Today we anchored at Villefranche-sur-mer, a small but old suburb of Nice, France. Taking the tender to shore at dawn, I started hiking uphill. Winding my way through brick streets and steep staircases, I reached the hidden start to the trail.
After an hour of climbing I emerged at Fort du Mont Alban. The view over the bay was magnificent, and I sat there in the still morning, appreciating the warm sun and cool stone. It was a good climb.
After fifteen minutes passed, the first tour bus pulled up. I bid farewell to the eastern view, and dipped behind the fort to gaze westward to Nice. Following a different path, I wandered and rambled back to town.
In the old section of town I wandered the streets, appreciating the architecture and the evidence of active and joy-filled lives. Potted plants, crisp white sheets drying outside the windows, shopkeepers sweeping the street front.
Rue Obscure was a particular delight, secretive and ancient.
After, I walked the waterfront and settled at a waterside table for a local cafe. A crepe sucre et citron. Light, delicious, delicate.
All that was left was a journey by tender back to the ship.













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