A Day With the Rothschilds

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel we explored the little village of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the location of our hotel. It’s less touristy than other villages we’ve visited. We discovered the harbor well beneath us as we are perched on the hillside. We scoped out a restaurant for dinner.

We spent the next several hours exploring the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It was built in 1905 by Beatrice, Baroness de Rothschild. She collected incredible antiques and works of art and decorated this ode to conspicuous consumption almost entirely in pink. After touring the villa, we had lunch in the cafe, and then explored the gardens which were the highlight of the visit. I think I will give you a sample of each of the gardens, in the order shown: Spanish, Florentine, Stone, Asian, Rose, and Exotique (cacti and succulents). The photos don't do it justice without the breeze, the fragrances, and always the views of the sea.

We then spent a couple of hours relaxing on the balcony looking at the sea and while Rick slept I alternated between listening to music and a book on my IPod.

Dinner was at the pier at a wonderful, outdoor, Italian restaurant. As the sun went down, the sky turned pink, the gentle breeze was a perfect temperature and we had a lovely ending to our days and evenings on the Cote d'Azur. Tomorrow we're off to Provence!