Antibes Day 3. Juan-les-Pins

Day three in Antibes began with what's now become the norm: sunshine and bright blue sky without a cloud in sight -- ideal for a bit of breakfast on our balcony. Having wandered the streets of the old town yesterday, we decided to go further afield today, and opted for Juan-les-Pins, a sort of sister two to Antibes. It's actually within easy walking distance (though uphill for the first bit), so we set out bravely on foot. Juan-le-Pins is okay, but far from the stylish spot we'd been expecting from all the blurb we'd read. Indeed, the action provided by these boule players was among the most exciting thing happening there. It was pleasant enough to stop for a beer in, and the walk to the harbour was okay, but it's really just a seaside resort. Even allowing for everything we read about its being where everyone goes for non-stop excitement and raucous night-life, it's hard to believe that young people like these would find that it satisfies their needs.

Juan-les-Pins was home to many famous celebrities during its heyday, including Rudolf Valentino, whose villa overlooks the harbour. We decided to investigate villaland, and walked over the hilltop behind the harbour and back down again to the sea at Port de la Salis. I must admit to a feeing of coming home again when we reached here and once again got a reassuring view of Antibes Old Town, which really is turning into the highlight of the trip. After a beer stop in Port de la Salis we made our way once again into the narrow old streets and came once again to the Absinthe Museum and Shop, where we sampled two different types each and agreed that it's really very much like pastis (though perhaps a tad stronger).

We stayed out rather than return to the apartment first before going for our evening meal. A jazz bar we'd seen last night didn't open until 6.00, so we went back to a little square where we'd sat yesterday while we gave the jazz bar time to get its act together. It wasn't really a 'jazz bar' at all, but it's pleasant enough as a spot for a quiet drink, and we'll probably return there some time. We had a pleasant enough meal in a restaurant in the Old Town and got back to the apartment at a reasonably early hour. It'd been a full day, with a lot of walking. Stopping off at another bar really wasn't on the agenda.

We may take it easy tomorrow. Cannes and Monte Carlo are on the list, but we may leave them until Friday and Saturday.

[ I've changed the image. I'd chosen the boule players originally, but preferred this on second thoughts. It looks good big. ]