FRANCE - PARIS AND THE FRENCH RIVERA
French Summer
JUNE, 2022 - PERSONAL
When an opportunity arose to travel to France with a group of architects for ten days, I couldn’t say no. The last minute decision on my part fueled a sense of spontaneity, and I was utterly captivated by the charm of the country, from the bustle and architecture of Paris, to the serene evenings spent on the coast of the Mediterranean in the delightful company of friends.
The country landscape between Paris and Nice is peaceful and idyllic, and I remember seeing it fly past as I gazed out of the train window. Rolling hills, small villages, quiet farmland. We reached the Mediterranean coast on the second day and proceeded to explore the small neighboring towns over the next few days. It was a delightful reminder of how good it is to get away and lose yourself in a new landscape and culture, and my eyes were filled with a wonder that has lingered long after the journey.
Rue Servandoni, Paris
Calm moments in a Paris church, away from the heat and bustle of the city
LOCAL MARKETS, SUNBURNS, FRENCH WINE
Côte d'Azur
The beauty and light of the French Riveria brought the painter Henri Matisse to Nice and he wrote that the color of the water is the blue of sapphires, of the peacocks wing, of an Alpine glacier, and the kingfisher melted together. It is an incredible place that is both restorative and energizing - and I felt my creative spirit enriched as I lost myself among the countless side streets that meander around the mountain. The days started early and ended with moonlight swims in a calm Mediterranean, just us, the moonlight, and water as far as we could see. Pure bliss.
Morning walks along the Mediterranean in gorgeous sunrise light. Espresso and croissants not pictured.
Coastal Italian Pizza
Just four miles from the French border lies the town of Ventimiglia in Northern Italy. Situated along the Mediterranean coast it is a charming town with narrow winding streets and the sounds of people gathered over a shared meal. As it takes just thirty minutes to travel there by train, we decided to journey together to enjoy pizza on a rocky beach and meet a pair of Italian friends. While the sun dipped below the horizon and the sea in front of us faded into the darkening sky, I took a moment to simply enjoy where I was; in a new country, surrounded by friends, with simple yet excellent food. A purely charming way to spend my first hours in Italy.
VENTIMIGLIA, ITALY
