Posted Mar 2019 in Eats & Drinks located in: Massena, Old Town
Opening its doors in 2015, Vegan Gorilla’s organic and locally sourced vegan cuisine remains a big hit with the locals. Run by M. and Mme Berton, you’d be glad you’ve stumbled across this hidden gem in rue du Lycée, found mid-way between the Old Town and Jean Medicin.
Posted Mar 2019 in Go & Do
OK, you may be slightly breathless when you’ve climbed the steps, but the park and view is well worth the effort. If you’ll find the steps a challenge, there’s an ascenseur (elevator) at the tip of rue de Ponchettes, near the Old Town. This is one of three entrances to this park sat on top of the city.
Posted Mar 2019 in Eats & Drinks located in: Old Town
When Victoria and Jeremy; husband-and-wife team and the brains behind The Fat Mermaid, planned a romantic getaway to Ireland, they hoped for museums, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. What they couldn’t have predicted was their new-found love of Irish cuisine. Crispy battered fish, chunky chips, and impossibly green mushy peas – this British institution captured their hearts and stomachs, and so upon their return to France, The Fat Mermaid was born.
Posted Mar 2019 in Go & Do
Despite its modest dimensions, this park has all you need, and tends to be much quieter than others. Right next to the sea, it’s a perfect picnic spot or a place to while away an hour or two with a book under the shade of the trees.
Posted Feb 2019 in Go & Do
“The quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century,” Marc Zaharovich Chagall was one of many celebrity artists smitten by the Côte d'Azur, and he eventually settled in Saint-Paul de Vence, a small commune on the French Riviera. It’s little wonder then that he chose to house the Musée Marc Chagall in Cimiez, nestled away in the hills of sunny Nice. Dedicated to his biblical works, the museum is a celebration of Chagall’s Jewish heritage, combining surreal imagery taken from the artist’s life (think flying goats, tumbling flowers, and spiralling embraces) with the Old Testament and the Hebrew Song of Songs.
Posted Feb 2019 in Go & Do
Like many before him, Renoir settled on the Riviera to treat his ill-health, hopeful that the warm weather and sea air would bring some relief in his old age. Despite being riddled with arthritis and having limited mobility (in his final years he needed help just picking up a paintbrush), Renoir persevered and produced many successful works at Les Collettes (his family home), including his lively portrait of Austrian actress Tilla Durieux; completed just five years before his death.
Posted Feb 2019 in Go & Do
Matisse adored the Riviera. After a childhood spent in the industrial town of Bohain-en-Vermandois, he relocated to Nice permanently in 1917, captivated by the spectacular light of the region. He lived in Nice for most of his life (first in the grand yellow building at the eastern end of Nice’s Cours Saleya, called place Charles Félix, and latterly in the Hotel Regina in Cimiez), and then fled to Vence after the Nazi invasion. Want to immerse yourself in Matisse?
Posted Feb 2019 in Guest Info
It’s no secret that France has a penchant for paperwork, and dealing with the seemingly endless list of contracts, application forms, and certificates can be overwhelming – not least when it comes to printing it all out.
Posted Jan 2019 in Go & Do
World-renowned for its coastline, it is easy to forget that the French Riviera is also home to some beautiful open green spaces. Grab a baguette, some wine, cheese, and whatever else strikes your fancy, and enjoy one of the most satisfying and cheap days out around.
Posted Jan 2019 in Guest Info
There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water, we know. Since the provision of hot water in Nice might vary from what you are used to at home, we thought we’d write a quick post for those who like to do lots of research before they come.
Posted Jan 2019 in Muse Mag
It may be world-renowned as the language of love, but it’s also a universal truth that learning French can unfortunately be a labour of love. Our English roots leave us lazy, it seems everyone speaks English and so we’ve never had to make the effort to be understood. Yet, grasping even just the basics of the French language can be life-enhancing to enjoying more of the world you visit.
Posted Jan 2019 in Muse Mag
To become fluent, you must find a continuation method of learning. Once back home, commitment and practise are key. If you are not using the language you will get rusty, and though it will all be there somewhere, your brain won’t access it quickly enough to converse and you’ll sadly lose your French flare.
Posted Jan 2019 in Muse Mag
Well done if you’ve taken the time and effort to go to classes and join groups. We bet you’re asking yourself “How am I not fluent yet?!’”. Everyone who learns a second language after the age of 10 has been here, but to further your language learning you must go that extra mile and try bringing French into your home. Try having a conversation every day in French in your maison.
Posted Jan 2019 in Muse Mag
One of the first fundamental steps to learning French is taking a French course. With bucket-loads to choose from, here’s a selection we can recommend. Most offer accommodation, but (and of course, we’d say this – but promise it’s true) none as good as Pebbles. The smart language learner pays for the course but books their accommodation with Pebbles.
Posted Jan 2019 in Go & Do
Full of cultural heritage, art and design, the French Riviera is one of Europe’s best destinations for world-class museums. From Archaeology to Perfumery, the Cote d’Azur truly does not disappoint on the museum front and has something for everyone, not surprising as there are over 40 of them. The MAMAC contemporary art museum and the Musée Massena history museum (hyperlink to blog post) are just a couple that are worth a visit whilst holidaying with us, but why not hop on a train and explore what the rest of the French Riviera has to offer? If you plan to visit several museums during your stay, or for our long-term guests, the tourism office offers a Côte d’Azur Card or a Pass Musées de Nice (hyperlink to blog post on this) which allows you access to various museums at a reduced cost.
Posted Dec 2018 in Guest Info
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At Pebbles, all our guests are VIPs – that’s very important Pebbles. You lovely bunch are also unique and we know one service does not fit all. We always try and go the extra mile to ensure your holiday needs are fulfilled. As well as being on-hand for all queries by phone and email, guests are more than welcome to pop into our office located at 37 Rue de L’Hotel des Postes to ask any questions; whether it be about your Pebbles apartment or local information.
Posted Dec 2018 in Go & Do
Held in the dream destination of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a real treat is to combine a stay with us with the Rolex-Monte Carlo Masters For 2019 it will take place between 13th- 21st of April.
Posted Dec 2018 in Eats & Drinks located in: Massena, Old Town
This cute almost hole-in-the-wall, located at 16 Boulevard Jean Jaurès offers juices, smoothies and take-away pots of nutritious food including raw food cakes. What makes it a little different is the owners know all things nutritious and are happy to chat in English and French about how you can heal from what you put into your body-temple. For an area where vegan food, or “free from” isn’t as accessible as other areas, this is a god-send for some.
Posted Dec 2018 in Eats & Drinks located in: Massena, Old Town
As well, as Sushi, Jean Jaures is a foodie heaven for those pizza and pasta carbs. Since Nice’s history makes the town a hybrid of Italian and French, you’re never far away from Italian cuisine, of varying quality.
Posted Dec 2018 in Eats & Drinks located in: Old Town
We’ve no idea why, but over the years Jean Jaurès has been taken over by Sushi. The boulevard is home to three sushi shops, Planet Sushi, Sushi Lune and Le Kobé, each with their own twist.
Posted Dec 2018 in Go & Do located in: Old Town
The sovereign of the Old Town, Le Cours Saleya is a fully pedestrianised street parallel to Quai d’Etats Unis and the end of the Promenade. You haven’t really been to Nice, if you leave without meandering around this area both during the day and at dusk – or even late into the night. You don’t have to buy anything, there are plenty who just soak up the atmosphere, colours and scents on offer, or watch others doing the same from one of the pavement cafes, bars or restaurants.
Posted Nov 2018 in Go & Do located in: Massena
Booklovers will adore this cosy and charming enclave located just off Place Massena. Spend a few minutes with the owner and you’ll see he’s clearly infatuated with all things literary. It’s a friendly place for bookworms and there’s always someone on hand to help you choose from the well-curated array of books.
Posted Nov 2018 in Eats & Drinks located in: Massena
Cool without being pretentious, here you can enjoy traditional Provencal food such as ravioli and focaccia, beef daube and cod fillets. There’s enough for vegetarians, and portions are generous.
Posted Nov 2018 in Go & Do located in: Massena
Unveiled in 2013. the Promenade du Paillon is the result of an extensive (and expensive) renovation project which transformed a run-down bus station in to the natural oasis that it is today.
Posted Nov 2018 in Go & Do located in: Promenade
Parc Phoenix is a godsend for families. There’s a playground, small petting zoo, aquarium as well as the famous Diamant Vert pyramid. It's easy to get to - just near Nice airport.
