Publisher's Synopsis
Trip to Provence and La Cote d'Azur is a spirited and engaging account of Eugenia Weinerek's travels in the South of France at age 71. The diary format lends a personal touch to her narrative and the book is brimming with lively enthusiasm and refreshing candor. The book is richly illustrated and the visual values so important in a travel book go hand in hand with splendid writing. This book is not written for seasoned, intrepid travellers who have "seen it all," "done it all." It is primarily directed at senior travellers, with an eye for both art and natural beauty, who like hiking and fresh air, who perhaps worked hard all their lives, bringing up children, putting them through university and who, on retirement wished to "see the world" and in particular the South of France region. However, in the words of one of the author's friends: "Although you have written this book as a diary and guide for female senior travellers, age and gender are no barriers for the traveller young at heart with energy to spare. I, as a woman a bit more than half your age, would enjoy being your travelling companion at any time. No doubt that one day I will walk along the same paths as you suggest." The author selects Nice as her home base and undertakes daily trips to destinations like Cannes, Antibes, Grasse, Saint-Paul/Vence, Entrevaux, Monaco/Monte-Carlo, Menton, Saint-Tropez, Beaulieu, Cap Ferrat, Biot as well as scenic trips to the Gorges of Verdon, the Roya Valley, Gourdon/Gorges du Loup and the lavender fields around Digne. In her own words: "This book is largely concerned with ferreting out museums, art galleries and cathedrals in and around Nice. Add to this walks along the shores of the Mediterranean, visits to lively local markets, enchanting gardens, and places known for their scenic beauty and panoramic views, and the list is complete." The author imparts great details to the places of interest visited and pays a special attention to acquainting the reader with the travelled terrain. For example she tells the reader that the walk along the shore in Antibes is in a populated area, that the climb to the "Garoupe" chapel is steep and slippery and that Bus #4 will take the traveller up to Monte-Carlo directly from the train station obviating an arduous climb. She also advises the reader that there is no need to hire a car for travelling by train or by bus in Provence is a pleasure - convenient, comfortable and inexpensive. In conclusion: This book is informative, well- written and - beyond that - interesting!"
