My friend Elin and I celebrated 120 years – so much more fun than celebrating just 60 years – at their studio flat in Mandelieu-La Napoule (outside of Cannes) at Côte d’Azur in France! We had a brilliant time, sightseeing in glorious sunshine and summer temperatures between 26 to 30 degrees C/79 to 86 F. I needed to thaw after a cold winter and spring, hence enjoyed the heat! It was warmer than their usual spring temperatures. We left the day before the heat wave with 32 degrees C/90 F, but came back to Norway with what felt like a cold bang; 14 degrees C/57 F.The nearest beach was about 7 minutes away along the river to the seafront. The city to the right in the photo is nearby Cannes.After landing in Nice, we took the train to Cannes and checked out the 79th Cannes Film Festival, well the crowd to be precise. We could not see the red carpet, only a screen between the two posters, see above. The screen was large, but appeared small compared to the poster!Even the professional photographers used a step ladder to view the red carpet. The next day we spent sightseeing in the area, walking to the nearest huge supermarket with a separate counters for bread, fish, meat, sushi, cakes and meat in addition to a large selection of wines & alcohol plus fruit & vegetables – unlike a combined fish & meat counter, only light beers, and small selections that I am used to finding in Norway! Elin and I walked past the castle, check out the man seated at the centre – king of the castle style – along the beach towards the next village Theoule Sur Mer (after the next marina in the photo below). This is after we had a swim in the Mediterranean Sea that held 18 degrees C/64 F.After walking for a number of kilometers, we ended up taking the bus back to the studio flat, as it was hot and dinner time was coming up.Monte Carlo, Monaco here we come. The train from Mandelieu was more than 1 hour and 10 minutes late, hence it was cancelled from Cannes and we found another train to take us to Monaco. The day pass train ticket was only 20 Euros/23 USD, but in the end we only used it for that one stop. Check out the poster above Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco car race was coming up from the 4th to 7th of June, hence there were even more sports cars than usual around…A whole line of cars were on display outside the casino.Here you see the view of the harbour with so many luxurious huge yachts.A professional photoshoot was happening as we walked past the luxurious fashion shops.There were plenty of more personal photoshoot too, mostly involving younger daughters with their mothers. Next time we both need to wear a long dress when visiting Monaco …This walkway had a lovely sea view and sculptures. Here is Reina Mariana from 2004 by Manolo Valdes. The size of the abstract sculpture and its placement in front of the city towards the sea made it regal.My friend Elin suggested we take the ferry to the Sainte Marguerite Island from Cannes and bring a delicious picnic plus swimsuits. I thought it was an excellent idea! At the top you see us on the ferry! Above is the view from one of several of the bunkers towards Cannes and Mandelieu, close to the picnic spot we chose in the shade among the trees. A lot of boats had chosen the opposite side of the island for a stop.We didn’t visit the fort, but enjoyed walking around the island and had a swim in the azur blue sea.The last day, my friend had a morning flight and I a late afternoon flight as we were travelling to different cities, hence I had time for sightseeing in Nice. Above is a view from the old charming town.Here is the Place Masséna a historic square, and see how the woman to the left matches the colour of the buildings!Promenade des Anglais – the beach promenade 7 kilometres long – was another must as it it is considered the main attraction in Nice, and it lead me to this popular photo spot.Check out the sail ship in the harbour and the two sailors sitting high up on the mast to the right.Here is where my sightseeing ended at the tram stop Port Lympia, taking me back to the airport.I had a fabulous time, celebrating 120 years with my friend Elin, and can recommend a visit to the French Riviera!