Monday, 8 February 2016

08/02/2015 I have been blogging for 5 years today! A visit to Biscarrose and surrounding area last year

Five years of blogging today! It's hard to believe!  I would like to thank all my followers over the years for their interest and so many kind comments; especially those of you who have become personal friends. Some of whom I have already met and others who I am hoping to meet. There are plans already made for one big meeting this year, but that is for future posts.
This blog is about a trip we did last year and which I have not yet posted here. South-west of the Charente department where we live, Biscarrosse is a commune in the Landes department, about an hour south-west of the main city of Bordeaux. It is 10 km (6.2 mi) inland from the seaside resort of Biscarrosse-Plage on the Atlantic coast.  We arrived towards the end of June, hoping to avoid most of the crowds of holidaymakers, who were just starting to arrive for the July/August peak French holiday season.  After a week's stay, we made our escape without a moment to lose, as by the time we  left, camper vans were bumper to bumper everywhere and there wasn't a parking spot to be had!




There are two large fresh water lakes close to Biscarrosse, which you can see on the map above, and many kilometres of cycle tracks.  Just to the north is the tidal Bay of Arcachon, where zillions of oysters and mussels are farmed.



On the balcony of our hotel next to one of the lakes.

The sparrows were so tame at the hotel that they would land on your hand to take crumbs!

Kite surfing at the Biscarrosse Plage (beach).


Dune de Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe, at about 300 feet high and a very popular tourist attraction. It is located between Arcachon Bay and Biscarosse.



The view from the dune top. It's quite a climb, but there are a few steps set on the sand on its land-facing side for those less energetic souls!




Eglise Saint-Martin in Biscarrosse.

Black winged stilt.
A visit to the Teich bird sanctuary is a must if you like bird watching.

Young white storks in an area of pine woods, reed beds, meadows, saltmarsh and water, hosting a great number of bird species.

Our favourite oyster restaurant....

So delicious.

This well-stocked boulangerie was perfect for getting ingredients for picnic lunches.

and the best beach we could find, which was nice and quiet, just as we like it.

Having a picnic under the trees at the back of the beach.

Stopping off at Biscarosse-Plage for an ice cream on the way back to the hotel.




Also see my daily diary HERE

and My Life Before Charente (updated 08 February 2015) 

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

53 comments:

  1. Hilary Melton-Butcher8 February 2016 at 12:25

    Hi Diane - congratulations on 5 years of blogging - amazing how time flies ... and it's been such a blessing meeting new friends, see other parts of the world, learning new cultures etc.

    I went through this part of the world when I was 15 - and have never forgotten that holiday many 'centuries' ago!! Your oysters look so so good - not quite lunch here ... guess another coffee instead! Picturesque photos ... I didn't know about the dune - but the pine and sand areas ... wonderful to have a picnic, and to sit on your beach with its grasses - all good.

    Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 16:50

      Thanks Hilary, sounds like it is time you visited again. The dune is interesting but hard work to climb. It was also extremely hot the day we were there! We just loved that beach, we did not have to walk far and we had the place to ourselves. It amazed us how everyone mostly just picked one spot and sat on top of each other! Have a good week Diane

      Delete
  2. Ola8 February 2016 at 13:36

    Congratulations on the blogging aniversary!
    beatiful pictures, as always, and I love the place for picnic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 17:14

      Thanks Ola, picnicking under the trees was a lovely cool spot after the heat of the beach. Have a good day Diane

      Delete
  3. Kerry8 February 2016 at 15:43

    Happy 5th Birthday Diane. We drove through Biscarrosse on our way back from Biarritz but didn't have time to stop. Your photo of the dune is much better than ours. You had a gorgeous sunny day, it just poured when we were there. A trip for another time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 17:16

      Thanks Kerry. The day we were on the dune was extremely hot and the sand was burning hot! One extreme to the other. Rather too hot though than too wet!! Hope you are both well Diane xx

      Delete
  4. Vera8 February 2016 at 19:13

    Happy blogging birthday, and hope you carry on for lots more years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 21:28

      Thanks Vera, I hope so as well. Hope the wrists are improving, Diane

      Delete
  5. Rosaria Williams8 February 2016 at 19:27

    Five years is a long time! Congratulations, and thanks for taking us along on your beautiful forays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 21:31

      Thanks Rosaria and I do enjoy taking people along for a virtual trip. Take care and enjoy the week Diane

      Delete
  6. Béatrice EnCharentes8 February 2016 at 20:37

    Happy Blogging Anniversary !
    My aunt and uncle came to visit last week on their way back from Biscarosse !!
    My uncle climbed la Dune du Pilat but the wind was strong, lifting plenty of sand in his face. Take care, amitiés. Béatrice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane8 February 2016 at 21:35

      Thanks so much for commenting. The dune in the wind must have been horrible. Hearing the stories of the Dune in adverse weather conditions I am glad when we climbed it it was just too hot! Bonne semaine. Diane

      Delete
  7. Phil in the Kitchen9 February 2016 at 00:47

    Congratulations on the first five years.
    Lovely pics that remind me of visiting the Landes. Very happy times. Although, you'll not be surprised to hear that when I think of the Landes I tend to remember vast number of trees rather than the coast.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:26

      Phil thanks for the comment, I would also remember trees in preference to the coast, I do not like swimming in the sea and lazing on the beach only happens if I have a h=good book to read. Keep well Diane

      Delete
  8. the fly in the web9 February 2016 at 01:40

    We must have started blogging about the same time - doesn't time fly!
    Lovely photographs as always...quite takes me back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:28

      Ha ha you must have a 'good' collection of French memories. Yes the time does fly. So many people I used to follow though seem to have fallen by the wayside. Glad you are not one of them. Keep well, both of you, Diane

      Delete
  9. Unknown9 February 2016 at 03:16

    Keeping up a blog for 5 years is no mean feat. Congratulations. I see that the sand dunes at have been planted to prevent erosion but it is still a beautiful beach area. The only photo I didn't admire so much was the plate of oysters! We are amidst planning our own relocation to the Charente so I view your photos with a keen eye. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:31

      The sand dune is not planted, it is pure sand. The beach that we picked, because it was quiet, had a bit of scrub growing on it which probably put others off. We both love oysters and appreciate our weekly market :-) Hope your relocation goes well Diane

      Delete
  10. Kitchen Stories9 February 2016 at 06:17

    Happy blogging birthday Diane!

    Keep blogging!
    Z.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:35

      Thanks so much comment appreciated. I have just tried to comment on your post and am unable to do so because I am not on Google+. I tried it and had problems so returned to normal. Love your Orange wine. Diane

      Delete
  11. PerthDailyPhoto9 February 2016 at 08:43

    Congrats on the five years of fabulous posts Diane, a trip to Biscarossi the perfect way to celebrate the occasion. A picnic under tall trees is quite an experience, the karri trees down south create a similar feel.
    P.s. you couldn't be more correct about the public conveniences in Europe, I must admit I was really disappointed.. But the architecture made up for it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:36

      I have to agree about the architecture, it is amazing, Thanks for the kind comment. Hope you are well Diane

      Delete
  12. A Bit of the Blarney9 February 2016 at 15:26

    Congratulations on your 5-year anniversary! Wishing you a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:37

      Thanks Cathy, hope you also have a good day. Diane

      Delete
  13. Noushka9 February 2016 at 17:13

    Hello Diane,
    That must have been a lovely trip, this is the sort of place I love since one can see so many shore birds!
    Not the same kind of weather today!!!
    Warm hugs, keep both well and enjoy your evening

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:38

      You are so right, not the same kind of weather today,it is horrible! The bird life there is fantastic. Big hugs Diane

      Delete
  14. Anne in Oxfordshire9 February 2016 at 18:20

    First of all this is a fabulous post..I understand about getting out whilst you can. Thanks for sharing. And secondly WOW ..huge congratulations on your blogiversary. . You do so well. Take care love Anne xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane9 February 2016 at 21:40

      Thanks so much Anne, Strange that I have only been blogging for 5 years and yet I feel like I have known you as a friend for many years! Hope all is well, take care Diane xox

      Delete
  15. Gaelyn9 February 2016 at 23:01

    Congrats on 5 years! It's been delightful getting to know you. This was an interesting trip for all the contrasts of modern looking beach with old buildings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 February 2016 at 14:04

      Thanks Gaelyn, the time has just flown and getting to know you has been one of the greatest pleasures. So looking forward to June :-) Take care Diane

      Delete
  16. Nadji10 February 2016 at 00:17

    5 ans : bravo pour un blog toujours passionnant entre découvertes géographiques et découvertes de la nature. J'aime beaucoup.
    A bientôt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 February 2016 at 14:11

      Merci beaucoup Nadji pour le commentaire. Il est très apprécié. Bonne journée. Diane

      Delete
  17. Marjie10 February 2016 at 00:50

    Palm trees and pines in the same region always amaze me! Looks like a wonderful beach region at the perfect time: not too many people, but plenty of sunshine and space. In 5 years you've shown us many beautiful sights; I'm looking forward to the next 5 years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 February 2016 at 14:07

      They both seem to be very happy growing in this area! We were lucky, perfect weather and we just missed the holiday makers. I hope I can keep it up for another 5 years! Take care Marjie and keep well Diane

      Delete
  18. Jean10 February 2016 at 07:56

    Happy blog anniversary, Diane!
    Your blog is always a joy to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 February 2016 at 14:08

      Thanks Jean, always enjoy following yours as well. Take care Diane

      Delete
  19. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen10 February 2016 at 14:54

    Congratulations on your five years of blogging. That's quite an accomplishment and one to be proud of. It takes a lot of devotion to blog and you bring so much to blogging. I am glad to see a map of your area of France. It's not one I am very familiar with having spent our time in Provence. The beaches are lovely and just like I like them, not too many people.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you and Nigel. I love that picture of you on the R with the wine glass. Very classy.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 February 2016 at 17:39

      Thanks so much Sam for the very kind words. I have to admit to this blog slowing down but the daily blog has been taking over quite a lot. Not sure How much I can keep going daily but....
      That map is a bit below us not that long a drive. Yes quiet beaches are a blessing.
      Happy Valentine's day to you as well. That photo was taken in August 72nd birthday!!!!
      Keep well Diane

      Delete
  20. diane b12 February 2016 at 07:48

    That looks s great place for a holiday when it is off season from all the other holiday makers. Nothing beats the French bakeries. At least the population hasn't scared away the bird life. Great Photos as usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane12 February 2016 at 16:59

      Yes off season is good Diane and the bird park is fantastic, so many different birds to what we see here. Think the bird park is much quieter, the beaches are just packed and the number of camper vans arriving when we left was mind boggling! Thanks t'other Diane

      Delete
  21. Karen (Back Road Journal)12 February 2016 at 16:25

    How wonderful to have been blogging for five years, I always enjoy your posts and look forward to many more. It sounds like the timing of your stay was perfect…I hate when an area is so crowded that you can't enjoy yourself. I googled Dune de Pilat and it is quite interesting how it keeps getting bigger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane12 February 2016 at 17:01

      It is strange how much blogging is part of life these days, and yet I was always busy before. I do less sewing and painting now and often wonder if I should return to the other things in life for a bit! The Dune is interesting I agree. Take care and thanks for the comment D1ane

      Delete
  22. Joyful16 February 2016 at 22:47

    Happy blogging anniversary Diane! I think I've been reading you for much of that time though it seems you don't post quite as much. The same is true of me as I have started back to doing other things though I still enjoy blogging. I really love the area you've featured in this post. The photos are gorgeous and it looks like there is something that would appeal to everyone. I do think I would run away when the crowds descended too, lol. Have a wonderful rest of your week. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane17 February 2016 at 11:47

      Thanks Joyful, I agree this blog is not as busy as it was, but as I have 2 other blogs I think it is understandable. Especially as the daily diary is just that - daily. We hate crowds and generally stay well away from the main holiday season. Keep well Diane

      Delete
  23. Richard Pegler16 February 2016 at 23:29

    Congratulations on five years of blogging!

    Thank you, Diane for bringing back some happy memories. In July, 2003 I took a group of 38 people to this area, visiting Cap Ferret, Arcachon, Sabres, St Emilion, Saintes, Royan, Soulac, Pointe de Grave, etc. We had a fabulous time with great food and drink! Your wonderful images remind me of this visit.

    I hope that all is well with you - - - Richard

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane17 February 2016 at 11:49

      Thanks Richard and yes all is well here. Fed up with all the rain but..... So glad to have brought back good memories for you, food and drink usually goes down well in France. Hope you are both well and have a good week Diane

      Delete
  24. magda17 February 2016 at 20:18

    Αγαπητή μου φίλη Diane
    Χρόνια πολλά, στο υπέροχο blog σου! Να είστε υγιείς και να μας χαρίζετε πολλά ταξίδια!
    Ενθουσιάστηκα με τις υπέροχες φωτογραφίες σου!
    Αγαπώ πολύ τα στρείδια και τα μύδια.
    Εύχομαι να έρθετε και στην Ελλάδα.
    Πολλά φιλιά

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 March 2016 at 19:02

      Thanks Magda we also love mussels and oysters and these were very special :-) Thank for your comment and good wishes Diane

      Delete
  25. Caramella8 March 2016 at 12:18

    What a gorgeous place! I'd like to visit (especially for those oysters!! :))) Happy Birthday to our blog! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 March 2016 at 19:00

      Thanks Caramella, those were the best oysters ever :-)) Thanks for your visit. Diane

      Delete
  26. LindyLouMac9 March 2016 at 16:29

    Where did those years go Diane? I cannot believe that it is nearly three years since I was widowed!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane10 March 2016 at 19:00

      It seems impossible it was that long ago. Thanks for the comment, take care Diane

      Delete
  27. Gunn22 April 2016 at 10:27

    GREAT images. The beach images are just SUPERB!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to visit and pass a comment. Every comment is appreciated and I try to reply to each and every one. All comments are verification free but will come to me for approval first :-)) No Anonymous Users!

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)