Early morning clouds didn't suppress our excitement to visit Cannes. We were hoping for some sustained sun, something that had been missing the past two days. We weren't disappointed. Half way through our train ride to Cannes, the sun began shining brilliantly.
Cannes, similar to the other French Riveria towns, was also quite unique in other ways. Two offshore islands combined with the towering massif towards the west, created a unique space. We grabbed some lunch at a haborside pizzeria, then decided to head to one of the offshore island for an afternoon excursion... Ile Maugerite, where the infamous man in the iron mask was held.
The boat trip to the island was fun. Juli got a little chilly on the upstairs deck, so I kept her nice and warm. The trip afforded us some unique views of Cannes. If I always wanted to be a boat captain, Juli always wanted to be sneaky looking.
The island was a little spooky. We went up to the old fort where the man in the iron mask was held for something like 11 years. There was quite a bit of history on the island, I think I recall reading that the first evidence of human settlement goes back to the BC's, although I'd have to double check that. I later received this information from a coworker: "Ile Marguerite was almost certainly inhabited, at least intermittently, back into the Neolithic, if not earlier. Small islands close to the mainland are excellent refuges, esp. as they are usually too small to have predators of humans. They are also attractive in that islands usually have a number of productive ecozones, meaning there will be a variety of potential food sources close together."
We went into the actual cell where the kept "the man." By the way, his identity is a closely guarded secret, well that, or it's unknown. Most people believe he was a trusted advisor of the king, an advisor who betrayed him. After spending time on the island, the prisoner was transferred to the Bastille. There was also some history about a few religious prisoners - my dad would probably like to read about that.
We walked around the island and made our way to the western tip, whereupon I couldn't believe my eyes. There were people surfing, with some nice little chest high waves. It was quite impressive, as I didn't think it was possible to surf in the Mediteranean.
Afterwards, we walked the touristy streets of Cannes and did some shopping. I picked up my sister some unique looking wine rack (sans wine). The day was well spent, and so we were. After getting back to Nice, we went out for a wonderful dinner... the bouillabaisse was absolutely amazing. I still think about it. :)
Final thoughts? Paris was mentally stimulating, the southern coast was physically stimulating.
Cannes, similar to the other French Riveria towns, was also quite unique in other ways. Two offshore islands combined with the towering massif towards the west, created a unique space. We grabbed some lunch at a haborside pizzeria, then decided to head to one of the offshore island for an afternoon excursion... Ile Maugerite, where the infamous man in the iron mask was held.
The boat trip to the island was fun. Juli got a little chilly on the upstairs deck, so I kept her nice and warm. The trip afforded us some unique views of Cannes. If I always wanted to be a boat captain, Juli always wanted to be sneaky looking.
The island was a little spooky. We went up to the old fort where the man in the iron mask was held for something like 11 years. There was quite a bit of history on the island, I think I recall reading that the first evidence of human settlement goes back to the BC's, although I'd have to double check that. I later received this information from a coworker: "Ile Marguerite was almost certainly inhabited, at least intermittently, back into the Neolithic, if not earlier. Small islands close to the mainland are excellent refuges, esp. as they are usually too small to have predators of humans. They are also attractive in that islands usually have a number of productive ecozones, meaning there will be a variety of potential food sources close together."
We went into the actual cell where the kept "the man." By the way, his identity is a closely guarded secret, well that, or it's unknown. Most people believe he was a trusted advisor of the king, an advisor who betrayed him. After spending time on the island, the prisoner was transferred to the Bastille. There was also some history about a few religious prisoners - my dad would probably like to read about that.
We walked around the island and made our way to the western tip, whereupon I couldn't believe my eyes. There were people surfing, with some nice little chest high waves. It was quite impressive, as I didn't think it was possible to surf in the Mediteranean.
Afterwards, we walked the touristy streets of Cannes and did some shopping. I picked up my sister some unique looking wine rack (sans wine). The day was well spent, and so we were. After getting back to Nice, we went out for a wonderful dinner... the bouillabaisse was absolutely amazing. I still think about it. :)
Final thoughts? Paris was mentally stimulating, the southern coast was physically stimulating.
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