So I had to continue down and down, then under the road, where I ended up basically where I was when I talked to the shopkeeper. It was almost amusing that after having ridden all the way, I thought about turning back without actually reaching my goal. But, soon, I found another road that ended up at the steps leading to the castle. I then bounced my bike up the thousand or so (not really) steps to the castle plaza, and I was not very impressed. It’s not my cup of vin. The lower part of Monaco was pretty much new and rich. As far as marinas, I prefer quaint ones with boats resting in bays and coves. The one in Monaco has a lot of big yachts, if that’s what you like to see. But I’ve seen plenty of those in the Fort Lauderdale area. Maybe the origin of the money that buys these boats is similar. I read that there are no taxes in Monaco which makes for an interesting population. And there’s a saying ( I read) that Monaco is a sunny place with shady people. And then the castle was too modern looking to be scenic. I believe it is where Prince Albert (not the Prince Albert in a can) resides and rules Monaco. Prince Albert is the son of King Rainier, who married Grace Kelly in 1955. Grace Kelly was an actress before your time (and mine). She was in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief. I think Cary Grant was in it, too.

After viewing the castle grounds for about 15 minutes, I was anxious to get back and go swimming at that beach I had seen earlier. I bounced down the castle steps, and onto the busy lower corniche. There are three roads leading from Nice to Monaco, and they’re called corniches, named after some architectural ornament according to my Rick Steve’s travel book. My guess is that corniche means cornice. The three corniches are parallel and at different heights. I’m on the lowest one, of course (nearest the water). But it’s also the busiest.

I had to go down a fun, steep decline to get to the beach at Villefranche, which I recommend to everyone. Of course, you’ll have to go to Monaco, too, just to say you’ve seen it. Villefranche is pronounced ‘Veal Fraunsh.’ But, for you Texans, try and say ‘veal’ with just one syllable. The water was crystal clear, and I went swimming to cool off. There were several snorkelers out, and I saw a few fish. I wouldn’t mind going back with some snorkeling gear. It’s probably a great place to scuba, too. In the pictures you’ll see the big cruise boat anchored in the bay, as well as many other yachts.

From there it was less than an hour ride back to Nice. Next step, Tour de France!

I plan to include very exciting things in my next entry, such as going to the laundromat, and how to eat without spending a fortune.