We slept like professionals last night not waking until 9:30. Breakfast is served until 10:00, but getting there would have involved a bit of rushing that did not suit our mood, so we passed. Checking email and discussing the day kept us occupied for an hour and then Dan dozed off until after 11:00.

We finally stepped into the bright sunlight around noon and Ubered to the old village of Mougins, a 15 minute ride into the hills. It is situated on top of a rise with fabulous views in every direction. During the 19th and early 20th centuries the village was the center of lavender, rose, and jasmine production for the nearby perfumeries. And, who knew, Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life there. Celebrities of all kinds came for its beauty, good food, and quiet ambiance: Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Winston Churchill to name a few.  Elizabeth Taylor held her AIDS Charity dinner there for 10 years. Hollywood stars continue to enjoy it during the famous Cannes Film Festival. With the endorsement of the celebrity and floral contingents it sounded like a fun place to check out.

All the shops were closed (because it is Sunday), but restaurants were doing well. We strolled around and enjoyed how spotlessly clean and picturesque the village is. We enjoyed some of the small squares and whimsical statues and stumbled upon a monument to the village’s war dead. There was a small street market that the locals were taking full advantage of. Lots of families and couples were enjoying the food—take-away dishes as well as cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, champagne on tap (!), olives, and herbs. We had not eaten a thing all day, so we shared a bowl of seafood ravioli. We found a small church and lit a candle for Josie’s Aunt Jerry before strolling down the hill to what I would call the new part of town where we ordered an Uber for the ride back to the hotel.

We enjoyed a drink and snacks on the hotel’s terrace before going up to our room to get ready for tonight’s opening reception and dinner. As a little extra treat the waiter brought us each a mini-chocolate chip muffin that had a burst of Nutella in the center. Yes!

The opening reception and dinner did not disappoint. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were served across the street from the hotel right on the beach. A delicious buffet dinner followed just as the sun was setting over the Mediterranean. I know! It was fun to see people I only run into at this event each year.

Lights out at 11:00.