Walking in the footsteps of Bridget Bardot
The wonderful beaches of the Pampelone area were where I spent most of my holidays growing up. My parents owned a villa within walking distance of the sea, and I can remember vividly the wonderful sights and smells of the south of France. Even now, the memories of care free holidays with friends and family come flooding back when I smell the sea, or French bread baking, or the bouquet of rose wine!
So it was, my mother and I decided to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the places that are so well known to us, from holidays and short trips to St Tropez and the Cote D’azur in general.
We flew with Easyjet to Nice, itself evoking memories of less easy journeys from the past. This time a much more relaxed and easy journey, thanks to a shining new terminal. As soon as the plane doors opened, I got the smell in my nose - warmth, suntan lotion and that unique “French” smell that is indescribable.
We hired a car and began the journey to Opio where we were to be based for our seven-night trip. I haven’t driven much in France, but the combination of sitting on the wrong side of the car and driving on the wrong side of the road seemed to agree with me, and apart from one tiny slipup, I didn’t go wrong once!
Our reminiscences began with a trip to St Tropez. We drove down the olive tree and mountain lined motorways I remembered from childhood, along the coastal road from St Maxime to St Tropez, and it was as if nothing had changed. The same restaurants, the same old buildings (still in need of repair) were all there to greet me. The town itself is a maze of old cobbled streets and alleyways. We spent a few hours revisiting the place we used to eat at, going in the shops, and remarking how many more tourists there were than last time.
Maybe I didn’t notice them as a child, or maybe there was a large cruise ship docked in the harbour, but the town was alive with people of all nationalities, all keen to experience the “real” St Tropez. Mum and I knew the back streets though, and despite the heat, and the noise, we found some lovely little places to relax and paddle in the crystal-clear water of St Tropez bay.
We then took the car and drove to La Reserve hotel. Situated about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from the town, it is a haven of quiet solitude. Featuring beautiful rooms, suites and villas, its perfect for a family holiday away from the crowds.
We also found time to visit Antibes and Juan les Pins. If you don’t have the time to travel as far west from Nice, these two towns are amazing. Great hotels, wonderful private and public beaches where you can spend hours seeing and being seen.
If you have never been to the south of France, take my advice and go! Experience les escargots, the moules frites and the carafe of rose over lunch, (followed by a doze) and remind yourself that it’s possible to find paradise that close to home. Bridget can’t have been wrong for all these years!