Friday 20th October 2017
A ride out on our bikes today didn’t take us far. Massane is located on the western side of Etang de Berre and our campsite was in a residential area with one main road.
We attempted a ride off the beaten track, in the vain hope of following the edge of the lake but it came to a dead end. Although we did pass a nice looking pizzeria, which we thought we might check out later.
We then headed off out of Massane towards the south, but soon realised that the uphill trek was only going to get tougher and there wasn’t much to see either.
Luckily the journey back was downhill most of the way, which meant a quick return to the campsite.
We decided to take the car and head out to check out one of the villages situated on the south coast, which we had passed on our train journey yesterday to Marseille.
Sausset-les-Pins is a pretty seaside resort along the Côte Bleue. Our descent into the village was through delightful pine forests and Sausset-les-Pins was much larger than our perspective on the train had led us to believe.
We parked up on Avenue du Général Leclerc opposite the main beach, Plage de la Corniche. It extends for over 600 meters and is mainly made up of gravel, with some sandbanks.
The promenade along the coastline was lovely and it was possible to walk in either direction for quite some time, taking in the delights of the sea and the warmth of the sun.
The port of Sausset was delightful; full of numerous sailing vessels, and edged with a range of cafés and bars. We wandered slowly around the water’s edge, passing the area where the fisherman sell their ‘catch of the day’ and headed around the other side of the port.
We arrived at the smaller pebbled Plage du Port. The tide was on the turn and the waves were crashing on the rocky shore. Delightful!
Back at the campsite, Ray decided to ride out to the pizzeria to see if it was open, despite the fact our campsite host Léo informing us that it had closed at the end of September.
Ray returned tout suite and confirmed it was open and appeared quite busy, so we got our skates on!
As we approached the restaurant, Le Macciana, the sound of music resonated all around and the place looked lively and inviting. Wood burners and outdoor heaters lit up the venue.
As we headed towards the entrance we suddenly had a thought. Perhaps Léo our host was correct; it was closed and this was a private function!
Oh well, we had got this far, what was the worst that could happen? A quiet walk back to the caravan and throw something together for supper!
We were greeted by the owner, who welcomed us and immediately proceeded to show us to a table for two and explained that tonight was a buffet €20 each. Job done!
The restaurant was very attractive and dining was on the outdoor terrace. It had an instant warm feeling.
I say warm for two reasons. One for the welcome and the setting but two, for the array of outdoor heaters strategically placed around the terrace!
Luckily for us, our host found us a table on the edge of the terrace. We left the locals to enjoy the warmth, as it was obvious that they were feeling the ‘cool’ evening air, more than we were!
The evening did not disappoint and we enjoyed the variety of local dishes, along with some delightful Provence Chardonnay and musical accompaniment by the owners son.
Our host was fantastic. He came to check on us throughout the evening and apologised for his lack of English!
We discovered that his son, who worked for BP, was married to an English girl and they lived in Walton on Thames! A place which he enjoyed visiting.
We left late in the evening, thanking our host and his family for a superb evening and delicious meal. We would definitely be back.
