The 2023 Olympia Bead Retreat was so much fun! Inspiring, delicious, beautiful....and BEADS!
We started off in Menton, France. A lovely town right on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is located very close to Italy so the influences in the food choices are evident. A delicious mixture of French and Italian…yum!
Old Town Menton is just a short walk from the lovely Hotel Riva where the bead retreat group stayed and where mine and Betty’s classes were held.
A sweet village with cobblestones meandering through the alley ways that immediately take you back in time.
And all throughout Old Town are shops and restaurants to tempt you. Gelato, lavender products, truffles, lovely linen clothes to keep you cool in the Mediterranean climate, gifts and pasta and pizza at every turn. I could stay forever!
The view from the Hotel Riva balcony.
A lovely salad for lunch. All the food is so beautiful!
Stunning produce from the open air market (The Marche in French!)
Betty, Rhonda, Shawn & I all took a fabulous tour to the Gorges of Verdon. Incredible views and quaint French villages plus a stop at the man-made Lake Sainte-Croix.
Lake Sainte-Croix The bright blue hue comes from glacial minerals
Gorges of Verdon
Several of the Bead Retreat group also took a day tour to the ancient Village of Eze. Èze is a seaside commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France. It is located on the French Riviera, 8.5 km to the northeast of Nice and 4.5 km to the west of Monaco. In 2018, Èze had a population of 2,225. Its inhabitants are known as Ezasques. While a steep climb in some areas, this visit is more than worth the effort.
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Built on the foundations of a twelfth-century church, the church of Eze Village a neo-classical eighteenth century building, is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
Some lucky persons front door!
My Hot French Chocolate!
I mean, c'mon!
And my view was this.....
Next post I'll share some photos as we begin our bus trip into the French Alps the day after our first class with Betty Stephan!
And yes, you're correct! This is a dream trip. But you could join us next year!
Check out where we're going here: https://www.olympiaretreats.com/adriatic-bead-art-retreat
Until then....
Happy Beading,
Beki