Welcome to my blog where I share some thoughts and ideas on places I have visited in France -my original home- and Dorset -my new home and any other subject that comes to mind, if you’re interested. 

Since the reason I am Franglaise is because I married an Englishman, I thought I’d start with where we got married: Le Pradet. You’re unlikely to have heard of it except if you’ve been to Toulon or Hyeres in the Var. Even more so ‘Les Oursinières’, its beach front and harbour. It wouldn’t be the trendiest of resorts like St Tropez down the road but it’s got a small sandy beach on one side, rock pools on the middle, a pebble beach on the other and more rocks to dive from on either side. That’s not all though, a few bars and restaurants line the sea front and a small harbour is filled with fishing and pleasure boats. Ah, and the petanque corner of course, I almost forgot.  

It has changed a bit since I used to go there as a child thirty (I just typed twenty then calculated…) years ago. But not that much, that’s why I love it. Yes it gets crowded in August but unless you own a boat and find a ‘secluded’ cove or walk miles, where doesn’t? The harbour looks -thankfully- a bit more modern, the pebble beach is more easily accessible but the beaches are as sheltered as ever, the views over Toulon and the Mont Coudon are still wonderful. For a family holiday, it’s a good place to try. See you there this summer?

So where exactly is ‘Les Oursinieres’: France, Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur, Var, Le Pradet near Toulon.

Nearest airports: Hyeres/Toulon (20 minutes), Nice and Marseille (just over one hour).

Nearest train station: Toulon.