Martigues, 4 Fevrier 2007

The story was this: we’d slept in on Saturday, had a picnic, a few drinks, and played some soccer. The day was just too busy to do any traveling. So we decided to make time in our busy schedules on Sunday to see a bit of the area. We got the only bus leaving that hour to water sport central: Martigues. Lake on one side, Mediterranean on the other, the city is surrounded by enourmous oil refineries, an airport, and an overworked port. But you wouldn’t believe it when you’re there. The water looks clean, there are birds everywhere, and the old centre is still picturesque. It’s built on a canal, linked by blue bridges, where all the local fishing boats go to sleep.

While it’s nice even in winter, it’s a little bit empty. In summer, the place is packed and these great holiday houses are full.

Seachange option #3, then.