The last 10 years has seen a lot of development in this area, but we had bagged a pitch right on the front with the Med lapping at our feet, so wernt too concerned with the amount of traffic on the road on the way in.
It has to be said, our first day didn't go as happily as planned. I set out to erect camp, and Kerry headed off on foot with the boys to find a cashpoint and buy essential supplies. You know the kind of thing, dinghy, li-lo, umbrellas and assorted beach tat that only lasts until the first gust of wind.
Unfortunately we both underestimated our tasks massively. The heat in the afternoon here is over 30, and so putting up our awning and lugging heavy kit out of the van took its toll on me. A couple of hours work saw me off, especially doing it and trying not to burn. When I got finished, nearly passing out from the heat, I took a stroll the few paces needed to jump in the sea for a cooling dip which helped. It was then I realised Kerry and the lads had been a long time and started to fret.
You do hear horror stories of crime in this area in holiday season, but with no mobile phone to check, I was unsure what may have happened.
A huge sigh of relief was breathed when after an hour of scouring the beach for signs of them, they all trooped around the corner, laden down with afore-mentioned unnecessary tat. It turned out they had had to walk a good few miles in the heat to find a cash machine/shop and had then struggled to carry it back. Three hours they were gone.
Our day didn't get better. Having not long been in country the heat took its toll that first day. Setting up and keeping sand and dust free seemed impossible, it was a Friday and very noisy and busy on the beach until late and our illusion of a tranquil beach part of holiday seemed miles away. We were also worried about being robbed as so many people were about late at night and all our gear felt so very vulnerable. It was a somber couple of us who sat in the awning that night sipping warm wine and feeling a little deflated.
However it was only a short blip. The last couple of days has been a blast! Our pitch is on the front at the end next to a rocky pier which is great for fishing and we have spent hours trying to outwit the local tiddlers (count to date - 10 fish caught).
We're also right next to the jet ski centre and had a fantastic blast on a couple the other day All of us loved the experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting a buzz.
Yesterday we went to 'Aqualand' for the day which is jam packed with slides, pools and rides. The kids didn't stop all day and it was more than worth the entrance fee. So much better than wet and wild, cleaner, cheaper and sunnier.
We have also played and swam in the sea (almost every 10 mins to cool down) and had a drive around the bay, although not into Saint Tropez yet, that's tomorrow.
We have had some lovely food, local restaurants are good and supermarket reasonable for the area. Tonight we are going to visit the next door camp site for a meal and a few drinks. Now the wine is chilled the mood has got a lot better! Lol
We also plan a paragliding experience if we can get booked and maybe another day in another Aqualand later in the week. We're here til Friday and have so much to fit in.
And although the French in this part of the country at perhaps not as welcoming as in the north, they are certainly more aggressive on the roads and swarm around you on scooters and motorbikes like hornets, but we haven't seen any evidence of crime. Our beach tat has been safe so far.
We are embracing the culture. Remember, if you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you may as well stay at home.
Chris
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