I love the photo challenges … getting lost in memories …
The travel theme this week at Ailsa’s Where’s My Backpack is beaches and she has some enticing shots on her page. There was no question in my mind as to which beach I was going to invite you. Our favourite, bar none: Plage de La Gravette in … need I say … Antibes, France.
Even on a crowded day in August like this, it was a treat to be there, floating in the Mediterranean. Those boats in the background are privately owned by one person. One very wealthy person. Seriously.
We liked laying claim to our little patch of beach and staking our umbrella.
It’s not lined with swaying palm trees. There aren’t endless miles of golden sands. In fact, although sand has been brought in to cover the pebble shore, as soon as you get to the water the flat rocks (galets) begin again which prevent any sort of graceful entrance or exit – at least on my part.
We kept meaning to buy beach shoes but never got around to it so I simply stumbled in and out each time.
The sand beaches begin immediately on the west side of Antibes and continue through Juan Les Pins and Cannes and all along the coast into the Var region … I still have to look up why that is …
This beach ‘restaurant’ is not exactly a gourmand’s delight … never mind, the baguette sandwiches are delicieux.
This little gem is tucked into an incredibly picturesque protected cove overlooked by the 500-year-old castle that houses the Picasso Museum and the remains of the original centuries-old ramparts. The atmosphere is fantastique. Only a ten-minute walk from where we were living, it was a siren call to us on the sultry summer days …
Oo-la-laaaa …
Where is your favourite beach? Do you like to swim or simply find a cool spot and soak in the atmosphere? Sunscreen and umbrellas are part of the drill these days but a day at the beach is still one of my favourite summer pastimes … especially when it’s in the south of France.
Oh, wouldn’t that be nice!!!!
A day on the beach! My favorite too. This place looks divine!
I like looking at images of beaches like these that you posted (wow, private yachts!), but I avoid them because I’m too body conscious. I’m pasty white. Three years ago, Milton and I were invited to spend a weekend with a couple in the Hamptons. We had a nice time, but neither of us had a bathing suit, so we wore shorts and stuck out like the city slickers that we are. Plus he was the only person of color. Then, when we were walking with our friend near the surf, Milton somehow fell in.
Here in landlocked Budapest, the “beaches” are on the Danube. It’s a quirky ambiance…but nobody swims, of course!
Ah … Danube so blue, so blue, so blue … sorry, I just had to sing for a moment. Fortunately you couldn’t hear me. I’ve biked along the Danube and loved the vibe of the villages we visited. Where is the closest “real beach” for you to visit from Budapest by car?
Hahaha. The closest real beach is probably at Lake Balaton, which is about 2 hours drive away. Honestly, I’m more of a mountain person, so I don’t miss the beach that much. 🙂
Picture postcard perfect.
I loved reading about your beach days, Patricia. And looking at the beautiful and sunny photos. Beach for me is reading, watching and dreaming.
Thanks, Marion! I agree with you about reading, watching and dreaming at a beach and it’s nice when the water is warm enough for a dip in between. Where is your favourite beach?
Great shots! As being in the more northern part of France – I am envious of the beaches!
It’s a different vibe, isn’t it? Those northern beaches have a beauty all their own. I would love to do a photo book of beaches all over the world … I’ll have to be satisfied with one that someone else has already done.
Beaches are awesome, no matter whether all rock or the most pristine sand. I love them all.
Pensacola Beach – the world’s whitest beaches – where the sand looks like snow. Beautiful. But my backyard pool is my favorite. Just step outside, choice of shade or sun, my computer on the table and Kindle in hand – with an ice cold margarita served up at the Tiki Hut. Paradise!
Your backyard does sound tempting! I’ve never been to Pensacola Beach … we keep intending to drive there one winter but haven’t made it yet.
Lovely, just lovely! I bet the water is much warmer there than we have here in SoCal. I can almost hear the horns from those privately owned ships and the cry of seagulls above the din of children laughing. Ah, I wish I were there in France right now!
You would love it, Tameri! Those beautiful CA beaches of yours are fabulous for long walks though … can’t do that here.
Someone commented recently on my sun-tan. I replied, “That’s not suntan, that’s rust!” Jealous!
Get thee to a beach, Niamh!
I love beaches and since I grew up on the coast of California, I had geographical claustrophobia when I lived inland in Oregon for two years. I also lived in Santa Barbara for 8 years and it’s one of my favorite beach places to visit. Now I live on the man-made island of Alameda, across the bay from San Francisco. I can’t imagine living away from the water.
Patti
You have definitely had some wonderful beach experiences, Patricia. I can understand why you suffered from “geographical claustrophobia” (great term!).
I’ll take Carmel-By-The-Sea, California any day or night of the week. It’s not the water I’m after but the endless stretch of uninterrupted space for walking and thinking.
Carmel is a fine choice, Sheri. As you say, perfect for walking and thinking.
Very nice. What is that statue of?
I’m glad you asked!It’s such an intriguing sculpture. Here’s a blog post I wrote about La Grande Nomade.
http://patriciasands.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/la-grande-nomade/
Lovely pictures as always, Patricia. As for my favorite beach…it’s funny. I’m surrounded by beautiful beaches, living in Florida. The beaches in the Philippines were gorgeous, too, though I remember them with a child’s memory. I’ve also adored the beaches in Nassau…but I don’t believe I have a favorite beach. I’m more a swimming pool girl. I think what I enjoy most about beaches are the spectacular settings for sunsets that beaches afford. 😉
Love the beach! Such great pics here! Growing up on Long Island we were surrounded by beaches and summers were spent on them. Swimming, fishing, boating.
Also, seeing the cruise ships in that one pic makes me want to go on a cruise again! Love it.
Wonderful beach. I love beaches in Pattaya, Thailand. I did not know that there are so beautiful beaches in France!