Greetings from Spring Break 2015!
Similar to last year, Bo and I are taking advantage of the fact that we have Good Friday and Easter Monday off from work. Last year we explored Munich, Prague and Vienna with our friends Mike and Liz during the Easter holiday. This year we were craving sunshine and some quality time together. So much of our travel these past few months has been with friends that it’s rare for us to travel alone.
We decided that a road trip from Geneva to South of France then over to Barcelona would be perfect. The weather is ten or so degrees warmer than Geneva, the food is wonderful and it allows us to see Barcelona, a city which was high on our list.
The six hour drive from Geneva to Cap Ferrat took us through Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and France. We made a quick stop in Monaco to stretch our legs, explore the docks and daydream.
We made it down to our hotel in Cap Ferrat, Hotel Brise Marine, around sunset. Cap Ferrat is a small, quaint seaside town in the South of France.
Bo’s parents recommended we visit Cap Ferrat for at least one night, as it was their favorite spot when they traveled to France a few years ago. Our hotel room was simple but the views were gorgeous and it was far less expensive than the other hotels in the area.
![IMG_8250[1]](http://www.healthyhappierbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_82501.jpg "IMG_8250[1]")
We experienced the true magic of Cap Ferrat this morning, just after sunrise. Per the recommendation of our friends Lauren and Ryan, we took a 4 mile run along the island, following the Cap Ferrat Path. The coastal path goes from town through lush flora and along the rocky, limestone coast until looping back into town.
The path started on pavement before transitioning to a rocky path which passed the lighthouse, multiple luxury homes, gorgeous clear water coves, and the local beach.
Once we turned the cove we had views of the nearby towns, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the port of Villefranche. Boats were heading out for the day and fishermen were perched on the rocks, in search of the perfect catch. There were no other sounds on the path other than the crashing waves and our feet against the gravel.
If you find yourself in the South of France, make sure to spend at least an afternoon enjoying Cap Ferrat’s hiking paths and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the port and watch as boats come in and out of the small harbor. We can already tell that it’s very different than the energy of Nice and Cannes.
You’re making me want to go back to France!
I thought Nice was beautiful when we were there. And the culture in Monaco is so unique, with it being a combination of France, Switzerland, and Italy.
I couldn’t agree with you more Fiona! It was a gorgeous town, though we love the smaller ones. Monaco was a VERY quick visit but it felt very much like a convergence of Swiss and French Riviera culture.
Ash this looks AMAZING! We’re heading back to France next spring and the South of France is high on our list – definitely getting rec from you! I kind of love how where you are looks quieter/less touristy than Nice/Cannes and like you’re getting more of a local flavor! Have the BEST trip!
I will give you ALL the recommendations!
Not sure how close you are now (or if youre already in Barce) but St. Paul de Vence and Vence are cute towns just up the hill from Nice and that area. There is some incredible art there. A chapel painted by Matisse and this place (which I love): http://www.fondation-maeght.com/index.php/en
Aww thanks for sharing! We aren’t there anymore but we did drive through some of Matisse’s favorite areas!
Wow, what an amazing place for a morning run.
I love the south of France, but have never been to Cap Ferrat. I’m definitely adding that to my list!
Jealous that you are going to Barcelona, we love La Ribera/El Born. Some favorite restaurants/bars in that area are Cal Pep (restaurant, no reservations and a line forms before it opens for lunch and dinner but it is worth it), El Xampanyet (cava bar with snacks near the Picasso Museum), Bar del Pla (near the Santa Caterina market, the eggplant with honey and lime zest is amazing), and La Vinya del Senyor (a wine bar with snacks that has a wine list that is basically a book on a pretty square).
Thanks so much! We just added ALL of these to our list! 🙂