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.
Working away here in rural Oz, always dreaming of turquoise and the sea. Now with Charles Trenet cruising along in the background. Nice post Heather. Really lovely. Thanks x
I am new to your blog and delighted by it! Your toast, "We don't need more than this" seems to have fit perfectly, and if only we could all live each moment filled with such gratitude – whether at the end of the world with those beautiful dogs or smack dab in the middle of it. Lovely all around!
Heather,
This is such a gorgeous spot. Your picnic looks perfect .. wine included! The dogs love the water don't they? My springers were out on the kayak yesterday with us and I'm not sure who was having the most fun 🙂 them or us?!! There is something about the ocean that really puts things in perspective.
Enjoy your week!
leslie
What a fab. place to be for a picnic. lovely pictures capturing the pleasure you certainly would have enjoyed with a picnic hamper full of all those tasty items. your dogs looked happy checking out the smells of the sea.
gorgeous!
ah yes.
a picnic at the end of the world.
we had a packet of crisps (chips) at the other "end of the world" as the irish called it before they emigrated to the USA – giants causeway – similar feeling – years ago.
brought it all back.
everything tastes better near the salty air of the Sea!
*wavingfromabove* (on a flight over america)
tgxx
How romantic – a beach all to yourselves? That is one of my dreams. It happens so rarely here and only on the coldest of winter days. And now, you have made me hungry too 🙂
What a fun time and shared with beautiful pictures. I love your picnic basket set. We need to find one like that. Have a great day.
Thank you for sharing this picnic. Absolument délicieux.
What a beautiful spot in the world. . .carefree and wonderful was your outing. Loved all the photos but your picnic menu and accompanying photos made my mouthwater and gave me an overpowering thirst for a glass of wine. . .and sadly it isn't anywhere near Happy Hour yet in this part of the world.
Oh, Heather! How absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful, sensuous life!
I love the image of you at the end. Is that Kipling or Ben? (Did I miss, and you said?)
Enjoy your sublime picnic!