Took a few days off to go to Cavalaire sur Mer which is like a second home to me.
The place has changed a lot over the years and I guess I was there for the first time in the early 60’s. A lot of new constructions are visible in particular when looked at from the sea. However, unlike some places in Spain, no building exceeds 4 floors.
What has not changed, is the brilliant view from the apartment. I shall never tire of it and would go as far to say that I need to be there 2 or 3 times a year.
We had decided my brother and I to hire a boat for a day after what proved to be a wise recommendation we did this on the on the first full day. Indeed very strong winds and therefore a choppy sea were expected after that.
Day I
We go down to the port before 10am
and take possession of the beast after last minute recommendations from the owner to my brother who is the acting skipper on this occasion.
And we are off
Heading east first to round the Cap Lardier towards St Tropez before turning back and heading for the islands and in particular Port Cros for a lunchtime picnic and a swim for some.
On the way back from Port Cros island
We finished the day with the usual aperitifs at home and outside followed by dinner at „Les Rotisseurs de la Côte“ at the port. I feel like I should say: „as usual„
Day II
The plan was to go and fill up with one of my favorite rosé wine at the „Domaine de Croix Valmer“ which is located a few kilometres away and near the „Plage de Gigaro“.
In fact we headed afterwards to the afore mentioned beach a few hundred metres away for a relaxing drink by the sea.
Lunch was back home to make the most of the view. The colours of which change constantly depending on the time of day.
The bay of Cavalaire consists of a 5km beach stretch of fine sand. There are half a dozen private beaches with restaurants. It is clear that in the summer season it is fairly crowded everywhere. Nevertheless to digest lunch, we strolled along the whole beach and back.
For dinner, we went back the couple of kilometres to the „Plage du Débarquement“ in La Crois Valmer to the „Nautic“ restaurant. It bought back a lot of memories of when I was a teenager and the bar / disco across the road. What happened there will remain there.
Anyway, the choice of the restaurant was made by my old school friend Luc who now lives permanently in the area. I am glad we found each other again after all these years.
Day III
Wednesday is market day in Cavalaire. In the summer my advice is: Get there early
We have been looking for an olive pot to replace the one I broke back home. I was hoping to find something at the market but no luck. I know of a place not too far away and we head there. I did not find exactly what I was looking for but bought a couple of pots nevertheless.
After lunch back home, drive to St Tropez via the back roads to avoid the usual traffic. It did not help much once there as all car parks were full. There is only one thing to do, drive gently home via the old and typical villages of Ramatuelle, Gassin and such like.
Dinner was at my friend’s Luc place. From his patio area, he has a great view on the vineyard from the Domaine de La Croix as well as the sea and Cavalaire town in the distance. Anyway a good time was had by all, good food, good conversation, a few memories about old friends and places.
Back home
The journey home the next day took a little bit longer than expected due to the crowded roads. After-all we are a couple days away from the busiest weekend of the year on French roads. In addition to this, we got stuck in a traffic jam due to a fire which crossed the motorway helped by the strong wind. Watching the news the next day, it took 4 fire fighting planes one helicopter and 200 firemen to stop the fire.
Another relaxing mini break
I shall be back in the area in about 6 weeks
I do it my way 