Checking out the Musee Chagall, Nice

One of my favourite museums in Nice is the Musee Marc Chagall in the Cimiez neighbourhood, North of the city centre. The combination of the rich colour and surrealist fantasy in his works on display is simply stunning. Above are details from my favourite series, "Le cantique des cantiques" (The Song of Songs). The elongated brides, the angels, the doves, and winged horses all add up to such a rich iconography in his interpretation of this lyrical and poetic Book of the Bible...

Most of the paintings on display come from his Bible series, and above is another of my favourites - The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. Again that gorgeous turquoise shade and fine detail make the work memorable....

In addition to the Bible paintings, there are also some exquisite stained glass windows, a lovely mosaic, and beautiful drawings to be seen in the gallery. Originally from Russia, Chagall spent many years in France, and is buried with his wife nearby in the perched village of St Paul de Vence. Many museums in Nice are free, but entry here is quite pricey at 9.50 Euros, but unlike many other museums it has a cute cafe in the garden gazebo to mull over the museum and relax. Find the museum 10 minutes walk North from Gare Nice-Ville or take bus 15 or 22 from the centre. Entry is free the first Sunday of every month. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 125 - Nice

Summer is drawing to a close here on the Riviera, the beaches are closing down, and the shadows are getting longer and longer as Autumn looms large.....

Here are the shadows being cast by rollerbladers, skaters, cyclists, flaneurs, joggers and strollers on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice last weekend under these fabulously moody and atmospheric skies....

The muted greys, pale blues, and monochromes are vastly different from the vibrant azures and cobalts of summer...

But I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the turn of the seasons here, and Autumn I think will be just as fabulous as the height of summer...

For more shadow shots from around the world, click here for Tracey's Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Exploring Eze....

Exploring the medieval village of Eze is, indeed, a fascinating experience. Perched high on the mountain with stunning views, its fortifications and ramparts bear witness to its history of staving off invasions - most notably in 1543 when it suffered the Ottoman Offensive...

The village contains many remarkable residences from the Riquier Residence to the Chateau de la Chevre D'Or and the Chateau Eza. In addition there is the Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption consecrated in 1772 with a wonderful Baroque interior, and nearby the oldest building in the village dating from 1306, is the Chapel of Sainte Croix which belonged to the lay order of the White Penitents of Eze in charge of administering aid to victims of the Plague...

Visitors enjoy exploring the winding streets and absorbing all the history of the village, as well as browsing the newer attractions of upmarket art galleries and boutiques, and taking a welcome break at the many cafes and restaurants. .......

If you get some good weather then visitng the Jardin Exotique and sampling these stunning views from its highest point, finishes off the visit in spectacular style. All in all it makes for a wonderful afternoon out. Catch bus 83 from outside the railway station at Eze-Sur-Mer, and if like me you want more of those views, then descend from the village down the Chemin Nietzsche back to the sea (45 minutes of steep descent)......Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 124 - Jardin Exotique, Eze

The French Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful gardens along its coastline - often called "Jardin Exotique" they display a wealth of Mediterranean flora including a host of striking cacti in stunning locations....

This is the splendid view from the Jardin Exotique in the perched village of Eze....

It boasts an amazing range of plants and blooms interspersed with artistic sculptures...

And of course on a hot day with a bright blue sky, the shadows are strong and striking - and provide some welcome shade for a very tired tourist conked out on the bench....

For more shadow shots from around the world, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 123 - Nice

There have been some wonderful sunsets recently here on the Riviera - many from my apartment terrace, but this one is over the Baie des Anges walking into Nice along the Promenade des Anglais......

Shooting straight into the sun has created these lovely dark silhouettes of people enjoying watching the sunset, coming out of the water, and heading into the path of the sun aboard the boat.....

The beautiful orange shades, and palm trees give the shots a feeling of North Africa which is of course just across the water....

For more shadow shots this week, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday hosted by Tracy in Brisbane...

Enjoy! ......and don't hesitate to visit the French Riviera if you get the chance - it is a beautifully stunning piece of coastline!

Shadow Shot Sunday 122 - Nice

In Nice there is an Antiques Quarter located between Place Garibaldi and the port centred around the street named Catherine Segurane. Wandering along there the other day, I noticed this rather attractive door knocker casting its shadow. For more shadow shots this week, click here for Shadow Shot Sunday hosted by Tracy in Brisbane. Enjoy!

Mooching about Menton....

Visit the French town of Menton on the Riviera, very close to the Italian border, and you will not be disappointed. You can spend a wonderful day wandering around the town taking in all it has to offer. First there is the wide sweep of the bay, the beach, the harbour and the beautiful backdrop set against the mountains.....

Next there is the wide variety of beautiful churches, and of course the Old Town with its narrow, winding passages, gorgeous vistas along shuttered alleys, and wonderful architecture at every twist and turn....

Menton is easily accessible by Bus 100 from Nice along the coast, or by train on the Ventimiglia line. Enjoy!