Nice/Cannes days 11-12
On day 11, we headed to our final city--Nice. The bus ride there was a jaw-dropping transformation as we wound our way out of the arid, cypress-filled plains of Provence to the coastal beaches of Nice. It was so exciting! I felt like a little kid finally arriving at the beach.
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When we got to Nice, Julie took us on a tour of the surrounding blocks, including a massive outdoor market with everything from lavender and paintings to legitimately fancy olives. It was a sunny day and although we were all tired from our adventure through France, the coastal air gave everybody a little extra oomf to explore. Once everyone disbanded for their own adventures, I crisscrossed through the shopping centers and beachside old city before checking into my hotel room for a takeout hamburger. It was THE BEST hamburger I've ever had from a restaurant, and I will be searching the globe the rest of my life for a Big Fernand's Burgers. If you are in Nice and like burgers, it's amazing.
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view from the bus window as we drive into Nice
The next day was time to go to Cannes, an adventure I had been dreaming most of the trip. Although a lot of people head to Cannes for its sunny beaches and famous film festival sites, I went because my family is obsessed with a comedy movie filmed set at the location. For a long time, every vacation we went on we watched the movie. After getting up early, finding the correct platform (somehow), and taking a 1 hour train ride with a view of the seashore, I made it to Cannes. I was so excited I called my family the moment the time difference allowed! I spent the day on the beach with an eBook before returning to Nice. There, our sweet group went out for a final dinner together. We ate ratatouille, talked around candlelit tables, and reminisced about our favorite parts about the trip. One of my new friends on the tour had a birthday and the restaurant had a cake for her! It was a memorable ending to a very meaningful trip. All that was left before heading home was a trip to the airport the next morning and a bittersweet a bientot to the country and tour members that had made the trip so special. .
view from hotel window (with stuffed animal bought for my brother)
Days 11 & 12
Every✅ shows a bucket list completed!
 Hotel in Nicesunny, comfortable room with a breakfast table :) |  narrow streets of Nicebuzzing with life |  Julie took our group around Nicebeautiful day!! |  going to Cannesabsolutely SO excited!! |
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 Nice train stationwaiting for the train to Cannes |  Cannes beach!Bucket list item!! ✅ |  fancy-looking hotel in Cannesmaybe it's famous? I wasn't sure! |  Big Fernand; best burger I've EVER hadfrom a restaurant. My mom makes some amazing burgers |
 final meal with grouphad ratatouille. Meaningful time with friends 💗 |
my top recommendations from Nice
1. This is the last stop on your tour! You'll probably be tired, but be kind to yourself and your other tour members. Allow yourself breaks but also embrace the memories of your last city.
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2. Big Fernand's. The special is served with raclette cheese, which is basically Magic French Cheese. They are the best restaurant burgers EVER (and centrally located!)
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3. Cherish the last stop by taking group photos, get in some spontaneous shopping, and try new dishes. Ultimately, try to make it to the tour group farewell dinner. You'll be glad you did.