Cassis, France

We had such a fun time in the little coastal village of Cassis. We me our friends for a beach day and had fun relaxing, swimming, people watching and catching up. Such a little gem (lesser known than the neighboring towns of St. Tropes, Cannes etc...)

 

Provence, France

When you think of Provence, you think of the Lavender fields! They are typically in full bloom in the middle of July - and we honestly by chance happened to be there at the perfect time (our trip was not planned this way). We painstakingly made our way through the winding roads and mountainous turns, but the prize was to find these gems - the lavender fields and the beautiful rivers. Absolutely Gorgeous!!

The pictures don't quite show it, but the water color was amazing!!

Going over one little bridge, we noticed this sign and had to stop for a photo. Definitely makes us pause and be grateful as we have the luxury of traveling to areas that once were so sadly filled with war and loss.

And there they were - the amazing lavender fields. The smell was heavenly!!

Cote d'Azur (the French Riviera)

Our little beach day :-)

 

Cannes, France

Bryan, Mia and I went down to Southern France. The region of Provence is amazing and we had such a great time. It was very hot and lots of driving, but it was a definite must on our bucket list - so we are so glad to have the opportunity to go. First up was Cannes and Mougins...

Our air b n b host highly recommended this little village that is perched up on a mountain near Cannes. It is an artists colony and the famous Pablo Picasso loved it so much that he spent the last 12 years of his life here (it is where he died). Such a cute little gem!!

Coming from the Beaches in Florida, we loved this litter collector on the beach in Cannes - it reminds everyone to pick up after themselves!!

Cannes!

Mia in Mougins

Bryan, Mia and Picasso :-)

Yummy fresh veggies!!

Mia in Cannes

The famous Cannes Film festival red carpet!

Such amazing boats!

Mia on the red carpet!

The beach!

Fancy casino and fancy car!!

 

Bitche, France

Ok - this post really doesn't have too much to say, with the exception that we had to go to Bitche, just to say we were there! :-) Bitche is a little town in France with a fortress near the eastern Border of France and Germany. It is a beautiful town with an unforgettable name :-)

The famous Storks in the region

Oh yes - there is Bitche!!

No more Bitche!!

Beautiful Bitche!

 

 

Stranger Things - Cologne

 One of the huge benefits of being in Germany this summer is the 9 euro train ticket. It is an amazing deal that allows any local transit options (train, bus, s-bahn etc.) for the entire month for a one time purchsae price of 9 euro. It was definitely a highlight of the summer being able to travel anywhere in the country for such a bargain. Anyway, as I was in bed one evening, the kids came in to tell me that the tv show "stranger things" was having a surprise pop up exhibition in Cologne. They headed bright and early on the train and had fun glimpsing at the famous cathedral while making their way to the shop. They had a great time and these were the pics they sent back :-)