Lets face it, it is unlikely that we are going to be going anywhere this summer so its time to think about your winter Holiday and Shevelle Rhule believes their is nothing better than jumping on an easyjet flight and getting a bite of the Jet Set lifestyle on the French Riviera
Stepping off the plane still with the remnants of a cold thanks to the continuously blustery weather in London the lukewarm heat from the French Riviera was a welcome relief. It is probably no coincidence that Côte d’Azur was famous in the 18th as a fashionable health resort for the British Upper Class to cure a variety of diseases including tuberculosis. Nice as a city is beautiful and charismatic with buildings full of culture and baroque architecture that is actually more Italian in it’s style due to years of being under a Italian dominion before becoming part of France in 1860. The coastline beaches are some of the most beautiful in Europe and coupled with the indefinable charm from its cosmopolitan past, legendary sunshine (the average weather in summer is 29C) and being sandwiched between the glamorous hotspots of Monaco and Cannes, it’s a destination you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.
For amazing local culture there are a tremulous amount of places to visit in the old city of Nice from the famous Matisse Museum, a iconic French artist known for his use of colour and who’s body of work has recognized him as a leading figure in modern art. Also while there visit his gravestone where visitors are encouraged to place gifts of flowers, shrubbery and stones on top. To the Marc Chagall museum, who was know as a pioneer of the modern art scene and a real pride of the region. For stunning scenery visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild a beautiful botanical garden, which is ideal for weddings with its nine magnificent themed gardens, dazzling collections and splendid vistas on the sea.
However the most glorious thing about coming to the French Riviera is the accessibility of having the best of all worlds, from the sun and sea, culture and exquisite food to the snow and the mountains. So after visiting the sights of the old city why not through the rule book out of the window by visiting one of 15 ski resorts that are just an hour and a half drive from Nice. Before you start shaking your head saying black people don’t do ski holidays do allow me to proceed. I visited three of the 15 resorts and being a ski virgin this was by no means an easy feat. Stepping on the slopes of Valberg for the first time the fear in my face was evident “don’t worry I’ll take good care you” laughed my incredibly dishy ski instructor Clement. And take good care of me he did, although I had to swallow my embarrassment of having children as young as four beating me down the mountain while I try and master the snow plough. Although my shines were black and blue and my bum pretty sore from some spectacular falls, I had an immense sense of accomplishment from surviving my first day of skiing and believe it or not I loved every minute of it. Valberg market itself on being a great family and children resort (making it ideal for first timers) thanks to its 53 runs and great selection of green (easy) runs. The Chalets are cosy and great for large group with amazing places to eat on the resort which is just what the doctor ordered after spending hours burning serious calories on the slope.
Another great ski venue to check out is Auron know as the village resort, which has a gorgeous vintage style. It’s a charming location situated 1140m and directly above an authentic alpine village of Saint Etienne De Tin`ee rich in religious patrimony and museums.
The next day we drove further up the mountain to 2000m to the trendy resort with a sea view Isola 2000. One of the most snow covered resorts in France with 43 runs and offering the 2nd fastest chairlift in country (the ‘Valette’ 6 seater detachable chair lift) this is where the young and the fabulous go skiing. After feeling more confident I take to the slopes with vigor and even managed to ski a blue run with my instructor tentatively by my side. I have almost perfected the skill of getting on and off ski lifts, I handle a easy run unaided (well kind of) and i’m even spending around 60% of the time on my feet. I’m slowly but surly getting the hang of this and I surprised at how much I’m liking it! The resort is stunning, being so high up and close to the sun the weather is hot (I was baking under my layers), the food priceless (try the boar stew- divine) and the accommodation slick. Also a massive must while here is to take the opportunity to drive a ski scooter on the slopes at night (equally petrifying and exhilarating at the same time) to a hidden restaurant on the slopes where we dined on baked camembert and roasted partridge- one of the most awe-inspiring experience of my life.
Tip:
It’s common to suffer from altitude sickness so drink plenty of fluids and take it easy on the alcohol.
Essentials
Currency: euros
Average Flight: from £24.99
Average Temperature in spring: 15c
Resorts: check out www.valberg.com, www.isola2000.com and www.auron.com
Ski Passes: from €28.50
Ski Lessons: from €28
Visitor Information: visit www.frenchriviera-tourism.com and www.frenchriviera-mountain.com
