Cote d’Azur “camping”?

We rented what has to be the largest car in Europe…a minivan. What else would work for three kids, five bags and any goods we pick up along the way? The European road trip hath begun!

We passed the Gucci and Prada outlets on the way out of Italy. Alas…no time.

Onward to the beach. Our plan was to try something new in France and experience beach “camping” in a sort of modern mobile home resort. Apparently, these type of “camping” areas can be found all over France. It’s basically a modular home; a shell of a house — you need your own towels and sheets (or you can rent them). We found our little beach bungalow in a very popular resort called Prairie De La Mer, in the heart of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. The walk to the beach was 2 minutes. Awesome. Convenient, affordable and perfect for families.

Space was tight in the tiny bungalow, but it was maximized and well designed…three tiny bedrooms, a kitchen with a table for 6, bathroom and front porch with another table for 6 and two lounge chairs. Everything needed for 3 nights and two days…since we were planning to be at the beach from dawn ‘til dusk anyway.

It was actually perfect timing to be at this resort as the laundry mat and the market we’re 1-minute walk away from our bungalow. Even the resort mini market had the best, fresh baguette and croissants (plain/chocolate/almond/pain aux raisins) that we had eaten yet. So good! Every person leaving the store was holding a baguette in their hand. Even little kids were sent to fetch the days baguette.

We bought groceries at the market and did our own thing in our bungalow or on the beach for breakfast/lunch. Saved some euros. There were three decent restaurants, beachfront, at this place. Tried them all for dinner…one each night.

We seemed to inadvertently be following the European Football Championship around the continent. Germany was set to play France while we were at this resort. A huge watch party was set up just beyond the beach with a big screen. Of course, everyone was dressed in patriotic red/white/blue. Game on.

After dinner that evening, we headed back to our bungalow so we could quietly support Germany without getting looks. That didn’t go as planned. France wins. Darn! Celebratory fireworks could be heard in the distance. We ran to the beach just in time for the beautiful display over the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.