BANDOL

This evening we should have been comfortably ensconced on a balcony in Bandol, enjoying the sunset over the Mediterranean and settling down nicely for a week of sunshine and la plage. Unfortunately like many others, we have had to cancel our trip, stay home and help keep everyone safe.

Bandol is a small seaside resort situated 50km from Marseille and 20km from Toulon. Some of its first ever tourists were writers Katherine Mansfield, Thomas Mann, DH Lawrence and Marcel Pagnol. Alongside these were actors Raimu (famous for playing César in Pagnol’s trilogie Marseillaise: ‘Marius’ ‘ Fanny’ and ‘César’ and the popular Marseille born Fernandel who was famous for not only being one of the biggest stars of French cinema, but was also a singer and director. In 1968 Charles de Gaulle declared that Fernandel was ‘the only French man more famous than me’ such was his popularity and appeal. After that came Brigitte Bardot and a whole host of literary figures, artists and stars of the silver screen.

Apéro, Beach, La Cagole

There are numerous fine sandy beaches in Bandol, a corniche path with stunning creeks and small natural coves with crystal clear waters. All perfect for a steady stroll after lunch, an early morning swim or a spot of snorkelling. Bandol wines are amongst some of the most popular of Provence and the rosés are widely thought of as some of the best in France. Of course, you can also purchase your fix of Savon de Marseille and a range of natural French soaps in the huge weekly market which takes place on Tuesdays along the Quai Charles de Gaulle. Or try Les Savonneries du soleil, a wonderfully pretty little shop selling soap, Eau de toilette and creams with sumptuous scents and natural ingredients.

In the evening, as the sun goes down, it's the perfect time to relax with an apéritif by the sea. Try the local la Cagole, brewed in Marseille or a Domaine de Terre Brune Rosé whilst the children paddle in the gentle waves, une glace à la fraise in hand, reluctant to surrender to the darkening skies and the close of another day.

Ma Provence, Terre et mer

oh là là……I’m filled with such a sense of longing for la belle Provence.....Perhaps next year we will be luckier and will stay in Bandol’s only 5 star hotel , the ‘Ile Rousse’ which overlooks the best beach of Bandol and has a deluxe spa? For now, we will have to content ourselves with a few episodes of ‘Dix pour cent’ on Netflix, some Camembert and a glass of wine.

Of course, having our collection of French artisan soaps also helps – I’m currently really enjoying ‘Marine’ with its light, invigorating Aqua based scent. I would highly recommend the Ma Provence ‘Terre et Mer’ collection which contains Romarin (Rosemary), Marine, Citron broyé (Crushed lemon) and A l’huile d’olive (Olive oil) – just in case you would also like your own slice of Provence chez vous.

A bientôt!