Island of Porquerolles

Sealion
Richard Martin
Tue 18 May 2010 18:20
We are back on the move, as the Mistral that has held us up in Toulon for days is finally blowing through. Having said that we enjoyed ourselves in Toulon and the sun has shone all the time and it is getting hotter by the day. Last night a beautiful Swan yacht (70ft) flying a Swedish flag, moored next to us. They had left Antibes in the morning bound for Mallorca but gave up after battling against 4/6 metre waves - so we probably made the right decision staying in port.
 
This morning we left early and although there was little wind, there was still a big swell left which impressed Alison no end. We had wanted to go to Hyeres but the marina said they were full - It is really amazing how many boats are going up and down the coast even though it is early in the season - there are so many bank holidays in May people are clearly having holidays & there are lots of regattas going on.
 
 Instead we went directly to the Island of Porquerolles off Hyeres. It is really lovely. (I wouldn't want to be here in the season, must be manic.)
 
There were a number of pretty bays/beaches we could have anchored off, but with the Mistral still around we went into the port, that has lots of space for visitors.
 
The Island is car free (other than a few service vehicles) and bicycles are the clear mode of transport (numerous rental shops) - So it was out with our bikes and off we went - big problem you need mountain bikes and our little fold-away bikes got some funny looks. Anyhow we enjoyed ourselves - the smell of pine, olive groves and some vineyards were all lovely. Well having done some of the island I think we will stay a second day and explore some more. 
 
Well it is cocktail hour as you can see in the last picture.

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