Living It Up in Liguria and the Italian Riviera
Living It Up in Liguria and the Italian Riviera
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Home Page > Travel > Destinations > Living It Up in Liguria and the Italian Riviera
Living It Up in Liguria and the Italian Riviera
Posted: Mar 13, 2008 |Comments: 0
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For more than a century, international travelers have recognized the warmth and beauty of Italy’s famed Liguria region and the magnificent Italian Riviera. Long the place where the rich and famous would gather to enjoy warm water, wide sandy beaches, and posh resorts, the heyday of some towns in the Italian Riviera has passed but the area still maintains a certain upscale atmosphere that beckons discriminating travelers to come and explore.
Liguria is located in the northern portion of Italy, between the French Riviera, Piemonte, and Tuscany. The weather in the Liguria region is nearly always nice and can best be described as balmy. Thanks to its location, it’s protected from most nasty weather by the mountains of the Alpine range. The average summertime temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees fahrenheit and in the winter, it rarely dips below around 50 degrees. The sun is abundant and the vegetation is lush. That’s why, for decades, it’s been attracting the rich and famous who come to play in San Remo’s famed casino, enjoy the harbor at Portofino, or explore quaint seaside towns like Camogli and Rapallo.
Liguria is generally divided into two areas or coasts. West of Genoa is where you’ll find traditional wide, sandy beaches and the resorts that make it a much-visited vacation spot. This area is known as Riviera di Ponente or Shore of the Setting Sun. Stretching all the way to the French Riviera, this side of Liguria boasts towns such as turn-of-the-century Bordighera, with its beautiful seaside promenade; the famed resort of San Remo; the medieval town of Masone; pretty Alassio with its 2-mile long beach; and the hill town of Sassello.
On the eastern side of Genoa is Riviera di Levante, Shore of the Rising Sun. The towns here are less developed, the coast more rugged. You won’t find the huge resorts on this side of Genoa, but what you will find are some of Italy’s most charming small towns, all lined up within just a few miles of each other and eager to welcome visitors. Head for little Portofino, perfect for those who require a little glitz with their vacation, or if you’re looking for something less pretentious, travel just a few miles to pretty Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming town that was once a well-known retreat but is now quiet, boasting a pristine beach and lots of friendly locals.
If you’re a city person, however, and you’re visiting the Italian Riviera, don’t miss an opportunity to spend some time in Genoa, one of Italy’s least-visited cities but definitely worth a stop. Quite a historic city, Genoa’s history can be traced back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC and the city is simply full of wonderful archeological and architectural gems.
The most visited sight in Genoa is probably The Palace of the Doges, dating from the 13th century (not to be confused with the one in Venice). Other must sees include the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo); the Old Harbor area; the Museo d’Arte Oriental with its excellent collection of Oriental art; and the fun and educational Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe. You’ll also want to take a stroll down the Via Garibaldi. This street, lined with palaces, is a fascinating World Heritage Site.
No matter where you go in Italy, you’ll want to be sure to taste the local food. Liguria is no exception. Seafood, of course, is quite popular, given the region’s location, so expect most restaurants to have an excellent selection including fish that was just plucked from the sea hours before dinner is served. The produce in Liguria is equally as tantalizing and – like the seafood – you’ll often find fruit or vegetables on your plate that were picked that very same day. Be sure to try the orata, a tasty local fish, usually cooked with olives and potatoes; or the gattafin, pasta stuffed with beetroot, onion and parmesan. Liguria is also the birthplace of pesto sauce so remember to order a dish that includes this popular topping.
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Dominic Siano -
About the Author:
Dominic Siano is president of Tour Italy Now (http://www.touritalynow.com), the largest online travel tour operator. A lover of all things Italian, Dominic has worked extensively in the Italian tourism industry. To learn more about Dominic visit his blog at http://www.domsiano.com.
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Categories: The French Riviera Tags: Italian, Liguria, Living, Riviera
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What is it like living in Cannes?
What is it like to live in Cannes?
It’s quite a small town, does that matter?
What about socially? Is it a bit like Dubai where everyone you meet there is either a tourist or only temporarily living there for a short time, and so it might become difficult to settle in and make friends?
Is it wealthy? Good jobs? What is the clubbing like? And the beaches?
But just generally tell me what it’d be like to live there and if it’s good/bad. How is it compared to Marbella or Tenerife?
Categories: Living In Cannes Tags: Cannes, like, Living
Living it Up in the French Riviera
Oh the beautiful French Riviera, a popular destination for celebrities, where you can see the stars during the famous film festival at Cannes, try your luck at the casinos in Monte Carlo or have a nice time in Nice. The region, also known as the Cote d’Azur, attracts visitors all year round with its stunning scenery, amazing designer boutiques and enchanting towns and villages.
A long time favourite with the English, the French Riviera oozes Mediterranean charm from its sandy beaches to the beautiful villas. You cannot fail to be enchanted by its towns as you cruise along the coast. Below are some of what I believe to be the highlights to see when you step ashore.
Cannes
Cannes was a humble fishing village before Lord Brougham, the former Lord Chancellor of England, was detained there on his way to Nice in 1834 and liked it so much that he had a villa built just outside the village. He also persuaded his friends to live there so many more homes were built and Cannes began to prosper. Queen Victoria’s court also visited the place and it soon became renowned as a resort for the rich and famous.
Of course, as soon as you mention the word Cannes, it makes you think of the famous film festival and the jet set. But, if you’re like me and prefer a bit of culture to people watching or spending a fortune in designer stores, there’s plenty to see and do. Work off some of that food with a climb to the top of the town, Haute Ville, for some spectacular views of the coast and then wend your way back to sea level through the narrow streets. For something less taxing, stroll along the Croisette that follows the curve of the bay and leads you past beautiful gardens full of flowers and trees.
Go back in time at the Musée de la Castre (located in the Old Town) where you’ll find Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria and Cyprus. Primitive art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas is another area of focus. If a walk around the museum doesn’t tire you out, climb the medieval tower for a panoramic view of Cannes and its bay.
If the Man in the Iron Mask, subject of various films and books, captures your imagination and you’ve got enough time, the Musee de la Mer on Sainte-Marguerite island’s Port-Royal (about 1km from Cannes) is where you can visit his cell. The museum is also full of maritime treasures, including remains of cargos from ships that date back to Roman times.
Monte Carlo
Did you know that Monte Carlo’s first casino came into being when Prince Charles III decided that to prosper, after Monaco had sold half its territory to France for independence and cash, tourism and gambling were the key? Since then, Monte Carlo has flourished and become a gamblers’ paradise, as well as home to one of the most exciting grand prix races in the world. The town boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, so after visiting you may be tempted to move there to avoid the traditional British “summer”!
If lady luck doesn’t grace you with her presence at the casino and you can’t face your other half, you can hide underground in the Observatory Caves located 200 feet below the Exotic Gardens (south of the casino). To find out what lies beneath, visit the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium (located on the coast at Avenue St Martin) with its amazing collection of sea creatures in the museum itself and spectacular display of marine flora and fauna in the aquarium. If you’re lucky you might see Nemo or his friend Doree swimming around.
You could find yourself waxing lyrical about the wax museum that shows historical episodes from the Grimaldi’s (the rulers of Monaco) past and present life (on the Rue Basse in the old town), or drooling over the Prince of Monaco’s car collection (20 minutes walk from Casino Square) that boasts around 100 vehicles.
Don’t fancy being on your feet all day but want to explore? Easy! Just take the “train” from outside the Oceanographic Museum that passes Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, before returning to the Old Town with its City Hall and finally the magnificent Prince’s Palace.
Nice
A little story for you. Legend has it that in 1543, advance guards of an invading Turkish army approached Nice. To frighten them off, a large common laundress (also reputed to be ugly), climbed a ladder and mooned at the Turkish guards. The Turks retreated and the new heroine of Nice was adopted as the patron saint of the city. Hopefully there is no danger of that now!
Get a panoramic view of the city by walking up the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), situated between the old town and port, and build up your appetite for dinner at the same time.
Admirers of art, both past and modern, have a choice of museums to visit. If you’re like me and think most modern art is just plain weird and that kids can draw better, head off to the Musee Matisse (just north of the city centre) that houses drawings and paintings by Henri Matisse, including the famous Still Live with Pomegranates and Flowers and Fruits. Alternatively the Musee Chagall boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Marc Chagall (the Russian born French painter). Modern art lovers can find the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum) near Nice’s Acropolis Convention Centre. The museum features art works by Andy Warhol, Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Works from the Ecole de Nice are also featured.
Of course you can’t talk about Nice without mentioning the Promenade des Anglais. The English arrived in the 18th century and began building houses and churches. However, during the winter of 1821-22 an unusually sharp frost stopped more building and there was a lot of unemployment. The English church raised funds and put many of the unemployed to work to build a walkway by the sea. The long walkway stretches along the Mediterranean seaside for about 3 miles. Perfect for working off lunch.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
As its name suggests, Villefranche literally sits on the sea. A deep water harbour, the town dates from 1295 and is full of history. The Marine and Zoological Laboratory (near the harbour), for example, used to be a prison for galley slaves. More recently, the Promenade des Marinieres, which stretches along the waterfront, served as the base for the US 6th Fleet until 1967
The Chapelle St-Pierre, located on Quai Courbet, is a sight to behold. Dating from the 14th century, it became a storeroom for fishermen’s nets and equipment. Fortunately for the building, it was restored by Jean Cocteau, helped by locals, in the 1950s.The chapel is well worth a visit for its amazing murals by Cocteau and makes it stand out from the traditional décor found in other chapels.
Built to protect the bay, the citadel is home to two art museums and the town hall. The Musee Volti houses sculptures by Volti, whilst you can see works from Picasso and Miro at the Musee Goetz Boumeester.
Cannes is renowned for its film festival, but several films have been shot at Villefranche-sur-Mer, including Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief, The Jewel of the Nile starring Michael Douglas, and the James Bond film Never Say Never.
I could go on forever, but hopefully I’ve given you a taster. Cruise lines visiting the French Riviera include P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Carnival, MSC, Fred. Olsen, Celebrity and Ocean Village so you’ll be spoiled for choice. So go on, explore the French Riviera. You never know who you might meet (I’m hoping for Johnny Depp).
Categories: Cannes Castle Tags: French, Living, Riviera
Living Under the Bus
Somewhere in between receiving awards in Cannes, France, and writing on-hold messages in Dubuque, Iowa, there’s The Never Never Land of Subjectivity Hell. Many creatives spend a good deal of time there.
The collaborative, creative process is a messy affair. We’re in the business of solving marketing problems, yet there is never “THE” answer, never a definitive right and wrong way to approach a problem. A receptionist can have an earth-shattering idea and an Executive Creative Director can have an awful one. But all ideas are not treated with equal attentiveness. So how do you maneuver your way through an agency where your work must get through a layered maze of approvals and egos?
I found myself in a particularly hairy circle of Subjectivity Hell a while back. My partner and I had a brief freelance assignment at an agency in the throes of regime change: They had a new Executive Creative Director who in turn brought a Creative Group Head along with him. Stick a piranha in a tank full of goldfish and guppies and you’ll get a sense of the unease and unspoken tension I felt at the shop.
So my partner and I do a few rounds of concepts. The Group Head likes our work and gives it his blessing. Naturally our work involved getting approvals up the totem pole, but my partner and I were feeling good about things. The next day, we present to the ECD. He was too busy to see the work until the last possible minute (at which point our freelance time is almost through.) Sure enough, the ECD hates what the Group Head liked, and decided that my partner and I were given bad strategic direction. So in front of everyone, the two creative directors start arguing over the validity of the creative brief. In the midst of this, my partner and I get blamed for not “solving the problem” and boy, are we screwed.
As my partner and I sat there afterward, my partner said, “We were set up to fail.” While it smacks of the Nuremberg Defense–’Ve vere only following orderz’–what other options are available? A couple of freelance outsiders calling 2 CD’s on the carpet are about as welcome as cockroaches.
Are incidents like the one I encountered a big deal? Of course. Because they’re the kind of situations that occur at agencies every day. Especially the second-rate ones, where doing great work gets lip service, but the butt cheeks of the creative directors get the lip prints. Do the math: take one dysfunctional assignment that you’ve personally encountered, multiply it by many times a year in hundreds of ad agencies, and it’s easy to see why most advertising sucks the big one.
(I found out later, after my partner and I were done with our assignment, that the agency ended up presenting some of our initial, panned concepts. So yes, I got a paycheck and a tiny sense of redemptive satisfaction.)
You have to be careful when you’re in Subjectivity Hell. There may be an instinct to pursue creative concepts that aim to please everybody. The problem is, those types of ideas always end up satisfying nobody. That’s coupled with everyone having their own personal agenda. Plus, there’s no way to read anyone’s mind. Bringing fresh ideas to the table is challenging enough without having to tap dance through a minefield of office politics.
And, because every assignment is different, there’s very little emphasis on wanting to improve the process, or fix communication snafus. If work goes out the door, well, it’s almost never talked about again, unless you have a RCD–a Retroactive Creative Director (“Oh yeah, that ad you did and I approved 3 months ago? I never liked it.”)
Sometimes, when I read about the genesis of successful campaigns, I’ll see a quote like, “Well, so-and-so really hated it but we kept it in the mix.” I wonder how the creative team managed to get their ideas past the hairball of differing CD’s, or differing AE’s and clients for that matter. Frankly, I don’t want to read useless profiles of the people who come up with successful campaigns. I’d love to hear how the little battles to produce those great campaigns get fought and won.
Bill Backer once said that ideas need “care and feeding.” But in Subjectivity Hell, ideas can starve, and people become roadkill when they’re thrown under the bus. It’s getting to be a rough neighborhood—especially in a business where there’s increasingly less time to think things through. So let’s be careful out there.
Categories: Getting To Cannes Tags: Living, Under