South of France

I always thought, for some reason, that my first time in France would be in Paris. Evidently my older sister had other plans for me. Of course, being my leader in life, she was the one to script my first French chapter differently. Last November after visiting Monaco, which to me felt very much like a made-up place, we set off to tour South of France.

First stop was Nice. The buildings in the South of France immediately stood out to me. Most were three to four stories high, finished in warm pastel stucco that had softened under years of sun exposure. The shutters, almost always in wood, were painted in muted tones of sage, teal, or cream, their peeling edges only added to the authenticity. Many of the façades followed a clear rhythm: evenly spaced windows framed with simple stone lintels, wrought-iron balconies projecting just enough for a person to lean over, and tiled roofs sloping gently toward the street. What impressed me most was how consistent the urban fabric felt, every structure different in small details, yet bound together by proportion, materials, and a sense of harmony that modern cities rarely achieve. After a day of going around the city, having croissants and practicing my French, we rushed to dinner. My sister, the foodie, was very excited and as always I let her order for the both of us. French cuisine here was a revelation to me. Every dish carefully composed, layered with flavors that seemed simple at first but revealed complexity with every bite. From the freshness of the local cheeses to the subtle herbs in roasted vegetables, everything felt almost like an art form. Compared to Italian cooking, which I love for its straightforward, bold flavors and focus on a few quality ingredients, French dishes seemed more intricate, each element balanced to create depth and surprise. Yet, despite the complexity, the flavors were always rich and nuanced. After dinner, we took a walk around the main square, and the sound of music drifting from the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate drew us inside. The Baroque interior, with its soaring arches, intricate frescoes, and soft light filtering through stained-glass windows, made the space feel almost magical. For a moment, it seemed as if time had slowed just for us, and the music wrapped around everything, turning the evening into something unforgettable.

When I was deciding about my university studies, one of the options was to study in Menton. I remember being fascinated when I looked it up, and I immediately knew I would be there someday. As luck would have it not to study but to explore. Menton is so colorful. The buildings there look like a big warm family. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town feels like stepping into a painting. There is also a charming italian influence, where every corner reveals a hidden terrace, a small fountain, or a flower-filled window sill. The grand Belle Époque villas, with their elegant façades and terraces overlooking the sea, contrast beautifully with the intimate medieval alleys. I had the best point of view when I was swimming and all I could see was the town itself was smiling at the sun. Even the seaside promenade is completely in line with the Mediterranean vibe which we all love. Menton is very lively for such a small place. Sundays were filled with laughter, mouth-watering pastries and children playing around.

One of the things that struck me was the colors of this creation. Maybe it's the deep orange and red, maybe the architecture of the stairs, or most importantly the church itself. Being there during the night, with very few people felt very intimate, a massive church in front of me, made me reflect on this beauty and on the era it was built as well. As we were having a discussion with my sister I wanted to go back in time to see the people bulding it and meet Laurent Lavagna, the artist himself. With the full moon as the main character, we had a long walk on the little coast and the breeze was almost as refreshing as the conversations we were having. I remember how it felt to be there and writing about it makes me re-live it. I always cherish the trips I have with my sisters and they're always the ones that make the longest-lasting impact for me. Here, architecture meets the people who shape our world… about crafting life and meaning, just as architects transform visions into tangible spaces.