Day 2656 (Sunday) 15th September 2024

We ended the night last night with a gorgeous firework display.

We had to get up early this morning to get to Monaco for our helicopter ride and it was quite cool on Kisbee two and we had to wear hoodies.  The road into Monaco was closed at Cap d’Ail due to a bicycle race, so it was a good job we left home early and we got there in plenty of time.

The pilot looked about 12

It was a perfect day for it and the views were spectacular.

This is Monaco

and this is just outside Eze

This is Beaulieu 

and this is Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat.

This is as close as we got to Villefranche, we were both a little disappointed that we didn’t fly over it but it was still a wonderful morning.

This is the Maybourne hotel where I used to work.

We headed inland to the mountains

And soon we were heading back to Monaco, this is the aquarium.

It was all over way too quickly but what an amazing twenty minutes.

We took the scooter up to the old town and had a good walk around waiting for the changing of the guards.

This is the palace

and this is the cathedral where all the princes got married.

There was a service going on and we watched it for a while.

This is Fontvielle

and this is the main port in Monaco.

We went back to the palace and waited for the guards.

There was quite a crowd watching

When this was over we headed back to Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat where there was a vintage car exhibition.

We saw a few cars and then went for lunch in a café.

Time for more French drinks…

69 French Drinks You Should Try: Spirits/Cocktails/Wine/Beer/No-Alcohol

1.3.) Other French Spirits

1.3.1.) Aniseed Spirits

17. Pastis

Anise-flavoured French spirit.

Pastis is a beloved French spirit characterised by its strong anise flavour and served diluted with water, turning it milky white. Originating from the South of France, Pastis is a quintessential summer beverage, embodying the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

18. Pernod

Anise and licorice spirit.

Pernod is a classic French aniseed-flavoured spirit, often considered a lighter alternative to absinthe. Its distinct licorice taste and ability to mix well in cocktails have made it a staple in French bars and homes.

1.3.2.) Other Spirits

19. Eau-de-vie

Fruit-based clear brandy.

Eau-de-vie, translating to “water of life,” is a clear, fruit brandy distilled from a variety of fruits like Poire Williams (pear), Mirabelle (plum), and Framboise (raspberry). Celebrated for capturing the essence of the fruit, each variety offers a pure, intense flavour.

20. Absinthe

Potent, herbal French spirit.

Absinthe, once notorious for its high alcohol content and rumoured hallucinogenic properties, is a herbal spirit made with wormwood, anise, and fennel. This intriguing spirit, known as “The Green Fairy,” has a complex flavour profile and a rich history in French culture.

21. Clairin

Haitian-style French spirit.

Clairin, though more closely associated with Haiti, is also produced in French territories, where it’s distilled from sugarcane juice. This clear spirit is celebrated for its rustic, earthy flavour profile, offering a taste of the Caribbean with a French touch.

2.) French Cocktails & Mixed Alcoholic Drinks

2.1.) French Cocktails

2.1.1.) Champagne-Based Cocktails

22. Mimosa

Champagne and orange juice.

The Mimosa, a brunch favourite, blends chilled Champagne with fresh orange juice, creating a refreshing and light cocktail. Though popular worldwide, its simplicity and elegance are rooted in French culinary tradition.

23. French 75

Gin and Champagne cocktail.

The French 75 is a celebratory cocktail that combines gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. Named after a French artillery piece, this drink is famed for its potent kick and effervescent charm.

24. Black Velvet

Stout and Champagne blend.

The Black Velvet is a luxurious cocktail made by layering stout (often Guinness) with Champagne, creating a rich, creamy, and effervescent drink. Its contrasting flavours and textures make it a unique choice for discerning palates.

25. Kir Royale

Sparkling French cocktail.

The Kir Royale is an elegant French cocktail that combines crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) with Champagne. The result is a festive, bubbly drink with a rich berry flavour, often served as an aperitif at celebrations and special occasions.

26. Kir

Wine and blackcurrant cocktail.

The Kir is the non-effervescent version of Kir Royale. Kir is a traditional French aperitif made by mixing dry white wine with a splash of crème de cassis. This cocktail is cherished for its versatility and the delightful way it marries the tartness of the wine with the sweetness of the blackcurrant.

2.1.2.) Brandy-Based Cocktails

27. Sidecar

Cognac-based classic cocktail.

The Sidecar is a sophisticated cocktail with a harmonious blend of Cognac, orange liqueur (like Cointreau), and lemon juice. This timeless drink is known for its perfect balance of sweet and sour, encapsulating classic French cocktail artistry.

28. French Connection

Cognac and amaretto cocktail.

The French Connection cocktail is a simple yet profound mix of Cognac and amaretto, offering a deep, almond-flavoured sweetness complemented by the rich, complex notes of the brandy. It’s a testament to the seamless blend of French spirits and Italian liqueur.

2.1.3.) Other Cocktails

29. French Martini

Vodka and pineapple cocktail.

The French Martini brings a twist to the classic Martini with its mix of vodka, Chambord (raspberry liqueur), and pineapple juice. This cocktail stands out for its fruity flavour and smooth, velvety texture, finished with a frothy top.

30. Monaco

Beer, syrup, and lemonade mix.

Monaco is a refreshing beer cocktail popular in France, combining lager with grenadine syrup and lemonade. This drink offers a sweet, fruity alternative to traditional beer, perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.