There is a large mall near the Nice airport called CAP 3000. It’s on the west side of the Var river in a town called St. Laurent de Var. As much as I love the charm of the small local markets and stands, at CAP 3000 I know I can find most anything I need {and many things I don’t} quickly and easily.
A frequent stop for me lately, in this massive retail compound, has been Galleries Lafayette, a large French department store filled with nice clothing, housewares, luggage, cosmetics, etc. There is also a gigantic Lafayette Gourmet store. I was perusing the aisles in Lafayette Gourmet the other day {hoping for the 3G to kick in so I could find the storage locker I’d just rented} when I came across these shapely little cans of Coca-cola light {diet Coke} all dressed up by Jean Paul Gaultier. Aren’t they fantastic? Aside from the designer graphics, I love the fact that these are actually shapely cans, in the form of the classic little coke bottles. I don’t drink a lot of soda, but I have a friend who loves her diet cokes, but will only drink it from the can, I wonder if these would suit her fancy?
Has anyone seen these stateside, or do I need to import a few cases??
More proof that you can find anything at CAP 3000 is the fact that I found a Starbucks store, the one and only in Nice so far! I really haven’t had a great coffee since I’ve been here, so I was happy to be able to order my favorite, latte glace and have it taste just as it does at home.
My first Starbuck’s experience in the South of France was completely enhanced by the fact that there was an elderly French woman in line in front of me, with her charcoal gray French poodle in tow.
I also love seeing this bounty of bon-bons. Back in my buying days I always had these little French lollipops {these have been private-labeled} from the Barnier candy company in Normandy by the counters.
They were beloved by all of the moms and kids, I hope they are making a company~wide comeback. To buy a few lolly’s for your little loves, or to see the original packaging click on bon~bons.
What a wonderful adventure, living in France for a while. This is on my 'bucket list', to live in abroad for a year. Enjoy ! Don't forget Laduree macaroons!