A day at the seaside

Was what we planned. But somewhat of a cockup round Montpellier made it more like an afternoon. Anyway we left on time and found breakfast in a nice little town in the Camargue where bulls are the main crop. Arena in the middle of town next to the church, metal gates on the ends of streets for when they run the bulls, roundabouts featuring statues of men on horses rounding up bulls. Then we went wrong…missed a turning to Palavas and found ourselves being funnelled into the city! Nothing for it but to about face and take the motorway down to the Sète exit.

Once in Sète the true horror was revealed. Not only is it hot weather but also School half term and Wednesday market day The place was gridlocked. Streets closed off for markets, children, people, bikes, cars …aagh. I have never seen it so busy. Eventually we made it up to the relative calm of the Cimetière Marin and lighthouse where there are wonderful views. 

Then up to the top for the real panorama - once more full of people with huge numbers of children.

And off to the other side of the hill to look over the lagoon and long beach we have so often enjoyed - vines of  Picpoul de Pinet between the étang and the sea.

We moved on to Bouzigues - busy but not too bad and no one much at the Tabarka end where the latines are moored. Despite the fact Bouzigues has but one bar not even on the waterfront road we found fruit juices served in a clothes shop! very welcome they were too.

Finally to our hotel in Mèze where we seem to be the only guests! No staff here overnight so we must leave keys at the desk in the morning…we feel like raiding the other rooms for loo roll! But we have a big room with large balcony overlooking the town and it’s comfortable. 

A nice but quite expensive dinner by the harbour in a stylish restaurant with rather strange light effects.