Finding Happy Hormones in Beautiful French Villages
It was a month after a disappointing trip to Germany. The stock of happy hormones (Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphin) was not replenished. One month into the daily routine of the corporate world had consumed the remaining stock of happy hormones quite fast. There was an urgent need to replenish.
On a particular evening, in the midst of writing a stinker follow up mail, the body alerted, “Happy hormones dangerously low”. Killed the Outlook app in the midst of the mail.
Opened
Tab 1: Skyscanner
Tab 2: Google Maps
Tab 3: Weather
Tab 4: Google (for things to do)
Tab 5: Bank Account
Some 2 hours on these 5 tabs and we were booked for France. Thanks to all the social media around Paris, had very little inclination towards doing Paris, kept it for the last 2 days as a tick mark and to fly out. We were craving for smaller towns/villages that were closer to reality and nature.
Ended up covering some of the most beautiful towns and drinking some of the worst coffee in a 10 day trip to France.
Most amazing towns/villages ranked below:
#8. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Yes it is not a town. Yes it is not in France. But it is right next to the South of France, so was on the bucket list.
30 minutes drive from Nice will bring you to the micro-country of Monaco famous for its casino and richness.
Head directly to Casino de Monte Carlo, some machine games are accessible to all. Visit their website for timings and rules in case you do want to experience the real casino.
Roam around the area, peek into expensive showrooms, and come back to reality via a packed train/bus to Nice.
#7. Èze Village
Midway between Nice and Monaco, nestled on top of a mountain is a small, beautiful village called Èze. Get lost in the alleys of this village to find yourself in front of chic houses, splendid views and colorful facades.
Be prepared for some uphill walk as the village is on a mountain top. Relaxing lunch at one of the cafes overlooking the Mediterranean sea from height, makes up for the effort! (DOPAMINE REPLINSHED!)
Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze- is a garden with unique biodiversity, on top of the village, which if you remember is already on top of a mountain. But this garden on top of the village on top of the mountain is a must do activity.
#6. Antibes
While coming back from Cannes to our base station of Nice, stopped at Antibes for a short while.
It is a tiny town, coverable on foot, with mostly everything in and around the town center.
Walked over to a famous gelato shop for rose shaped gelatos. Quick photo session at Le Nomade, and off we were to Nice.
There were about 50 people at the station to take the train back to Nice. A train came. All the 50 people got on the train. All the 50 people got fined on the train, as apparently the ticket all the 50 people bought did not qualify for the train, as it was a long haul train. The same was mentioned on the back of the ticket of all 50 people, in font size 2, in French. So of course, all the 50 people, who were tourists, cannot call it a scam.
#5. Cannes
The red carpet famed town of Cannes again, is just a short 30 mins away from Nice, but in the opposite direction to Èze & Monaco.
All artists need inspiration to hone and better their craft. Many French artists found that inspiration in the French Riviera. Now since most of the artists were already there, it was convenient to host the awards/festival in French Riviera itself.
Cannes, situated somewhere midway on the coastline of the French Riviera became a fair and convenient location to become the face of International Film and many other festivals.
As is with the law of supply and demand, with the rich & famous visiting, came the not so rich & famous, and with them, came the happening shopping street Rue Saint-Antoine.
Try buckwheat crepe from any non commercial corner of this street. They are delightful.
Obviously the rich & famous will not shop where the not so rich & famous shop. So there is Rue d ’Antibes which has high end brands for the rich to shop from and for the not rich to roam around.
The 3rd street is La Croisette, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. An empty red carpet area (On non-event days), surrounded by eating joints and shacks alongside the coast is the theme of the street.
These 3 streets pretty much wrap up Cannes.
#4. Lourmarin, Saignon & Gordes
From Nice, drove to the beautiful villages of Luberon Provence. One of the most memorable drives through medieval towns surrounded by beautiful Lavender fields.
1st Stop- Lourmarin. The town center has a cute flea market setup. Next door is a super famous, local dessert outlet, Glaces Ravi. Most refreshing dessert for a summer afternoon.
2nd Stop- Saignon.
Medieval looking, small sleepy village. Couple of joints at the small village center, serving wine and Italian food under the canopy of a large ancient tree.
A short hike to the edge of the village offers great views of lavender fields across.
3rd Stop- Gordes.
The poster boy of French villages. Cobblestoned, perched on a hilltop, overlooking a valley of small villages, lush greenery and lavender fields. Nothing to do other than ideally walk around and soak in the amazing views. And of course, multiple opportunities of sipping fantastic local wines, paired with splendid views of the valley.
#3. Nice, the city.
It was nice (the adjective). Capital of the French Riviera, situated on the foothills of the French Alps, facing the Mediterranean Sea. The pebbly beach running across the length of the city is the main attraction of the city.
The main touristy stuff can be done on foot in one day. Key attractions being:
a) Place Massena: City center, with bars, coffee shops, stores around it. Typical of European style, all eateries have seating facing towards the city center square. Sip away your wine while judging the people in front of you.
b) Fontaine du Soleil: Naked statue of the Greek God Apollo and a fountain. One finds many people clicking funny X rated photos of Apollo’s private matters.
c) Promenade de Anglais: Cool, happening, beachside promenade
d) Marche Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya: Local produce and flower market. Good for an evening stroll.
e) Collin du Chateau: A beautiful & serene hilltop park with splendid views of the city.
f) Vieux town/Old town: Walking streets full of shops, boulangeries et cetera built in an old architectural vibe. Walk over to place Rossetti for awesome Gelato.
#2. Annecy
Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, known for its old town, with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses.
Lake Annecy on the foothills of Mont Veyrier and La Tournette makes for some of the finest views and hanging out places. One can spend a full day at the lakeside and still be left wanting to soak more and more of what the lake and foothills have to offer. (SEROTONIN REPLENISHED)
#1. Chamonix
A fairy tale town on the foothills of Mont Blanc, buzzing with all sorts of tourists. Yet quite. Yet orderly. A happy place.
A canal cuts the town into 2. Alongside the canal runs many restaurants, bars and shops, bustling with a mix of adventure seekers, seasoned skiers, 1st time tourists and regular family tourists. All this is embellished with old architecture, natural greenery and unique flora.
It is right at the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy.
Top 2 highlights of Chamonix
- Parc de Merlet (OXYTOCIN REPLENISHED)
A nature reserve on top of a mountain with loads of lush greenery, fabulous views of Mont Blanc, plenty of hikes, and plenty of wildlife (non dangerous) roaming around right next to you!
2. Paragliding facing Mont Blanc.
Paragliding in itself is an experience. Paragliding facing Mont Blanc is an experience at another level. At one point, our instructor just kept us suspended still in the air right in front of Mont Blanc just so that we could soak in its enormity and beauty.
These lovely towns pretty much sum up our French monsoon retreat. With a heart full of happy hormones we flew back to Dubai, hoping these would last a few months at least.
