Friday June 9, Carro

Sunset tonight fro the van.

Tonight, we are in a Campervans Paradise, parked 20 metres from the Mediterranean and on the other side a fishing port, such a peaceful place. Thanks to Phil and Paul who recommended it, but more later.

Having decided to come to Carro which was about 4 hours’ drive we decided to get up and away early, set the alarm (grrr) and were on the road by 8am. But no chance of beating the traffic around St Tropez, cars were everywhere, bumper to bumper, presuming they were heading to work. The roads aren’t that wide and combined with so many motor scooters zipping in and out, it really wasn’t an easy drive for the kiwis. For about an hour the traffic was pretty heavy as we headed west towards Toulon before heading North.

Needed to get a few supplies and saw that there was a Leclerc store near the highway at Brignoles, hadn’t been to one of these previously but had seen them around. Not a good call on a Friday mid-morning, the carpark was chocker and we only just managed a space in one of the corners. The store was huge and crowded and turns out it is more like a Walmart store. Fought the crowds, got the things we wanted without wasting too much time and back out to the van. Made a coffee then set Jilly for Carro, not really looking forward to the drive as it was through quite a busy built up area, skirting around Aix and Marseille.

Some "drive by" shots.

Looks like another nucelar station.

But couldn’t have been more wrong, after this morning’s drive it was a breeze. Passed through some really nice wine growing areas overlooked by an impressive mountain range – The Saint Victoria Mountains according to the map. Then we were on double lane roads right through to just before Carro.

It was like a breath of fresh air arriving here after yesterday, such a small peaceful fishing village with this great Aire, €9 a night which includes all facilities. We have a great spot and although the sites are quite close, we can sit out the front with our table and chairs and overlook the water.

Had a wander into town this afternoon which has a boulangerie, a small corner store, and several restaurants. Several games of petanque were going on beside the harbour. Evidently there is a fish market every morning and an ordinary market on Saturdays so will be checking them out in the morning. Think we will probably kick back here for a few days and enjoy what some of our “neighbours” call one the best camping spots beside the ocean in France. Our German neighbours have been coming here for 18 years, they are very keen on windsurfing and evidently this is an excellent place, although today was very calm.

Spot Ruakiwi - 2nd from the right.

The harbour, with a game of petanque on the left.

Little blue boat.