End of our French Riviera Vacay

On the last day of our beach week, we visited one final hill town, Gassin, much to Maeve's chagrin. Girl was not feeling any more "exploring"! Both kids were really into the art gallery we popped into though. We powered through, hit up a final winery, spent the afternoon at the beach, and finished with some final rides at Azur Park.

Views out over our accommodation on the left and the local wineries

From Norway to St. Tropez, the little 2005 car that could! 

We went to the harborside boulangerie for our last breakfast after checkout. Then we drove to Sarah's place to wait out some Saturday traffic. 

Maeve made two new best friends!

Back on the road! We drove to just north of Lyon, stayed the night (back to airconditioning!) and then drove the final long day home. 

Plage de L'Escalet and Sainte-Maxime

We had a lazy morning after our late night at Azur Park and then drove to Plage de L'Escalet, a rocky cove beach. Jude tried his luck snorkeling (there were only schools of small fish). 

Maeve and I got our Yatzee on 

Then it was time to find some wine! There were many choices.

The first stop was at a collective of a number of area wines housed in a sleek, modern building. We downloaded Pokemon Go to my phone to keep the kids entertained. They were asking to go to more vineyards! Twist our arms. 

The second stop was to this roadside stand that gave tastings, Domaine la Rouillere. Super efficient! And delicious. We bought a reserve in a bottle that is like a work of art. The rose is long gone, but we will be keeping that bottle! 

The next stop, Chateau Barbeyrolles, was a lovely spot. Pete realized he had dropped his wallet in the parking lot of the previous stop, so he retrieved it while the kids found Pokemons. We were seated and served roses and reds, while the kids were given coloring supplies. 

Home for some swimming before driving to Saint Maxime to meet Sarah and crew for dinner. The town was having their night market, which we checked out long enough for Maeve to become upset that we wouldn't let her get braids put in her hair. 

Another pastel town

Dancing to the sound check for the evening's waterfront concert

A fun dinner together at Entrepotes 83. The kids were very civilized with their activities! 

Ramatuelle, Plage de Pampelonne, and Azur Park

Vacation bliss today. We'd passed lots of area vineyards and couldn't wait any longer to go taste rosé. We armed the kids with activities and hit up Châteaux Minuty in the morning. They were really civilized and we got emboldened to visit more wineries the following days. 

Tastings are free

Church on the estate

Then we continued on to the hill town of Ramatuelle. We stopped for lunch overlooking the hills and the sea. 

The kids were happy. I don't know what is going on with Maeve's expression!

Everyone was in a posing kind of mood as we explored this charming town! I didn't ask questions, I just snapped away!

Then we headed down the hill to the famed Plage de Pampelonne, home of the beach and nightclubs frequented by the rich and famous. The yachts at anchor were very impressive! We were envious of the one with the 4-story high slide into the water. While the fancy people were ferried back and forth from their yachts to the beach, we lounged around and took it all in. 

Yahtzee time

The great day was not yet done! We promised the kids a night at the amusement park, Azur Park. It didn't open until 7pm and the big kid rides didn't start until 7:30. It was a late night, but the kids were so happy. They got booklets with tickets to ride most rides once. They were given different booklets though based on age/size so we split up to take the kids around. 

I wanted to ride the Ferris wheel and went up with Jude just after the sunset. So pretty! 

 It was a really wonderful vacation day!