On the A50 autoroute to Marseille, I am filled with mixed anticipation. I have been told that France’s third largest city is hostile and unwelcoming with a high crime rate and undesirables. But for me, Marseille has echoes of Mireille Matthieu’s songs, Marcel Pagnol’s trilogy Marius, Fanny, César, the old charm of  the Vieux Port, [...]

After leaving St-Tropez, we bid the cote d’azur au revoir and head towards Provence.  We continue along the N98 passing by the Massif des Maures which is made up mainly of crystalline schists. This is the oldest geological area in Provence but not as spectacular as the Esterel Massif we passed on the way to [...]