Exploring Col de Vence

Exploring Col de Vence

We planned a leisurely walk near Nice as the city was preparing itself for a weekend lockdown due to the pandemic. The main reason for preferring a moderate exercise was, however, the deteriorating air quality in the region. Authorities even recommended prudence regarding outdoor activities. Desert dust from Sahara had reached vast areas in eastern France. Parking at Plan...

Pasta with goat cheese, spinach, artichokes and capers

Pasta with goat cheese, spinach, artichokes and capers

 This simple but tasty pasta dish needs only minimal cooking and preparation. The secret lies in quality ingredients; the best Italian conserved artichokes and capers and tasty French goat cheese, chèvre. It is preferable to use fresh baby spinach leaves in this recipe but they can be substituted with some frozen spinach leaves.2 servings1 shallot, chopped1 clove garlic, minced2...

Puy de Naouri from St-Barnabé

Puy de Naouri from St-Barnabé

 Situated at about 970 m elevation on the St-Barnabé Plateau, the parking by the D302 road is a good starting point for hikes to nearby mountains as well as for exploring the St-Barnabé Plateau itself.The D302 road forks left about 600 m after Col de Vence, next to the horse stables.We wanted to explore the trail to Puy de...

Roasted pork chops

Roasted pork chops

 Cyril Lignac is one of the most popular chefs in France at the moment. He is often on TV shows, opens new restaurants and publishes cookery books. He used to write recipes for supermarket booklets and his roasted pork chops was published years back in a such booklet.The following recipe is my twist of his original recipe. It works...

Mont Capelet Inférieur Hike

Mont Capelet Inférieur Hike

 Situated above the Gordolasque Valley inside the Mercantour National Park, Mont Capelet Inférieur (2419 m) does not have any marked trails to the summit in the official hiking maps. The mountain is nevertheless easy to reach from the Gordolasque Valley. The grassy southwestern face is a bit steep but nice to ascend. The neighbouring Cime du Diable (2865 m)...

Wilted spinach with golden raisins and pine nuts

Wilted spinach with golden raisins and pine nuts

 This tasty spinach recipe originates from the Italian Riviera. The Italians seem to love spinach; I remember one week in late October when we stayed in Rome and all the restaurants had every day wilted spinach as their vegetable side, contorni.The golden raisins and sautéed pine nuts give added flavour to this side which goes nicely with simply prepared...

Gourdon to Colle de Rougiès

Gourdon to Colle de Rougiès

 We have previously hiked to Colle de Rougiès (1334 m) by crossing the Caussols Plateau from Les Claps. On a clear day, the ridge offers great hiking, with good trails and super views. We now wanted to explore another itinerary starting from Gourdon. We drove to Gourdon, turned left at the village entrance taking D12 road which we followed...