Off early to go and visit David and Annie (Wimble) in Port de Bouc just on the east of the Carmargue.  A nice drive through the famous Carmargue towns of La Grand Motte and Aigue-Mortes on the way to make lunch by 12.30.  Stopped for a coffee in the walled city of Aigue-Mortes which was stunning.  Then on to our hotel in Martigues.

​

It's a French thing to serve lunch precisely at lunchtime, 12.00-2.00.  No all afternoon opening here, no even for bars.  We meet Annie and David at Chez Lou in Port du Bouc and we settle in for lunch.  Started at 12.30, got up from the table nine hours later at 9.30 pm.  Apparently the no late opening rule did not apply at 'Chez Lou'.  Asked for a taxi back the 8k to the hotel.  "Taxi?  There are no taxis, none at all, ever!"  We found this everywhere, literally no taxi services to be had in small towns.  Seeing our obvious distress (and slight inability to stand up or talk) a very kind Mrs Lou decided to take pity on two wobbling tourists, friends of their locals 'Annie & David' and so she drove us home.  Very kind indeed.  Great afternoon was had by all.

​

Bit worse for wear the following day we set off for Italy via a lunch stop in Saint Tropez.  This is definitely the time of year to visit St Tropez, no traffic, easy parking, sit on the 'front line' at any restaurant you choose.  

​

Lovely spot of lunch and back onto the dream-like French motorways, big, wide, no traffic, sit at an easy 80 mph and just cruise the miles away.  Until we reached Italy..........

​

​