April 9 – Nice, France on our own

We are on our own today.  After breakfast we headed out to Avenue Jean Médecin where all of the luxury goods shops are located.  This led to the Place Massena.

We then found the Fontaine Miroire d’Eau…a plaza with magical fountains.  And the "pool" was like a mirror when the fountains weren't running. 

After taking lots of pictures we passed the Fontaine du Soleil…

on our way to the waterfront promenade.  The bay sweeps in a long, gentle arch from the castle hill all the way down to a peninsula where the airport is located.  The color of the water is incredible.

Then it was back into the streets to the old town of Nice.  Old Nice is full of narrow streets and old architecture...making it very fun to explore.  It is truly an old, medieval town with narrow, windy streets, 

interesting shops and markets,

plazas

and interesting buildings.

We did find the old flower market with lots of flower stalls and various other goods for sale.  Didn’t buy anything but was certainly tempted to buy the sachets and soaps.

After a lot of wandering we headed back to the waterfront and off to the stairs that led us to the top of Castle Hill for more great views.  

An entrepreneurial individual was out to make a few easy bucks (Euros).  It didn't look like many people were leaving any tips.

Only a small amount of castle ruins remain as the castle was torn down a few hundred years back. The castle was torn down by Louis VIX in the 1600's so there wasn't much there but the views. 
 
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On the way down we found the Jewish Cemetery where we wandered around a bit.

Then it was down to the old town for some lunch before heading back to the hotel for a nap and work.  We decided to eat a light dinner in the hotel bar…quiche for Mary and a sandwich for Paul.