| Short Break | | | | red, rocky hills of the Estorel, which plunge into the |
| As I write this, I’m gazing out of the kitchen | | | | sea to create the contorted Corniche coast, and the |
| window at bushes being thrashed by wind and rain, | | | | dramatic headland of the Massif des Maures with its |
| wondering what it’s like down on the Med. I | | | | beautiful sandy beaches, Nice provides a good base |
| could be at our local airport within half an hour, | | | | from which to explore the French Riviera. Inland, the |
| boarding a plane and flying in over the palm trees at | | | | charming hill-top villages and olive groves of Provence |
| Nice airport by teatime. Dream on! But maybe the | | | | lie within easy reach. The Southern Alps ski resort of |
| idea of a short break in this lovely old city isn’t | | | | Isola, with a reputation for good, late snow and |
| so far-fetched after all. There’s an abundance of | | | | family friendly service, is just a two-hour drive away. |
| self-catering apartments in Nice ; it’s so easy to | | | | With its pizzas, pastas and Italianate architecture, |
| check availability of accommodation on the Internet | | | | there’s a flavour of Italy in this corner of France, |
| these days. Nice has long been the destination of | | | | which is hardly surprising as Nice fell within its |
| travellers seeking to escape the English winter. The | | | | neighbour’s territory until the mid-19th century. If |
| largest resort and capital of the Cote d’Azur, its | | | | you’ve time left for venturing slightly further |
| attractions include the Old Quarter, a daily flower | | | | afield, the proximity of the Italian frontier and |
| market, restaurants, museums, Roman remains, and | | | | common currency of the Euro provide a good |
| Carnival (February/March time). My lasting impression | | | | excuse for a day out over the border. I’ve just |
| is of the wonderful mix of aromas – cooking, | | | | convinced myself of the need for a break from the |
| fresh herbs, fish and flowers – in the narrow, | | | | grey days stretching ahead. How about you? |
| winding streets of its old town. Lodged between the | | | | |