Maia Flore’s marine poetry

“What’s the colour of summer?” No doubt here, everyone will answer “blue”. Le Lavandou’s 12 beaches take turns in offering a hypnotic vista, blurring the sky with the water. By nightfall, memories of the day fade into blue-tinged dreams.

The girl is red – and the island? It seems that is too. Pink granite and tawny-hued flowers welcome her as a friend. She even climbed the Pietra lighthouse twice. When it comes to her day of departure, it’s like saying goodbye to a sister.

It’s said that in these places, the loves of a life or a day are found without saying a word to anyone. The beach is beautiful when it’s shared. The long walk and its infinite straight line view seem to echo the words of one who has long stayed here. “We only like what we do not have entirely” (Marcel Proust).

On a trip, we’re temporarily leaving our homes to put ourselves in the path of the unexpected. For a few hours, a stilt fishery can become a hut and you can admire the landscape from above, getting a bird’s eye view.

You can also explore the coast from the water, on board a boat; with your feet on a paddle, there’s a whole new rhythm to life as you glide through the open air and the seaside landscape. Those who return – with smiles on their faces and a sense of inner peace – understand that to enjoy it to the full you have to change your perspectives.

On Palombaggia beach, some people sleep overnight on the beach in order not to miss the sunrise and its wonderful orange colours against the rocks. The ever-changing beauty has you wondering if you’re still dreaming. Further on, the lunar landscapes of Ospedale Lake keep visitors in this curious waking dream.

-“What is a bridge for?” -It’s said that, thanks to a bridge, everything is supported. -The Preconil Bridge can be seen from the sea, the beach, and even the city. Where should I stand to best admire it? -Well, it depends on your mood. From afar, the eye falls on it at random and can appreciate the great structure in its entirety. Up close, you can play hide-and-seek between the columns.”

Over here, we hear a lot about the beautiful Cap Canaille and its 363-metre altitude. At the bottom of the creek, surrounded by high rock facades, the artist likes to blur the slopes. Lying horizontally, she calls the sea to visit her on earth.

It’s 22:01: the sun has already gone down almost everywhere else in France, but here it’s still up. At France’s westernmost reaches, we savour a few more minutes of daylight. What are we going to do with it? Clinging to the city’s picturesque lighthouse, Maia Flore seems to be wondering “what’s west of the west?”

Here we come to understand how the ocean blends visually with the forest. The sails of little waterborne chariots whip in the wind, horses’ hooves thump on the ground. Trees filter the sunlight and the beach is resplendent with its rows of coloured huts; holidays here are painted with the colours of elegance!