It takes courage to go for a picnic au bout du monde.
One has to be prepared…
…and willing to bump along mercilessly pot-holed unmarked dirt roads that have left previous adventurers stranded far from civilization…
Ready to pass mysterious ruins that have been backhanded by history…
…and continuing on, persevering even when your goal is still not in sight…
Until at last you have arrived at the (in)famous plage de Beauduc and have the entire beach to yourselves.
Beauduc, a secret passed on between fellow Provençaux. A wild place that is literally off the map…
We felt as though we had fallen into fortune’s sea on this first true day hinting happily of spring.
Out the puppers bounded, muzzles low sniffing, breaking into wide arcs of zoomies. Faster than faster for the sheer joy of it.
And yes, there was reward a plenty for the humans too.
Paté en croute, saucisson, cornichons, caperberries, tiny peppers stuffed with anchoiade, caviar de tomates and crunchy baguettes to spread it on, authentic German potato salad, Colummiers and Comté cheese. Not to mention a bit of wine.
Isn’t it amazing how much better everything tastes at the sea?
…the dogs had their fill of falling crumbs. Beach time is a generous time…
…and finally beyond time. At some point it had slowed to gentle disparition but no one had noticed.
We were too busy enjoying ourselves.
At the end of the afternoon I lead one last toast declaring, “We don’t need more than this.” The moment would not have been any finer if Champagne had replaced the Bandol or caviar the caviar de tomates. All we needed was to be right where we were, in fine calm company, sipping in the sun. At the end of the world we all were given another beginning, a pebble to put in our pocket as a souvenir of good times well won.
Thank you Heather for sharing this very beautiful place and day with us! It is allways lovely when life give us such wonderful memories to add to our " book of life" sounds like this outing gave you all and more than a vacation would for some…Colx
Wow Heather summer must be showing her face …. I've bee busy setting up new studio space so have missed your blogs! Looks awesome …. Do it again! Cheers!
p.s. my blog bio photo is taken on the beach of Saintes Marie des la mer.
Arles is my favourite place on earth, you are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful region so steeped in history. My husband came from Arles to Canada when he was a child but his family all still live in the area (his Grandfather used to own the Soleides (sp?) and travel agency in town). I have just found your blog and absolutey love your photos and stories…such a lovely day at the beach with your family.
Sharon
we***********@******ot.com
Stunning. Every word. Every image. I feel as though I went on this journey with the four of you – but very quietly, very discreetly.
Délicieux.
It looks sublime: filled with jealousy!
Goodness, you certainly know how to picnic in style! So glad to see you enjoying a beautiful day!
love love love to you and rémi and the dogs.
what a wonderful thing to do on a sunny day at the "end of the world".
the positve energy just *swoooshed* into my living room.
merci beaucoup!
and soooo good to SEE you, you beautiful lady!!
sending love from berlin* (snowy, i may add)
xxx j.
ps: and AGAIN you chose the perfect music to go with the post. love it* heavenly!
And, did you notice? Was it intentional? Your scarf contains the colors of the sand and the sky. Thanks for the feast — I'll have a bite of everything.
With gratitude from the land of snow and cabin fever 🙂
I can't even tell you how badly I need a place and a moment like this right now. Thanks for transporting me temporarily…