Highlights:: Explore the atmospheric old quarter of Nice; near the flower market, stop for a snack at 'Terre des Truffes' where everything on the menu is made from truffles. Visit Monte Carlo for lunch at the glamorous Cafe de Paris and see the famous Casino. Nearby Marineland is fun for all ages : an aquapark with water slides, sea world shows with dolphins and orcas, a Wild West farm and a fun-fair. Visit Villa Kerylos at Beaulieu to discover the world of a 2nd Century BC Greek family. EVENINGS OUT:for tropical cocktails, live Brazilian music and carnival dancers, go to 'Pam Pam', a great evening spot for people-watching in the heart of Juan-les-Pins. The local Antibes casino 'La Siesta' has live floor shows, two great restaurants and a disco on the beach. Good restaurants abound in Biot : try 'La Pierre du Four' or 'Chez Odile' with a different set menu every evening made from fresh local ingredients. After dinner, 'L'auberge du Coin' has a good wine list and live jazz.
Festivals and events:: IN MAY : the famous Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. Both are within easy reach for guests at Villa Mediterranee. From the local Villeneuve-Loubet station, just 5 minutes from the villa, the train drops you in central Cannes or Monte Carlo. Cannes celebrates in style, welcoming the international film stars and and the luxury yachts sail up to Monaco for the Grand Prix the following weekend. IN FEBRUARY : Nice Carnival has costumed parades, fireworks and the Battle of the Flowers on Shrove Tuesday. Menton celebrates its Citron Festival with floats entirely decorated in lemons and oranges. IN JULY : many music festivals, including 'Jazz at Juan-les-Pins' with world-class bands performing under the pines on the beach. IN SEPTEMBER : Biot celebrates the grape harvest with the first pressing of grapes and lunch in the square with music and dancing. Villeneuve-Loubet, birthplace of the great chef Escoffier, specializes in gourmet festivals such as their Truffle Fair.
Ski:
At the entrance to the wonderful Mercantour National Park are the ski resorts of Isola 2000 and Auron, a 60 minute drive. At 2000m, Isola has 120km of pistes: a total of 45 (4 black, 14 red, 20 blue, 7 green). Purpose-built in the 70s, there are ample ski-lifts and one rarely has to queue. For a panoramic view of the resort, take the cable-car to the cafe at 2300m. Auron is a picturesque alpine village at 1600m, with 132 km of pistes. Both have restaurants on the edge of the slope and you can easily rent skis, snowboards, snowkarts and other equipment. The 'Ecole de Ski Francais' runs classes in several languages, including English, with 110 instructors ; prices start at 18 Euros for group lessons, 35 Euros for individuals. A magical place at Christmas : the nativity scene is set up on the piste and Santa visits in a sleigh. At midnight on New Year's Eve, champagne and hot chocolate are served under the Christmas tree accompanied by skiers descending the slopes with flaming torches.
Golf:
Fourteen of the Riveria's famous golf courses are within an easy 20 minute drive of the villa, providing a range of facilities for low handicap players and beginners alike. Just five minutes away is 'La Bastide du Roy', a charming old course suitable for all players, with a quaint little club-house. At Mougins, the 'Golf Country Club' is truly one of France's best : designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Allis and winding through wooded hills and lakes. For a course requiring accuracy with interesting water hazards, try 'Royal Mougins' : the club has a wonderful restaurant and has hosted the French Open. Inland, along the banks of the River Siagne, the 'Old Course Cannes-Mandelieu' was created in 1891 by Grand Duke Michael of Russia : a great course in beautiful countryside. At 900m above the principality of Monaco, the redesigned 'Monte Carlo Golf Club' provides spectacular views of Monte Carlo and the beautiful coastline. Golfing groups are most welcome at Villa Mediterranee and neighboring villas on the same domain can be available for larger groups : please ask for further details.
