PART 124: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.
We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!
We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).
Step 1: As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems that are worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.
This week let's explore traveling to France from Tuscany.
Step 2: Why
When we first discussed moving to Italy after I retired from teaching, my partner expressed a desire for a place that we could use as a base for exploring Europe.
Initially, we settled in Puglia, but traveling by car or train to other countries proved challenging due to the geography. The closest airport, Bari, was two hours away, and we relied on it to fly to destinations like Hungary for our European explorations.
Wanting Europe to be more accessible, we eventually moved to Tuscany, specifically the Monte Amiata region, for various reasons (which I have explained in a previous blog).
After purchasing our house in February and completing the renovations a few weeks ago, we were finally ready for our first road trip—to the south of France.
France seemed the logical choice for our first road trip since we could cross the border in about five hours and reach Nice in six. Since we both wanted to visit Lourdes, we decided on a circular route: Nice-Lourdes-Nice-Monaco-Rapallo-Home. We set aside a week for the trip and set off.
Step 3: How
We were both surprised at how easy the road trip between our town, Arcidosso, and Nice was. Taking scenic highways for most of the journey made the hours pass quickly. Watching the Italian and French coastlines, observing the changes in architecture and vegetation, and experiencing a sense of adventure along the way made the drive an integral part of our international experience.

We arrived in Nice to beautiful weather, making this part of France live up to its name. We only stayed for one night, as we planned to drive to Lourdes the following day and return to Nice for a few days the week after.
The drive to Lourdes fascinated us by how the countryside transformed from the coast to the Pyrenees mountains. Beaches gave way to mountains, and sandy shores turned into lush forests. It was a fantastic drive, but it took longer than anticipated. We had initially estimated 7.5 hours on the road, but it took us 9 hours due to a traffic jam and an extended stop for a meal. On the return drive, however, we were more efficient and returned to Nice in less than 8 hours.
Step 4: What
What did we see, do, and experience along the way?
Nice
Like any larger city, not all of Nice is "nice." That was our first impression when we arrived and promptly got lost in a run-down area of the town. Once our Google Maps started working again, we soon found our hotel near the port, outside the old town area.
My second impression of Nice was the view from our window: the gentle waves, the curved coastline, the mansions on the hillside, and the historical buildings along the harbor seemed almost like an illusion. But it was real—we had arrived in the south of France!

We walked along the promenade and explored the historical center on our first day. The promenade was beautiful, while the historical center was touristy yet enjoyable. We also popped into several historic churches along the way, which provided a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the town.
When we returned to Nice for a few days after we visited Lourdes, we decided to take one of the scenic roads toward Monaco (Moyenne Corniche), stopping along the way as each view became more and more breathtaking. We pulled off in the village of Eze, which was relatively quiet since it was October. It is a charming village overflowing with awe-inspiring views! We walked up to the botanical garden, which is a must-see. The combination of plants, rocks, sculptures, and the views of the sea below, made every angle a perfect photo opportunity.

I did have two issues with Eze: first, it feels like a "museum" town, as it has no permanent residents. Everything has been converted into rentals and shops. Second, while the church is majestic from the outside, it appeared neglected on the inside. Other than that, Eze was absolutely incredible.
Impulse stop: Monaco
We planned to drive to Monaco, turn around, and take the upper road (Grande Corniche) back to Nice. However, I thought impulsively: "Why don't we stop in Monaco just to see what it's like?" When I asked my partner, he responded, "As long as we avoid the casino." Since I had no interest in that tourist trap, we looked up the nearest parking lot to the palace and old town and set off.

I was pleasantly surprised by Monaco. The stunning vistas, the large square in front of the Prince's Palace, the ornate cathedral housing the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, and the charming shops made for a fantastic half-day trip. We decided that we would explore the Oceanographic Museum and tour the palace on our next visit.
Lourdes
Our experience in Lourdes was too significant to be contained in just a few paragraphs, so I will write a separate blog about it. For now, I want to share the valuable advice we received from our priest friend from California: "Ignore the town itself and focus on the basilica area. It's important to be open to what the experience may bring you and to approach it without preconceptions."
The town of Lourdes has seen better days and has a somewhat shabby appearance. It is filled with tourist shops selling everything from T-shirts to plastic Madonnas. Surprisingly, the shops didn't bother me; the local residents in this isolated area need to pay their rent, buy food, and keep up with car payments. These shops help support the local economy and cater to the needs and desires of visitors.

One important aspect of Lourdes is that each person can have their own unique experience. Some visitors arrive in groups, others come alone; some are ill and hoping for healing, while others are well and searching for meaning. There are religious visitors and those who are not; there are many volunteers and pilgrims. We had our own personal journey in Lourdes, and by visiting, I was able to fulfill my mother's wish to come here when I was a child.
When we left Lourdes, I felt a sense of fulfillment and was smiling as if I had completed something important in my life.
More details in a future blog.
Step 5: Feelings
The predominant feeling I experienced in the south of France was gratitude. In Nice, I felt thankful for the stunning landscapes; in Eze, for the incredible drive; in Monaco, for the unexpected adventure; and in Lourdes, for the deep sense of love and fulfillment.
Step 6: Again?
Would we return to the south of France? Absolutely! Nice serves as a good base, but I wouldn't stay in town for more than a day before exploring further along the Riviera or venturing inland. If I return to Lourdes, it would be to participate in their volunteer program (more on that in a future blog).
So, the answer is yes—we both would and will return to this amazing place.
Insights:
Using our home in Tuscany as a base to explore more of Europe has been part of our dream from the beginning. We recently took our first step by embarking on our first road trip. It was a fantastic experience; we hope it will be the first of many more.
More next time.
My new novel is on sale now for $2.99! "Onward: A Life on a Sailboat" is a tale that will draw the reader to the Amalfi coast, the deserts of Algeria, the south of France, and beyond. https://a.co/d/3hhJkxE
Amazon Italy- my book "Lei mi ha sedotto. Una storia d'amore con Roma": https://amzn.eu/d/13nuZCL.
When we wanted to visit Nice in 2023, we decided to stay in Villefranche sur Mer. It is a surprisingly quiet, and not overly expensive, fishing village only 15 minutes from the old center of Nice, by bus or train. Much less pricey than Eze, which I agree with you is overly tourist, though spectacularly beautiful .
Sounds like a great trip! We also went to Lourdes, but as part of our walk on the Camino de Santiago. Lourdes is an amazing place and I can't wait to hear about it in more depth.