The Footpath to the Collinettes

Gérard Pidoux is Niçois, by adoption, it is true, but that doesn't make him any more Niçois than the other Niçois; that would be ungracious. When he aarrived in La Bella during the fifties with his parents, the town and its inhabitants offered everything to this little Parisian boy of nine years old: a theatre of infinite games, beaches, hills, streets, and friends. Extraordinary friends. That, and being surrounded by a wonderful family, albeit small, made him a happy child! He is justifiably nostalgic and endeavours to bring back the not-so-distant memories of the post-war years within one of the most engaging of large towns: Nissa la Bella. At that time, the Promenade des Anglais ended just after the Negresco, where the Boulevard de Gambetta leads to the Mediterranean. The fishing boats were on the beach. A little further back was Rue Saint-Philippe. The Dyna Panhards, Simca cinqs, and other cars made their way, with difficulty, between the kings of the highway - the tramways - that were packed with fare dodgers. It was here that a small group of children, caught between the sea and the hills, were determined to amuse themselves... The telly? Never heard of it. Records? Le Tepaz record player was for adults. Ahura qué fin? Now what are they going to do? 'We'll go to the Collinettes of course!'