Pastis and Pétanque. Photo by C-Reel

Nothing tastes better or more provencale, than a glass of pastis in the afternoon, before a hearty dish of bouillabaisse, or after dinner. For the love of Cheapo, when in Nice, please bring home a bottle of this delectable aperitif from the south of France.

Cheers back home

In 1915, absinthe, sometimes known as the “green fairy,” was banned in France. Pernod Fils and Ricard reformulated a drink without the illegal wormwood using less alcohol and more star anise and sugar. The strong liqueur is generally mixed with water, five parts to one. Clear on its own, pastis clouds when you add water to it. Use ice with caution as the cubes have a tendency to crystallize the pastis.

Though popular all over France, pastis is heavily associated with the lifestyle of southeastern France. You can pick up a bottle at almost any grocery store or supermarket. A 70 cl bottle will cost about €10.

NOTE: Americans may bring home 1 Liter of alcohol without paying any tariffs or taxes. More bottles may be brought back for personal use, but you will have to pay a tax. Read more on the US Customs website.

While you’re at it…

Pick up a bottle or two of rosé wine. With an emphasis on Mourvedre grapes, up to 80 percent of the wine manufactured in the Provence region is the charmingly pink-colored rosé. And don’t worry about rules governing what months are “okay” to drink rosé… it’s always a good idea, as far as we’re concerned!

Popularity: 9% [?]

When in Nice, take a break from the Mediterranean waters and head to the posh, northern suburb of Cimiez. The town offers ancient ruins from its important past (it was the region’s capital city during Roman times, 1,700 years ago), along with museums, a famous cemetery, and the Monastere Notre-Dame de Cimiez. The area is also home to Nice’s jazz festival, which occurs every year in July.

A visit to the Monastere de Cimiez is a quiet, enchanted escape from Nice. Dating back to the 16th century, the gothic church you see today was the result of an 1850 renovation. The church is famous for three paintings by prominent brother painters, Louis and Antoine Brea. The near-by museum, the Musée Franciscain, explains the role of the Franciscans in Nice over the centuries, and allows visitors a peek into a recreated (and especially drab) monk’s cell.

The adjoining cemetery is notable for its picturesque qualities, marble graves, and notable residents. Painters Raoul Dufy and Henri Matisse, both former residents of Cimiez, are buried here. Wander through the cemetery, making sure to leave time for the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visiting the Monastere Notre Dame de Cimiez

The church is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 AM - 12 PM, and 3 PM - 6 PM. Admission is free.  For more information, call 04-93-81-00-04.

Popularity: 14% [?]

The Nice Visitors Bureau just announced the debut of their new visitor’s pass, labeled the Nice “Riviera Pass”. Is it a good deal? It depends on your trip plans. Here’s a quick overview:

The pass: The Nice “Riviera Pass” is a tourist pass that grants holders free entry into a number of the area’s attractions, as well as numerous discounts throughout the region.

What you get: Free admission to nine major sights in Nice, Antibes, Biot, Cagnes-sur-mer, and Monaco. Sights include the National Museum of Marc Chagall (Musée Chagall) and Marineland (for the 72-hour pass), the Musée Renoir, and the Musée national Fernand Leger.

Extras: The pass also includes a 60-page guidebook, unlimited transportation on the Nice “Le Grand Tour” double-decker buses (which stop at most of Nice’s main attractions and includes multi-language commentary), free daily guided tours of major sights like the Nice opera house and Castle Hill (Monday through Friday in French only, Saturdays in French and English), and discounts at dozens of restaurants, shops, and area attractions.

What it costs: The Nice Riviera Pass is offered for 24-hours (€24), 48-hours (€36), or 72-hours (€54). The pass is equipped with a “smart chip” that starts keeping time from the moment you validate it. Free entry into museums and other sights is valid for the duration of the pass, while other discounts (for restaurants, shopping, and leisure activities) are valid for one month.

How to buy it: You will soon be able to an purchase the card online. For now, buy it in person at the Nice Visitor’s Bureau, of which the main offices is at 5, Promenade des Anglais. Check out their website for more information.

The verdict: As we’d suggest with any city pass, price out your trip itinerary and compare it to the cost of the pass. (Conveniently, the card’s website shows you standard ticket prices for these attractions, making it easy to tally up.) If you’re already planning to head to the sights covered by the card, the pass will let you skip lines and bounce around town on a cute bus. It will also take you to places in Nice that you might otherwise ignore.

If, however, your plans in Nice mostly involve a beach towel, an umbrella, and a cool drink, you might “pass” on this tourist card.

Popularity: 19% [?]