BakerBites

Villa Escaliere, view of the balcony, of this fantastic villa situated just a bit north of Cannes in the hills close to Valbonne and Grasse. I've never stayed in a private villa (or a private anything) when traveling and I must say, this was FANTASTIC. Villa came with chaffeur and chef (and wasn't as much money as you are perhaps thinking).

We hiked several days -- the best was to Coursegoules and the top of the range along the hills looking down at this quaint little village. The small villages which must be explored by foot present a lifestyle that looks so appealing -- coffee or espresso in a street side cafe, vegetables from the market fresh and gorgeous, conversations and laughs over a neighborly bacci game. What could be better?

Room with a view anyone? This is the view from my comfortable little room -- at night you could look across the valley and see all the twinkling lights of Grasse, Valbonne and other little villages. The Villa is nestled in an old olive grove. I'd never paid enough attention to olive trees. Truly magnificent and it seems almost impossible to kill (just give me a chance).

My favorite place of all, the Chapel of the Penitents decorated by Folon. The sculptures are his, the murals and mosaics designed by him but executed by other artists. This is the most special place. Very small, but such a spiritual little place.