A true treat when in the Pearl of France is a stroll along the Boulevard du Garavan. Laid out and completed in the last years of the 19th century, the Boulevard quickly became the most prestigious address east of Monte Carlo.
The street runs above the old village, about 1/3 of the way up the mountainside. The views are breath taking.
It wasn’t long until the rich and famous flocked to the boulevard to build their summer houses. All are beautifully fashioned “Belle Epoch” era houses that were built to maximize the view and catch the ever-present breezes that pass between the mountain and the sea. The boulevard has also had a recent upgrade. It has been re-paved and new sidewalks have been laid that have been inset with paving stones that all work in a harmonious colour scheme.
Last year Paul and I discovered the west side of the boulevard – this year we did the East. We both agree that the quality of the architecture is superior on this end (The boulevard runs right out of France and across the border into Italy), with some exceptionally designed houses just begging for your attention. The yellow villa with the turret was actually designed by Charles Garnier – yes – the Charles Garnier who designed the Paris Opera house and the Monte Carlo Casino. The villa la Favorita (the opulent mansion that is behind me in the photo) is the epitome of Belle Epoch architecture. Everywhere you look here, there is beauty.
On a completely different note, my friend Anita Stewart is the only other person in the world (other than Paul) to know that my absolute favourite desert in the whole wide world is Tart Tropizienne (aptly named after St. Tropez!). It is a yeast-based cake baked whole, split, then filled with pastry cream that has been mixed with whipped cream. It is topped with ta few grains or rock sugar and powdered sugar. It is also heaven on your tongue. Today, for the first time since arriving (how I held out so long I do not know), I had my first piece. It did not disappoint!
Today was clear sunshine with a high of 23C. How civil!
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