Nice. Land of Light, Salt, Sea & Rose’

There is a particular quality of light in the South of France that makes one swoon with delight. In Nice, mornings arrive in pale blues and blush tones, washing over Belle Époque façades painted in coral . The Azur ocean welcomes with it’s array of blues. The insanely gorgeous buildings with the shutters thrown open to the sea air; even the buildings feel flirtatious here.

I certainly felt it. Glorious, salty and sexy. It’s hard not to and while Provence is not loud in its beauty, it has a pulsation that is addicting. The scent of citrus trees and warm stone, against the blue of the ocean and here, time slows, but not in a sleepy way, in a sensual one.

Provençal rosé, often Grenache-led, fresh, edged with wild herbs screams “drink me” and so I did, often and with zero regrets. At only 6euros a bottle, it’s imperative to support the local economy.

It pairs effortlessly with olives, sea salt, and conversation that stretches without agenda. You walk slower. You breathe deeper. You notice everything. It’s alive. Even the French Police are sexy with their black shorts and muscles and I only wish I had taken photos.

Nice brings both elegance and arrogance, deservardly so. With boutique shops, warm pebbled beaches, and inviting cafe and wine bars, it is a place I want to move to. It is both polished and slightly undone with it’s faded architecture yet loved every glorious moment there.

Provence teaches you something subtle, that pleasure does not need spectacle. It requires presence. A glass in hand. Sun and smile on.