A Book, A Nook, A Cup — on the French Riviera

The first of a series of articles dedicated to reading, exploring and drinking, I’m taking a look at what the French Riviera has to offer bookworms. In each article we will choose a book, a nice place to read it and a drink to have to complete the experience. At the moment I’m focusing on the French Riviera but I will return to Ireland in September to continue the series, so if anyone is in the South of France be sure to check out my recommendations!

A Book: The last book I read in Nice was Just Kids by Patti Smith. If you’re looking for an insightful and heartfelt memoir that also makes you question the lengths you would go to for your passions, then look no further than the ‘Smith’ section in your nearest bookshop. Smith describes her life in the Seventies in New York along with all the difficulties that come with growing up. Her writing is clear and lyrical and her thoughts and reflections offer wise insights into her youth. A thoroughly enjoyable read, although maybe not one for casual reading on the beach.

A Nook: Nice is a beautiful city, full of pastel buildings, unexpected sea views and typically French shuttered windows; however it also attracts thousands of tourists in the summer. One of my reading ‘nooks’ of choice is my small neighbourhood park, just three minutes away from the bustling and touristy Old Town. The park is called Place Wilson and it is surrounded by three bakeries, a second-hand bookshop called La Sorbonne Nouvelle and a publishing house, perfect for a mid-chapter croissant craving, or indeed an impromptu new book! The park has a small playground with benches dotted around the edges with jasmine bushes in full bloom, giving the air a lovely fragrance. There is nowhere better in Nice to sit quietly, away from the tourist traps and to immerse yourself in a good book.

A Cup: My drink of choice when reading outside in Nice is always Aperol spritz – especially during the summer months when I’m craving something cool and refreshing to sip on. Aperol spritz is a mixture of prosecco, Aperol — a bitter Italian aperitif — and soda, topped off with a slice of orange and plenty of ice cubes. You would be hard pressed to find a bar or café in Nice that doesn’t serve Aperol spritz, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. My preferred Aperol spritz in Nice is from Waka Bar on the Quai des États-Unis.

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