Antibes, July 14

Bastille Day! There were flags and banners hung in the terrace dining room when we came down for breakfast this morning, but that's about all we've seen so far to indicate it's Bastille Day (France's 4ht of July). We're hoping to see some fireworks tonight.

We spent the entire day exploring old town Antibes and it's open air market and hiking to Cap d'Antibes. Our farmers' markets are nothing compared to this! We saw lots of fresh produce, cheese, meats, and flowers. There was even a stand devoted entirely to spices of all kinds. I think there must have been at least 10 different kinds of pepper. Rich and I are planning to stop here for some picnic supplies Friday morning before we leave Antibes for our drive to Arles, in Provence.

It's been very hot here today (I think 87 degrees) and our hike to Cap d'Antibe was along the beaches and coastline with very little shade. We first walked to the church and lighthouse at the top of the Notre Dame hill. From here, we could see from Nice to Cannes with the Alps behind(although the mountains were a little hazy). We then walked down the hill to the beach at la Garoupe and walked the 2-mile path along the coast (did I mention we were in the sun the entire way?). We each had a small bottle of water with us and it wasn't nearly enough! The views, however, were gorgeous and worth the sweat-drenched clothes and parched throats.

I'm sure Rich is ready for more tomorrow!