Video Diary of an American in France

Experience France like a local with virtual video visits to events and places you won’t find in any tourist book or on any website

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Archive for March, 2010


During my train rides to Menton from Nice, we always passed a lovely seaside town just 10 minutes out of Nice.  So when I had a morning free from filming, Bernard and I decided to stop at this beautiful town which was called Villefranche sur Mer. We were not disappointed either. It is one of the most quaint, cozy, and gorgeous towns I’ve ever seen and I instantly fell in love with it.  By the price of the housing, I wasn’t the only one.  In fact, Tina Turner lives in the town’s hillsides. Visit this charming town with me.


Watch more Villefranche videos at tripfilms.com

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Posted in Culture, Things to Do, Travel, Video, Weblogs | 4 Comments »


At the same time as the Nice Carnival, Menton holds a Lemon Festival which includes a Parade along the seaside promenade.  The nice people at the Tourist office (http://www.feteducitron.com/menton-french-riviera-lemon-festival-uk.html) gave me a Press Pass to film the parade from a high stage so I had a good view. Here are the highlights of the Parade. Put it on your ‘Things to Do’ List!


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Posted in Culture, Current Affairs, Food and Drink, Music, Things to Do, Travel, Video, Weblogs | No Comments »


Menton is 30 minutes by train from Nice. It borders both Italy and Monaco. The population is about 20,000 so I call it a mini-Nice since it has many similar characteristics. One similarity is its Carnival Parade which is part of the annual February Lemon Festival in Menton. It’s a lovely city worth visiting. Here’s an overview video of the city.


Watch more Menton videos at tripfilms.com

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Posted in Culture, Food and Drink, Music, Things to Do, Travel, Video, Weblogs | 3 Comments »


Unfortunately, I’m not an independently wealthy person. Far from it. My days of 6-figure salaries ended when I moved to France so I look for travel deals and budget hotels when I travel. I found a great, inexpensive hotel in Nice that I’m happy to recommend for you fellow budget travelers.  Hotel Solara (www.hotelsolara.com) was a great find.  I did a review about the hotel via video so have a look!


Watch more Nice videos at tripfilms.com

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Posted in Accommodations, Thoughts on the French Life, Travel, Uncategorized, Video, Weblogs | 2 Comments »


Nice has unlimited numbers of restaurants to choose from and some feature ethnic foods. We decided however to try cuisine local to the region, so we stopped at Nissa Socca, a restaurant featuring Nicoise homemade cuisine served with local wines. It’s located in the Old Town section which is a must see when you visit Nice. The food was good and the prices reasonable.  Here’s a quick look at our dinner.


Watch more Nice videos at tripfilms.com

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Posted in Culture, Food and Drink, Things to Do, Travel, Video, Weblogs | No Comments »


checkbox-1Yes, I’m quite sure you’re sick of seeing this post, but I’m posting it anyway because I’d love a free hotel for a weekend and a few extra bucks, which are the prizes if I win.  If you don’t mind putting another check in my box, here’s the link to vote. My video is under the Video of the Month category and is about Villefranche sur Mer.  Thanks again, folks!

http://www.tripfilms.com/polls.sdo?pollID=13

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »


The night before the Carnival began in Nice, the city was buzzing. Performers filled the streets, everyone was out walking, and the energy was palatable. I took some video during my walk.


Watch more Nice videos at tripfilms.com

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Posted in Culture, Food and Drink, Music, Things to Do, Travel, Video, Weblogs | No Comments »