Riviera Journey

A Weekend on the French Riviera

Three Places You Wouldn't Want to Miss Near Nice

Take a walk on the Promenade des Anglais for views of the beach. The promenade has a host of restaurants, shops, apartments and hotels. If you want a break, you can sit in a chair near the beach and take in the sights of the Mediterranean. People usually call this walkway the Prom.

I love visiting old places, and if you do too, you can get an idea of what a Greek villa might have looked like during ancient times. This replica villa sits on the edge of the sea, and it is often used for weddings and other upscale special occasions. The Villa Kerylos, according to France.com, was constructed in the 1900s. When you tour the building, you’ll feel as though you have been transported into a life of Greek luxury.

I think that it's pretty neat to see places where historical figures worked and lived. While in the French Riviera, you wouldn’t want to bypass the Picasso Museum (Musee Picasso) especially if you love history and appreciate art. The museum is actually locate inside a castle that once house Picasso himself. Explore some of Picasso’s artwork that is not as well-known. To get to the museum, you’ll have to take a train or car from Nice to Antibes. Although the museum is rather small, you are likely to love the setting itself, and just knowing that you are viewing the art in the very place that Picasso completed some of his works, is thrilling.

There's something special about being surrounded by natural beauty. In the Spring you can walk among the flowers at Jardin Du Monstere. This garden was once tended by monks. The garden is located in the Centre Ville district and several buses, the 17, 15 and 22, will take you there.

Are You Looking for a Mayan Riviera Retreat?

Try the Jungle Spa and Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Those of you who love good massages and other spa services might want to check out the Jungle Spa in the Mayan Riviera. The spa is part of the Lu'um K'aa Nam, a non-profit organization that is run by a couple that also have their own bed and breakfast in the jungle, the Casa Cacahaute. The jungle offers a cooler alternative to basking on a beach all day. Of course, you can combine the two. You can spend part of your day taking in the sun on the beach and spend the other part of your day taking tours of the jungle, getting spa treatments, or simply relaxing in a swinging hammock while reading a book.

The Mayan women in the area, who mostly learned the art of massage from their own families, provide the massages. These women now extend their talent to visitors through the jungle spa so that they can offer the funds that they need to support their families. The massages are offered at a significant discount, compared to what you might find at a resort. You can have an hour-long massage for $40 for an hour or pay only $60 for a 90-minute massage. Some of the massage services that are offered include a chocolate massage, aloe vera and banana leaf wrap massage, and a Mayan deep tissue massage. From December to Easter Sunday visitors can shop in the Mayan market. The market features one-of-a-kind crafts and traditional Mayan food.

Take a Cultural Trip to the French Riviera

The French Riviera is known for its rich cultural history. I would just love to rent an apartment and spend my days exploring the castles and forts. I’ll probably visiting some of the museums, but I believe that to truly experience an area, it’s best to be outside. Hopefully the weather will cooperate on your trip. The Belle Epoque is one spot that you should visit in the French Riviera. It is known for its beautiful architecture, representing various periods. The buildings were once the epitome of luxury, because the area was (and still is) a major vacation destination for the wealthy.

The Belle Epoque is the place to go to see palaces and many of the hotels are glamorous as well. The Negresco on the French Riviera, for example, which has a huge open domed area that is brilliantly light and airy. From the outside, the building large white building has splashes of gold and huge pink domes. The pink and aqua accents on the hotel remind me of Miami. Located on the Promenade des Anglais, the inside of the hotel resembles a palace. Just to give you an idea of the luxury offered at this five star hotel, some of the services include car limousines and helicopter rides. The concierge can make arrangements to obtain tickets to the theater or arrange a trip to the salon.

This particular hotel offers two restaurants and bar, convenient for the times when you do not wish to eat out. The hotel is located a near the sea, which is nice touch. The artwork in the hotel also makes it a great option for a cultural trip to Nice on the French Riviera.

Tulum on the Mayan Riviera

Visit the Ancient Ruins of Tulum

Although the beautiful beaches on the Mayan Riviera might demand your full attention, consider taking some time out to visit the Mayan ruins. The ruins of Tulum are popular, and you can readily find tours to visit the area. Tulum is about 82 miles away from Cancun. A trip to the ruins can give you an opportunity to reflect on the past. The ruins are all that is left of the city. The inhabitants probably died due to diseases after the area was invaded. The city was well-populated around the 13^th Century.

While at Tulum, you will have have the privilege to to some of the architecture of the period close-up. El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes are two of the most interesting structures on the site. The temple has images of goddesses that are still visible. It is helpful to read about the ruins before your visit, so you that you can better understand what you see when you get there. Although spontaneous trips could be great, I've learned from experience that you won't appreciate the full impact of these historical ruins unless you know what you are seeing when you get there.

If you don't do your homework, you'll find yourself gazing at the structures, wonder about the stories behind what you are seeing. Of course, you can forget the research and go for a guided tour, in which an experienced guide will tell you all about the ruins. Some of the tours to Tulum pick guests up at various hotels in Cancun. Ask your travel agent or the concierge at your hotel for help in arranging a tour.