I've never been an awning type of girl, but after seeing these, I definitely am.
I'm finally back from gorgeous Nice and have tons to share with you. Shame on me though for taking so long, but we had a few technical difficulties when we got back (I was dying to show you all photos!) and then just getting back on track with work and the time zone (we're falling asleep at 9:30/10pm every night) was keeping me away from writing. But, I'm back and just want to gush about our trip in France.
First of all, the whole time we were preparing for Nice, even up to the drive to JFK (yes, we drove ALL the way there so we could get a non-stop flight. not sure if we'll do that again...), I couldn't believe that we were actually going. The best way to explain myself here is that France is what you would call my "white unicorn". The mystical, never-going-to-travel-to kind of place since it just seems too amazing to actually go to. So, you can imagine my amazement when we landed in Nice and could see this gorgeous deep aqua coastline with mountain ranges behind it. Seeing that coastline, the kind you see in postcards and travel magazines, really made me realize that we were finally in Nice and that it's not the "white unicorn" anymore.
I won't write paragraph upon paragraph detailing our stay there since the photos and captions below will explain everything, but I will say this. Nice is absolutely, hands down one of the most amazing places I will ever go to. I just know it. The culture is relaxed in all things, yet there is a sense of natural chicness that you can't really pinpoint, but know it's there. The people here don't try to be stylish, they just are. And, well everything is just fantastically beautiful. Even narrow, cobble stone alley ways have some sort of charm over you when you're there.
Snapped a shot of the seafront on our way to the port.
Can you tell we're REALLY happy here?
The food market was an absolute dream. How yummy does everything look?
 Our host was taking us around Old Town Nice and we happened upon this flea market. |  You can't see my face, but I am beyond beaming. This was like heaven to me. |
A little back-story for the photos below. The following Monday after we arrived, we took an overnight trip to Villeneuve lez Avignon while Andrew and Trish went to Paris. We rented a convertible and drove out to the hotel. Along the way, we discovered that the rest stops have some amazing food. I kid you not, the sandwiches were of gourmet caliber and so were the pastries (chocolate eclair to be exact and it was in fact the best chocolate eclair I've ever had).
 Stayed at Hôtel de l'Atelier, one of the best affordable romantic hotels in the world according to Travel + Leisure. |  Lovely rooms that had simple furnishings. All you need when you're trying to have a romantic getaway. |
 The view out of those two windows were of a roof top terrace and intoxicating garden below. |  Had to sit and relax out on the roof terrace. The top far right windows open are of our room. |
 Steve was reading our travel books to find a flea market for me to go to the next day. |  The owner of the hotel brought up a bottle of rosé and a few munchies for us. |
After we checked into the hotel, we decided to check out the town and happened upon Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction. Had to take a snapshot of this stunning courtyard.
 The next day we drove to Aix-en-Provence to a flea market that Steve discovered. I'm beyond happy here. |  I literally wanted everything, but Steve had to remind me of the shipping issues/charges that would arise if I did do that. |
Tunisian beach towels that came in every color you would want. We bought some to give as gifts, but Steve is refusing to let any of them go.
You want soap, you got it. This is a soap lovers paradise. All colors and scents imaginable.
 Doing a little shopping at Caprice, a vintage shop that I did NOT want to leave. Instead of this dress, I decided to go with a polka dotted skirt instead. |  Thank goodness Steve was there to capture the shop. I was clearly too busy shopping to bother with taking any pictures of the store. |
On our way to the Matisse Museum, we see this gorgeous hotel (Regina Hotel). Later do we find out that Matisse had an apartment at this hotel.
Matisse is one of my favorite artists, so I was excited to be at a museum dedicated to him and to see his works in person.
This is the view away from the Matisse Museum - a park open to the public, complete with a carousel and cafe.
We stumbled upon the Jardins de Cimiez, an absolute idyllic garden, while leaving the Matisse Museum area.
During one of our day jaunts, we went to an ancient hilltop village called Eze, and found this ornately decorated church.
I couldn't help myself, I had to take a gazillion photos of the inside of this church. The way the light was hitting the chandeliers was awe-inspiring.
{All photos taken by the Johnstons}
I've never been an awning type of girl, but after seeing these, I definitely am. I'm finally back from gorgeous Nice and have tons t...
