We are currently in a very plush camping ground, called Domaine les Peupliers, which is in the grounds of a 16th century manor house. We are north of Rennes, which is on the part of France that juts out into the Atlantic. We are also nearly level with Paris.
We woke to sunshine this morning, and forgot all about the rain and strong windy weather, of the past few days. Walter's cold, which he picked up in le Lavandou, suddenly began to improve. And the further north we travel, the weather becomes warmer and sunnier. Quite ridiculous really. Should be the other way around.
A pleasant travelling day, on quiet D roads, plus a free motorway between Nantes and Rennes. And no bumper to bumper trucks. We finished the day with a lovely dinner of steak and vegetables.
Back to Le Lavandou. Such a lovely week, spent with family and friends, who were renting a villa high up on the hill above Le Lavandou. It was Andreena's 60th birthday, which was the reason for the gathering.
Andreena and John had been visiting John's family in northern Greece (once part of Macedonia). They flew to Nice and hired a car to drive to the villa.
Lindsay, Trudy, Di and Mike (all from New Zealand) had been in Paris for a week, and travelled on the TGV to Marseille where they met up with Jenny ( a New Zealander, who works in London) who flew from London to Marseille. They also hired a car and drove to the villa.
So on the Saturday we met up at the villa, high above Le Lavendou for a week of birthday celebrations, plus lots of fun and plenty of laughter and talk. The wine also flowed very well. Unfortunately four people developed colds but they soldiered on.
Trudy has been writing a blog on Facebook, and her descriptions of life in the south of France were informative and filled with humour. As she tagged me on Facebook, I know that many people have read them. I guess my blog will provide a few more photos, plus a little more information.
The view from the villa.
Another view towards the side of the hill.
The villa, very spacious, with four bedrooms, and a large lounge/dining room, comfortably accommodated the seven people sleeping there plus us during the day. There was a good sized kitchen, where we took turns at preparing meals. All very imaginative and delicious.
The swimming pool and paved area.
We visited quite a few cafes and restaurants. Coffee at Le Centre, our favourite cafe.
A lounge area on the patio. Walter making the most of it, sitting in a comfortable chair in the filtered sunshine.
Andreena and Lindsay relaxing in the sun. The thick mattresses on the loungers made such a difference to comfort.
A few brave souls in the water. It was very cold.
A pleasant lunch at a restaurant in Le Lavandou.
Andreena's birthday. Trudy managed to get everyone out of bed to decorate the house before Andreena got up. There were balloons, and bunting, plus New Zealand flags and decorations. Then they made plenty of noise in order to wame Andreena up. It was all very exciting.
There was a special birthday breakfast of pancakes, strawberries and bananas plus champagne. Plus the opening of presents.
We went to Collobrieries for a birthday lunch, followed by a walk around the town.
The birthday girl posing in our favourite square.
Such a beautiful town and a perfect place to spend a birthday.
We wandered up and down many of the narrow streets.
Jenny cooked a special birthday meal for Andreena. The birthday candles were placed in the homemade apple crumble and ice cream.
The crew came to Camping Manjastre for coffee and a piece of Tarte Tropezienne, which is a sponge filled with creme patissiere. So delicious. As we only had two chairs we had to borrow some from the bar, and our guests had to bring their own cups.
A visit to Le Lavandou is not complete without a trip up to Bormes les Mimosa.
It was a very cold day, so we huddled together for a photograph.
Bormes les Mimosa is a beautiful hilltop village, and very touristy, but also very charming.
We followed a map and completed the tourist trail, so managed to find out some history about the village. Sadly it was too early for the brightly coloured bougainvillea flowers and perfumed jasmine. Both of these plants cascade down the walls in summer.
There were plenty of interesting old houses, courtyards and passageways to explore, plus numerous souvenir shops to tempt one into parting with some money.
Jenny and Lindsay, having a rest in one of the courtyards.
Another lunch. This time in a brasserie in Le Lavandou, which had a good view over the sea.
Di and Mike went exploring, and found an amazing network of steps and paths which led up to the top of the hill above the villa. There was a shrine there, which looked well kept and used often. There was also a public garden and fishpond, plus a boules area.
They were keen to show the rest of us. The view over the sea was spectacular. It was certainly well worth the climb up to the top.
Trudy, Jenny and Di stopped for a short while to have a discussion. There were many steps to walk up.
Our final lunch together, at a restaurant at St Clair, the beach next to Le Lavandou. A special 50th anniversary lunch for us. A perfect day, sunny, and a great view over the sparkling water.
We have now all left and gone our separate ways. Andreena and John flew to Paris for a couple of days before they flew back to Australia. Jenny flew back to work in London Lindsay, Trudy, Mike and Di met up with their tour guide in Nice, and are currently being driven around Italy before a cruise along the Dalmatian coast and around the Greek islands.
We, of course, are slowly towing our caravan back up through France.
It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but we all had a marvellous week together, and most importantly, Andreena celebrated her birthday, in a wonderful way.
Happy birthday, Andreena.
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