French Riviera/Côte d'Azur

📍 Nice, Èze

🗓️ July 2009

The French Riviera, or La Côte d’Azur in French, is one of those rare places that’s exactly as magical as it’s imagined to be.. maybe more? The way it is in pictures, videos, daydreams? All real. And, like I said, then some.

Nice, in particular, felt like a fever dream to me in the best way possible…

• Her golden light and cobblestone streets? A dream

• The way she’s sophisticated and polished, definitively French while also being beachy, laid back and cool? Chef’s kiss

• The sea salt in my hair that gave me the most effortless waves? Couldn’t ask for more

• That impossible shade of blue in every direction? Ugh! Couldn’t get enough

• And don’t even get me started on the food.. drooooool 🤤

• These photos, by the way? Unedited. Taken on a digital camera I’m pretty sure I had when I graduated high school. Yea — it’s that good.

Even the ocean had it’s own magic. It was both warm and refreshingly cool. Like stepping into a perfect bath and being splashed to cool off. Unclear how the Mediterranean does it, but she’s got it down and it is divine.

I spent time in the area during the summer of 2009, and to this day, it plays in my mind. Like a sun-drenched reel. Not to remember, but to relive.

I am SO hoping to go back the year I turn 40. And if ever I win the lottery? You’ll know where to find me.