaches, and views! The yachts were incredible; making the biggest in Newport or Nantucket look like row boats. After a leisurely walk along the water's edge, and too, too many pictures of boats, we had wonderful outdoor dinner at Le Jardin. Every item was perfection!

We took the slow route, right along the coast, back to Nice, and even though it was nearly 10 pm, we could still see.