While in the south of France on vacation last year we wanted to drive down to the coast and dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea. It was about a 2 hour drive from our campground. I put together this little map montage of our search for the sea. My first view was not the prettiest. We were on the road coming in to Port de Bouc. As we passed by graffiti laden industrial areas I finally caught a glimpse of the sea. I snapped a couple of photos from the car and then my brief glimpse was gone. The map shows the road is right next to the water, but does not show that the terrain does not lend to a view from the road. We did not want to drive a lot further to one of the main towns such as Marseille so we chose a lesser route. our first attempt to get close to the water was at Carry le Rouet. We followed some signs that seemed to indicate the road led to the shoreline. The photos in group two show the tiny narrow little road we followed and the end. The road did just end at a little parking area barely big enough to squeeze in and out of (we did not attempt that procedure). We parked further up the road and walked down, It was a charming scene, but did not seem like a place where tourist were welcome to wander. So we returned to our vehicle and proceeded to the next small town, Niolon (group #3). Again we had to park our vehicle and walk down the road to get to a viewpoint. It had a beautiful view and even a train, but it was not the easy access we hoped for. If you look closely in the photo where the man in the blue shirt is leaned over looking down at the train you would not realize that during that same time his wife's purse was being stolen from their vehicle which was parked close to ours. They were also from the Netherlands, but their day did not go so good. The thieves broke their car window to get her handbag. We felt very empathetic toward them since it meant they would have to deal with the reports and repairs. It also made me very glad that I had chosen to haul my handbag along in spite of the climb. After consoling the fellow Dutch tourists we continued our search for the sea. We finally came to a small very rocky beach at L'esperon (group#4). It was an interesting beach. I was finally able to dip my toes in the sea. In the small enlargement you might see a couple of rock crabs that were right next to me. My husband was brave enough to attempt a swim, but the rocks made wading out to deeper water somewhat dangerous. Rather than risking a twisted ankle we decided to continue seeking foot friendlier access. Finally we found the touristic sandy beach at Cap Couronne (group 5). It was not a long beach and there were quite a few other people there, but my hubby got his swim. I waited because by that time I needed a restroom, but the beach restrooms were locked and the restaurants claimed to have no key nor did they offer their own facilities. One man even told me to dig a hole in the sand!...nope not my style!!! So I waited and took some photos. My hubby had a nice swim, but not long. After that we left, found an available restroom and then returned to our wonderful campground. All said and done it was an interesting, exciting, eye-opening and fun day. I loved having that adventure with my best friend (husband). If we ever go again, however, I would do some research first to find a spot where I would feel welcome to wade and not be told to use the beach as a toilet. Now my long-winded description of the day is finally finished. If you made it to the end I hope you got a chuckle from it. Thanks for the look.