beach

Tuesday 31st March 2026 – a bit of a lazy day just pottering and enjoying the sun in Le Lavandou….

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It was quite a windy night last night, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect this morning – I needn’t have worried, another sunshiny day and without the wind which had blown itself out, a lovely warm one too.

I took the plunge and swapped some of my winter wear for summer wear – not a complete commitment mind as it is only the end of March but hey we are on the Med!

We pottered down on the beach for a while and then set off in an easterly direction along the cycle path that runs along the back of the Aire over the top of Cap Negre and down into the little seaside community of Pramousquier for a wander and play on the beach there….

Thoughts of the day:

  • I have spent quite a while looking for possible places to stay, heading east towards and into Italy and it is not looking very good. The campsites (which are just opening) are all around 40 to 50 euros a night, which is way too much for me and the Aires de Camping Car Park which have held me in good stead throughout France do not appear to have a presence in northern Italy. So I’ve decided I’m just going to have to jump between the few coastal aires that are available and wing it for a while – time will tell.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 0
  • Miles walked – 4
  • Beaches – 1
  • O/N – £19.16

Monday 29th March 2026 – a beautiful day in Le Lavandou….

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We awoke to a beautiful day in paradise, a little windy but reasonably warm (I’ve shed a fleecy layer for the first time since we were in France last year!) and oh the joy of taking our morning walk along the sea front….

After a bit of a lazy morning we set out for a walk in the afternoon sun – spending a while playing on the far end of Plage de Cavaliere….

The beach was surprisingly quiet but all the beach bars seem to be getting ready to open up for the season on the 1st of April which would appear to be the starting point of the season here. We then took a walk westwards along the cycle path – through a rather extensive tunnel….

With brief glimpses along the way, out along this magnificent coastline….

Past the little Plage de Jean Blanc of which we only caught a brief glimpse of, from above, as there were a lot of steps down (and even more coming back up!) and a couple of rather unfriendly guard dogs just on the other side of the fence….

Our destination did not disappoint as we were rewarded with this little beauty Plage d’Aiguebelle….

A little play on here to recharge our batteries (as we really haven’t done much in the way of walking so far) before heading back to the van.

Thoughts of the day:

  • Even off season this area of France is considerably more expensive than I found things on the west coast last year and I am also a little concerned about the lack of and price (high) of potential park ups should we venture along the coast into Italy, as is the current plan. Need to think things through a bit.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 0
  • Miles walked – 6
  • Beaches – 3
  • O/N – £19.17

Sunday 29th March 2026 – a long drive south to the sparkling sands and seas of the Cote d’Azur….

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Another fine sunny day for us as we brace ourselves for what turns out to be a full day driving as we meander our way down through the French Alps, at one point the sat nav decided to take us off the motorways (which we had opted to use due to the fact that we have had quite a few long driving days and just wanted to make our lives a little easier) and head across country.

However 5 miles or so in down a windy country lane I pressed the reject button and turned round to head back to the motorway. I have no doubt the tolls for this journey will be pretty eye-watering but to be honest I think I speak for us both in saying we just want to get there.

And eventually at just after 5 we arrived on site and without further ado made our way straight to the beach (about 100m away) and then the long day became worth it…

With temperatures of the late teens set for the next few days, we are going to pause and just enjoy.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 204
  • Miles walked – 3
  • Beaches – 1 (yay)
  • O/N – £19.17
  • Food – £20.05

Sunday 15th March 2026 – from Middelkerke to Zeebrugge….

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A much nicer day for us today with pretty much brilliant sunshine all day long, still a harsh coastal wind blowing but we survived. A tour up the rest of the coast of Belgium is our plan for today, starting with a short drive, followed by a long walk along the beach from Strand Raversidje, along Strand Diksmuide almost as far as Plage d’Oostend….

Back into the van and a drive around Oostend, across the river to continue our walk along the picture perfect and wonderfully deserted Strand Turkeyen and Strand Bredene….

Another short drive to Strand Wenduine and Strand Harendijke….

And ending our day at Strand Zeebrugge…

An absolutely glorious stretch of fine, silky sand with plenty of firm wet sand to make walking a pleasure. We didn’t get right to the top of Belgium and missed a few of the more popular resorts, as being a fine Sunday afternoon, parking was a bit of a challenge, but we have to leave an excuse to return. From Zeebrugge we made our way back to Strand Westend park up as the location was perfect (for a final beach walk in the morning before we head inland for a while) and parking is free after 7pm.

Thoughts of the day:

  • It would appear that during the off-season much of the parking is free during the week. We also discovered that there is generally roadside free parking either side of the beach resorts, if you are happy to walk a bit.
  • Can we last the next couple of months without the sea as our constant companion?

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 45
  • Miles walked – 8.5
  • Beaches – 8
  • O/N – £1.50

Saturday 14th March 2026 – Belgium Day 1 – De Panne to Middelkerke….

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A cold wind blowing all the while, cloudy in the morning but a nice bit of sunshine for most of the afternoon as we explore part of Belgium’s small coastline. We travel a short distance along the coast to the far end of De Panne to capture the sculpture and beach of Strand Canadezenplien….

Before moving a little further east to Plage Sint Idesbald and Koksijde Beach….

At the far end of Strand Westende we found an amazing park up for the night right beside the beach (though we did shuffle down a bit forfeiting an amazing view for the shelter of the dunes)….

After a quick cup of tea we ventured out for a lovely walk along the beach, enjoying the sculptures on Strand Westende….

Before heading eastwards along Hondon Strand to Middelkerke and it’s rather impressive looking Casino at the far end….

A walkway around the Casino affording great views along the fine beach of Middelkerke and off into the distance Ostend…

After having our tea we popped out to catch the setting sun before calling it a day….

Thoughts of the day:

  • These sculptures, though random do make a great focal point along this otherwise featureless long stretch of sand – well done Belgium – though a little tag telling you about them wouldn’t go amiss!
  • Unlike France, so far most of the ample parking, though cheap, is paid, but that might be because we are hugging the coast.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 21
  • Miles walked – 8
  • Beaches – 6
  • Car parking – £2
  • O/N – £5