I am standing on a pathway that wraps around most of the Nice-Antibes sea line. It is possible to bike all the way along if you're up to it. Also, beyond Nice in the background are the French Alps. We passed many colorful alleys and great little shops that I am excited to explore further. 
This picture was taken on our day-trip to Nice. Most of what you see in the background is Antibes. Nice used to be a part of Italy which is why so much Italian architecture is intermingled with the French influences. 
Today we were also able to visit the famous casino in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Apparently, this casino is the reason why Monaco is still a country. In the 18th century, Monaco asked Napoleon Bonaparte for a loan to keep Monaco alive. Napoleon obliged on the condition that the debt be repaid within ten years. After 9 years had passed, Monaco still had not earned enough money to support its economy, let alone repay France. That is, until someone had the idea to build a casino. The debt was repaid and nine years later, the prince of Monaco deemed it unnecessary for his subjects to pay taxes. Wow!
This is a panoramic view of Monaco that one of my friends on the trip took. Walking around the city was definite motivation for higher education. The streets were very clean, the shops boasted merchandise of which the smallest price was 120 euro, and, much like the unemployment percentage, the crime rate is zero. 
We were also able to visit the perfume factory, Fragonard. We saw how and where the perfumes are developed in a beautifully-scented atmosphere. After I left, my clothes smelled of the perfume in the air. The tour was very interesting and much the town surrounding the factory was built with old stone and simple yet intricate design. Overall, a very good couple of days exploring Antibes, Nice and Monaco. The fun facts included above are courtesy of our very knowledgeable and friendly tour-guide.
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