As the first snow started to fall in Germany it was time to head south, to my new spot to get through the European winter. And so we both packed up our lives and as my dad headed to Nürnberg, I drove 2000km to Altea in Spain. All the way through Switzerland and the Swiss alps, stopping at Lake Como, Milan, Monaco and Cannes, as well as Montpellier. What a journey!
Lake Como 
Milan
Milan was a quick stopover as I only wanted to see the amazing Dome (Duomo Di Milano) again. I have been to Milan many years ago already, shopping up the storm with my mum. This time, I parked the car, walked to the Duomo, and back to the car. Perfect day and time for this trip.
Monaco
A destination for tourists and a meeting spot for the wealthy, Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world (Vatican City the smallest), just 15km from the Italian border. As I a drove along the windy coastal road, it appeared out of nowhere, set between the ocean and the mountains. Stunning!
Overall it was nice to see and walk inside Monaco city. It is definitely glamorous and the yachts at least twice the size of Marmaris and Bodrum in Turkey. The streets and grand buildings made the city feel very crowded however, (and the undercover parking is very small and narrow).
That said, the weather was perfect and I really enjoyed Monaco. It was clean, stylish and chic. Especially with the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Casino de Monte Carlo 
Cannes
How beautiful is Cannes! Also a place where glitz and glamour meet, Cannes had some charm that Monaco lacked. The buildings were painted in gorgeous pastels and the narrow streets in the old town added to the cuteness. Not to mention the view from the top hill (where the ‘Church of Our Lady of Esperance’ stands) overlooking the city. I loved it!
That said, I doubt that I will be back in Monaco and Cannes too soon. It is just a little bit too rich for me. But never say never!
St. Tropez and Montpellier
With a quick stopover visiting a friend in St. Tropez, I really wanted to see Montpellier. By now I was following the route that I did with my bicycle less than two months ago (read the trip here). And although I stayed in Sete (17km from Montpellier) during my cycling trip, I didn’t make it to the city.
St. Tropez 
Montpellier is an university town and really quite stunning. I did my discovery walk early in the morning so the town was still asleep but I am sure it has a great vibe when the shops and restaurants are open. It is a great city to spend a bit of time in. I felt like I was in ‘small’ Paris. I will be back here, for sure. There are soo many roads to walk and discover.
Montpellier 
Altea, Spain
And here I am. After less than two months of having the idea of spending the European winter in Spain, I have arrived at the apartment in Altea. What a gorgeous area it is. I can’t wait to spend more time here, drive around the Iberian peninsular and find more cycling trips as well as hiking. So exciting!
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