Saint Martin Vesubie

Departure day, but a few loose ends to tie up before we go. So I headed off early, well OK, 9am, into Perne des Fountaine to get gas, go super market shopping, getting some money to pay for the gite, and other small chores. 2.5 hours later I arrived back, having done all those things, as well as visiting the market to buy roti chicken, and spuds cooked in chicken fat. Yes, yum! But bad!

Home finally, packed the car and at 11.30 we were off, destination Nice, to drop Mamou off at the airport. Virtually all the way on the AutoRoute at 130 kph, we made good time, arriving just after 2pm for the 250km. Toll cost, around 21 euro …

Dropped off after some kerfuffle with terminals and then we luckily found a park on the waterfront and wandered across the road to have a picnic on the Mediterranean! Yep, amazing. However, the kids were less enthused why not I’m not sure …

Anyway, lovely picnic on a somewhat stony beach, soaking in the Mediterranean sun. As to the water ... colder than expected. We didn’t swim.

Back in to the car around 4 and off to the mountains, we’d picked a town, Saint-Martin Vesubie, that appeared be the core of the Mercantour National Park and decided that was the place we were going. Only 59km amazingly, from sea level to 1100m and literally a town perched in the mountains. Amazing! Stopped at the tourist office for some camping and walking advice the down to the only campground open, Camping de Joseph. And what a beautiful spot. 30 euro per night for the site, 4 people and the car, including free showers, but no pool sadly for the kids.

We secures a great spot, looking across the valley. Had a lovely dinner of cheese, terrine, and baguette, and bed. First night in the tent.

Feels great. In a perfect campsite.