ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE - The lazy old dog resting outside the shop selling lavender products refused to move when the tourist tried to gain entrance.  “Mon Dieu,” said the saleslady from within. “Zee dog has no manners.

VERSAILLES, FRANCE - Okay, so why did it take the French so long to revolt if this revolting monument to decadence is an example of what the royals of the day were spending the people’s money on.

MONACO – “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve received word that the prince is en route from the palace,” said the master of ceremonies.  He was speaking of Prince Albert of Monaco to passengers of the m/s Seven Seas Voyager.

PARIS - Very few visitors rent a car in Paris – “much too dangerous. Too many crazy drivers,” says my guide Romy as he assembles a small tour group outside the cycle shop at 37 Boulavard Bourdon, across from the new Paris opera.

MENTON, FRANCE - The woman wearing the colorful Provencal apron insisted we try one of her oranges. She wanted to reward us for being early morning visitors to her tiny stall in this sun-drenched town’s historic outdoor market.

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE - Market day in this ancient Roman city is always a colorful event.  The fruit and vegetable stands are lush with bright, local produce; large jars filled with spices punch the air with erotic scents; freshly-picked flowers are stacked high; colourful French characters, cigarettes dangling out of their mouths, seduce the crowd with their charming wit and salesmanship.

CAGNES-SUR-MER, FRANCE - A visitor sits on a hotel terrace high above the Mediterranean coastline enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sun dip behind the far-off Alps. The golden streaks that appear at sunset look like they've been added by an artist's brush.