Coco Chanel Logo

I’d like to pass along a fun fact that I picked up from my good friend Jean Pascal.

JP is French, a wine expert, business owner, motorcycle enthusiast and is married to a beautiful woman from Sweden.  If I have ever had valid reasons to hate somebody, I’ve just listed them, but I can’t, Jean Pascal is a great guy.

He sometimes leads wine tours in Bellet, the old town of Nice, and into the French Riviera back country.  One of his stops, Chateau de Cremat in Bellet, the tiny wine region in the hills behind Nice, is particularly noteworthy for fans of the late fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Why?

The Classic Goodness of Socca

A simple, yet sublime specialty of Nice, socca (pronounced so-ka) is way up on my “really good stuff to eat” list.

Think chickpea, flour, and olive oil cooked in a flat iron pan to just this side of brown.

Add black pepper and devour.

Nice Flower Market

If you love markets then this is the one not to miss.

Located on the pedestrian only Cours Saleya in the old town, the bustling Nice flower market is held every day of the week (except Monday) from 7 a.m. until around 1 p.m.  Arrive by mid-morning (at the latest) and shop for flowers, spices, fresh fish, produce, and much more.  This is as much a social event as it is a market, so save plenty of time for people watching and a glass of chilled rose’ at one of the cafes with outdoor seating.  Also, don’t miss the best socca in the south of France at Chez Theresa (located in the middle of the market).

For a simple, delicious, and affordable lunch, try