Friday dawned a perfect day as I took Freddy quickly round Mougins Park before going on to Nice airport.  On a clear day when skies are limpid, you can see right across to the pre-Alps as you enter the pretty Etang de Font-Merle park; a stunning and, for me, a very uplifting view. Nigel had rung the previous evening to say he was flying into Nice airport in the morning rather than the evening which meant that Pam and my "girlies' day out" was not to be this time round. (Sigh)

After picking Nigel up from Terminal 1 we then drove over to pick Pam up from her hotel. At this point I should interject that Pam stayed in Nice to meet up with her daughter before coming to stay with us for a couple of days and not because she was unwelcome in our home!

Crystal clear blue skies continued to stay with us as we arrived at St Paul de Vence. The more I visit this charming town the more I truly enjoy being there. It's definitely a place that needs time to discover and, quiet "out of season" days (like yesterday) are ideal. I suppose I'm shooting myself in the foot when I say this (given the fact that I give private guided tours at the height of the tourist season!) but, to be honest, summer is not the best time to venture around St Paul when throngs of people surge through it. Spring and early Autumn are perfect when you have time to stand back and admire its medieval architecture, gorgeous art boutiques and numerous little provencal shops selling a superb variety of quality goods.

Thus we made our way gently back down to the Colombe d'Or and stepped into a little bit of history. There is a very beguiling and "homely" feel about this restaurant that was quite unexpected. For all its fame it is very down-to-earth and relaxed. The food was delicious, not extreme fussy Haute-Cuisine, but admirably prepared as if by your favorite grand-mother who knows a thing or two about cooking and absolutely loves it.

Today we're off to Tourrettes-sur-Loup to visit the Violet Festival that is being held this weekend. As I write this the sun is again favouring us with its presence and it looks like being another super day on the French Riviera. Our culinary taste-buds will again be pampered, this time at the Relais de Coches, another excellent table which I can highly recommend.