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.
I lived in Paris in 1983 while I was an exchange student at the Sorbonne. I didn't like paris much, but I did love the food. I found people treated me pretty badly because I was a foreigner and my French, while fluent, was tragically accented. I did find that France was quite pleasant outside of Paris.
Bliss! How wonderful to picnic alone like that. Such beautiful pictures, Heather. I especially love the first image. Endless beauty.
Clare x
It is the sad truth, ain't it? What I wouldn't give for some Americana right now…
And I am curious about where you lived in France…? I know that Paris was certainly not my cup of tea. I was one unhappy camper there.
Stay warm please.
You won't be disappointed, Nina. As wonderful as Paris is, it always disappoints me a bit that so many people don't see more of this gorgeous country. If you have any flexibility in your planning, I especially love Provence in May-June or September-October.
And what I wouldn't give to be able to take Ben and Kipling to Manistee!!!
It is supposed to snow today! When I lived in France I definitely did not appreciate it enough. It is funny how we always miss what we do not have.
A tailgate to celebrate spring! How inspiring. Our goldens always loved a romp on the sand and in the water of Lake Michigan. I can feel their wet fur full of sand now! We're planning a trip to France next year and definitely plan to visit Arles to see your beautiful part of the world.
Nina in Michigan
Thanks pretty girl. We are trying to decide if we are heading back your way or towards Uzes during the upcoming Easter Feria here…Will keep you posted…
xo,
H
It was a wonderful day, Mumbai. Anyone would be so happy under the circumstances!
Now I know that you love the sea and I do too. We are only about 40 minutes away to the closest beach that will accept the doggies. Beauduc is nearly an hour and a half with "la piste" but worth it–Peter Lindbergh has had many photo shoots here…
So beautifully put, Col. But it really did feel as restorative as a vacation–without the bustle of taking the plane!! 😉