We started off the day a little frustrated trying to find the tourist information bureau to get a local map. It is impossible to navigate around these busy towns without a detailed map. After going in circles for a while, we found it, saw the sign that it had moved down the street and then went in a few more circles trying to find it again. I eventually went in and got a map and also inquired about the island we were trying to get to. They said I could buy tickets for the ferry right there and save a little, so I went to the counter to do that. The woman there said I could buy a package deal which included renting bicycles and save a little on that as well. So I did. (That was the really short version of the transaction. The real one took quite a long time and required that I translate our heights into meters...I did it on the fly and was only off a few inches.)
Then we were off to the ferry! It was actually somewhat cloudy when we left on the 20 minute ferry ride out to the Ile de Porquerolles - one of the 3 islands that are just off of the city of Hyeres.
One there we located the bike rental place, got a map and we were off down the dirt road to the beach - about 2.5 kilometers from the little village. By now, of course, the sun was out, no clouds in sight and it was getting pretty hot.This island has NO cars on it. It used to belong to a very rich industrialist but it was purchased by France in 1971 and turned into a preserve. It was lovely. The water was magnificent but we miscalculated and didn't bring any food or water with us to the beach. We only spent about an hour there, as I was dying of thirst. I did get in a great swim and Larry just enjoyed the shade and the absolutely perfect breeze.
We road our bikes back into town, bought some liquid! and then had a lovely lunch of pizza and diet coke. Who knew that the French could make such good pizza. While resting we studied the map to see where else we should ride to. The island is about 5 miles long and 2 miles wide and has very little in the way of development on it (as we had discovered). We asked the waitress if a particular beach was a nice beach and she sort of shrugged and said yes but them she came back and pointed out a spot that was "tres, tres beau". We took her suggestion and headed for it after eating and man-o-man was she right! We should have left her a really big tip. As we arived at the spot here is what we saw!
And....there were clearly people swimming down there!. Well, as I said above, I had missed my chance yesterday but I was determined not to miss it today. We had a lengthy discussion - Larry wasn't gung-ho for climbing down the rocks but I wasn't going to be dissuaded, so of course in the end he gave in and came with me.
Climbing down was quite difficult as it was very rocky and pebbly which made it a little slippery. We had to go very slowly. But it was so worth it. There were only about 8-10 people down there when we got there.
Below, bottom left picture is me, turning around to look at the camera. The water was fantastic - incredibly clear and nice and cool. We had the most magnificnet swim. There were a few fish in the water, but not a whole bunch (I had my swim goggles.)
Fortunately, the climb back up wasn't as hard as the one down. You could really use your hands to steady yourself on the way up so it went quickly and easily. Here's a picture of me working my way back up the cliff.
After some more riding around the island, ice cream and rest, we took the ferry back to the mainland, took a swim in the pool and are now resting before dinner.
Another wonderful day in the south of France. I don't know if I can keep this up for 8 1/2 weeks. We will be completely exhausted and overwhelmed by what we are seeing and doing. I'm thinking perhaps we will do a little R & R when we get to Nice. ... or maybe not. We shall see. :)
FABULOUS. Nice place to cool off.
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