A Day in Andernos-les-Bains: The Beginning of the Uncharted Route
Lush, green, vibrant, if I could paint those words on my iPad, I’d be describing Andernos-les-Bains. It’s like walking into a watercolour dreamscape, each lane more charming than the next. The quaint seaside town gives off a vibe that’s a mix of Kyoto’s serenity meets Dublin’s charm but with a distinct French flair.
My morning started with an impromptu yoga session by the jetty, inviting the day while being serenaded by the lapping of the wavelets. On the surface, it seemed like an ordinary beginning to an ordinary day, but, in truth, my adventurer spirit was yearning for the unexpected.
A Sudden Twist for the Mellows
As I was wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, the weather took a sudden turn—a rainstorm just appeared out of nowhere! But as a seasoned traveller, I had to turn this ‘trial’ into a fun adventure. The morning may have started with calm yoga, but the afternoon felt like it had sprinted straight into the stormy realm of an Icelandic saga.
Not one for being cooped up, I slung my durable DSLR over my shoulder, pulled on my raincoat and decided it was the perfect opportunity to capture the town’s mood under the rain showers.
Seeking Shelter at Manège Carrousel ” Chez Caramel”
One can never be too old for a carousel ride. Amid the pouring rain, I sought refuge at Manège Carrousel “Chez Caramel”. I’ll admit, the thought of riding on a drenched carousel was far from glamorous, but the childlike delight I found in it wasn’t something I’d anticipated.
The lights reflecting off the rain-soaked horses and the ecstatic whoops of children added an atmospheric charm, a kind I would normally associate with a pub in Ireland, not necessarily a rain-drenched carousel in the South of France. Want a piece of advice? Embrace the unexpected weather and let it take you to places (or experiences) you’d normally bypass!
A Taste of France at L’estacade
As I strolled back from Chez Caramel, the sky cleared, hinting at a palette of pastels painted by the setting sun. It was now time for a meal at L’estacade – a quaint little restaurant nestled on the waterfront.
After a hearty bowl of Bouillabaisse, enjoying the views of oyster boats returning to the harbour, I realised it’s not always bright sunshine that paves the way for the best experiences. When you travel, you learn to weather the unpredictable just like the changing tide.
Returning Home: The Better for Having Brave the Storm
Emerging from my day in Andernos-les-Bains, I had a new level of appreciation for the unexpected and how it can turn an ordinary day into an uniquely worthwhile adventure. Back in my Airbnb, I selected a new coffee mug for my growing collection – one featuring colourful boats bobbing in the harbour.
In a strange way, Andernos-les-Bains reminded me of myself—resilient yet complex, and charming in its uniqueness. It reminded me why I love these off-beat adventures– these shape my narratives and add strokes to my living canvas. After all, true storytelling demands a few surprise elements, doesn’t it?
Overall, this quaint French town, with its stormy weather and enchanting carrousel, turned out to be a chapter in my journey that was both an unexpected challenge, and an absolute pleasure.
As I pack my bags for my next destination, I can’t help but do so with a fond smile, having learned yet again, that our travel stories are often written not by the weathers we wish for, but the storms we brave.
And sometimes, the storms are what make the journey truly remarkable. Can’t wait to see where the gentle winds blow me next!