Wanderlust Wednesday - St Raphael, French Riveria

Sometimes when you're traveling the best laid plans go awry. We planned on going from Nice to St Tropez in a day which required a long train ride followed by a bus, having lunch there and then heading straight back. Yet being at the mercy of delayed (retarded I believe is the French term) trains and buses left us stranded in a town called St Raphael.

Being stuck on the French Riveria is not a bad thing. If I were a celebrity, I'd avoid Cannes and St Tropez to avoid the paparazzi and holiday with the locals. St Raphael has a buzzing cafe strip, local markets selling inexpensive beach gear and fashion boutiques for a spot of shopping in the main town. It feels much more relaxed and less touristy than Nice or Cannes.

As for St Tropez, maybe next summer?

Wanderlust Wednesday - Cannes, France

Being in the French Riveria in high season makes you want to be a billionaire. The bay is crowded with luxury yachts. Sports cars speed down the promenade. Along the beach front are five star hotels and designer boutiques. The original Chanel store at shop number five on the main boulevard apparently inspired the name of the Chanel no. 5 perfume.

If you're like me and prefer not to pay for the beach, the public section offers you a priceless dip in the sea for free.