Medieval majesty & Mediterranean magnetism

Stop 7: Ramatuelle (Medieval municipality of creativity and charisma)

With the threat of rain still looming and cloudy grey skies, we set out for a day of random day tripping. On the almost 2 hour drive back to Cavalaire, we stopped in St. Tropez, for more yummy tarte tropezienne (naturally), and to search for a cute side shop with frilly, lacy and girly garments, that were admired from the visit before. We walked through the winding pedestrian paths with umbrellas held high, dodging rain puddles, and left with a much coveted summer dress and a large slab of tarte tropezienne.
 

As the rain slowed to a drizzle and the sun began to peak through the clouds, we drove up steep hills, to the medieval town of Ramatuelle. A small quaint town set apart from the rest of France, overlooking the rural countryside. From the terracotta roof tiles, small villages, farmland and forests decorated the land below. While at the centre square a live jazz band jived to the enjoyment of town folk and city escapees.   

We walked through the narrow twisting cobblestone streets and debated the joys of simple rural living to modern city excitement and convenience. A full functioning town with a creative flair and decorated whimsical scarecrows guarded most houses and shops, with beautiful plants, flowers and trees adorning window sills and edging out artistic landscapes.
 

To end our brief trip and transportation in time, we stopped for a late lunch in a tiny award winning restaurant, where we shared a table with two eccentric and friendly French gentlemen, enjoying the house speciality of stuffed tortellini with fresh bread, rounded out with light-hearted conversation. And as the clouds began to disperse and the drizzle subsided, we descended from the medieval hideaway and back to Cavalaire.

Stop 8: Cavalaire sur Mer (Small seaside village outlined in soft sandy beaches)

On our return journey to Cavalaire we drove along winding seascape and forest lined streets stopping to take a closer look at a traditional windmill and decided to explore the little town we had been calling home for the past week.

By this time the weather was still overcast and chilly, but the rain had subsided and the waterfront maintained its peaceful calm and tranquility. Cavalaire has the same charm as the larger seaside cities and villas such as Nice and Cannes, however, it is much more relaxed and subdued, preferring a shorter boardwalk still active with restaurants, shops and waterfront terraces, all surrounded by docks of boats and juts of rocky coastline. The sand is soft and rocks of all colours and shapes, gleaming with crystals and sparkles outline the beaches.

We spent a quiet evening collecting rocks and wandering around the beach and boardwalk, while fascinated by marine life and a fleet of encircling and diving baby birds. And so it was our final night in the South of France and our arms were full with natural artifacts as reminders of the magnificence of the Mediterranean.