European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 13, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Nice once Home to Monet and Renoir also has Beautiful Flower markets a and plenty of crowds. Elegant hotels and a Palm tree lined Beach. Air kisses in Cannes Are redundant but give it three anyway. A highlight of my Riviera Jaunt earning four. Air smacks was the coastal drive from Cannes to St. Raphael a route known As the est Rel Cliff Road. A v a a a Quot a a. A. An abbreviated French version of California s big sur this Roadway writhes past Burnt Orange Cliffs and climbs hillsides for vistas limited Only by vision itself. Now is the time for a special Darling break. Stop at one of the lofty Terrace restaurants along the Roadside and order a panache a Beer or a lemonade drink. Ponder mysteries such As just exactly who Are those Guys pictured on French francs and Why do All French cars have horns that beep like the Road runner another pleasant thought is that one of the jewels of the Riviera is a Short distance away St Tropez. This picturesque Village has no history whatsoever and was created entirely for tourists out of a Rock Quarry. Just kidding. A y you might think because of its classic cuteness that this is the Case but actually this Quot Beverly Hills by the sea Quot has both a Rich history and a legend. The Tropez legend concerns a Christian Centurion of that name beheaded by Nero whose boat beached at this spot. This is celebrated with an annual procession through the town climb to the top of the Citadel and the closely packed Homes below appear to have the snug perfection of that hidden Village for which you have Long searched.,you re. A few decades too late however. The town became a a favorite of literary and movie people in the 1950s and has been a famous european resort Ever since. Somehow it manages to maintain its Charm despite this. Even the presence of ultimate ostentation a yacht with a helicopter resting on its Stern did t detract from its unassuming Harbor. A. Give it As Many air kisses As you can Muster. It s a Darling must a sight astounding enough to. Make one believe in the Riviera myth. But then in t that always better than reality. An artificial Waterfall cascades Down chateau Hill which towers Over the old town of Nice above. Some of Monaco s rulers bang out in the country s Wax museum far left. Hiding behind shades in Nice left. A Small Market operates in place Aux Herbes in St Tropez below a amps photos by Michael Abrams