XIV INTRODUCTION. 



eastern side of Cap Ferrat following the sea for several kilo- 

 metres. Moreover this path is so lovelv that one never tires of it. 



Cannes is the first place west of Nice which is suf- 

 ficiently protected from the north for people with weak 

 chests. Even here manv plants begin to suffer which thrive 

 east of Nice; and this shows that the climatic conditions are 

 becoming less favourable. Besides, the shore of Cannes is 

 not completelv sheltered from the Mistral, and for this reason 

 the hotels are built farther inland. They occupy the nearer 

 hills which slope gentlv to the sea. Some of them are situated 

 even as far back as Le Cannet. For the same reason Cimiez, 

 which stands well back from the coast to the north of Nice, 

 is now in such favour as a health resort. This spot was al- 

 ready esteemed by the Romans on account of its mild 

 climate, and was a favourite winter resort with them. Hveres 

 has deservedly lost much of the reputation it once enjoyed, 

 for it lies at the mercy of the icy Mistral. Those who desire 

 bracing air, invigorating exercise, and a wide range of ex- 

 cursions on the Western Riviera, should choose Cap d'Antibes 

 or Bordighera for a prolonged stay : or if they prefer the 

 Eastern Riviera, Sestri Levante. Bordighera and Sestri Le- 

 vante afford ample facilities for excursions inland, \vhile at 

 Antibes you may enjoy delightful rambles on the hilly pro- 

 montory and the rocky shore. 



St. Raphael also, on the western slope of the Esterel, 

 deserves consideration as a spring resort. But its position 

 is inferior to that of the other places, and it is very much 

 e.xposed to the Mistral. Not till the beginning of April does 

 the wide valley of Frejus, which lies before us here, become 

 spring-like. Valescure, above St. Raphael, lies among Pine- 

 woods overlooking the valley of the Argons, and command- 

 ing a view of the Montagnes des Maures. In favourable 

 weather a short time may be spent here. But the climate 

 is cool, and for this reason it was specially patronised by 

 the Romans as a summer resort. 



