Sanary-sur-Mer to Ile des Embiez

11/10/2015

10.30 engines start
10.45 fenders in
11.00 fenders out
11.15 moored on the fuel quay on Ile des Embiez, before moving over to our spot
11.30 moored up with help from a neighbour.

Not our longest trip ;-) 

Ile des Embiez is an island bought and developed by Paul Ricard (1909 - 1997), the Marseillais entrepreneur who created the Ricard pastis, making it a nature reserve and 'responsible tourism' retreat and site of M Ricard's Oceanographic Institute and aquarium, where vehicles are strictly limited, with those working to maintain the island all electric, and dogs are allowed - on the lead.

J's choice - an electric Moke-a-like!

Men need more boot space from their vehicle, aparently!

Les Embiez was the second of Paul Ricard's two private islands, and although it is unclear when the installation took place, a comprehensive photographic eulogy of his life surrounds the port, and includes effusive praise from his employees and collaborators whom he engaged to develop the island in the most environmentally friendly way. Respect is due to this artist, industrialist, and environmental campaigner who showed how he valued those around him and our planet, behaving unlike any modern millionnaire we have met on the Cote d'Azur. 

"I never wanted to imitate anyone, I worked for the happiness of men and for quality of life"

Quay neighbours had disturbed this guy from his sleeping hole

A beautiful day, we hopped straight onto the petit train for an island tour, unfortunately without a camera, but Roxy was encouraged to join and we set off with a full complement of passengers.The train driver used to be a lumberjack & driver on another Ricard property, but his (French only) commentary and anecdotes were hilarious. 

With serious weather approaching it didn't take long to decide we'd huddle here on the island and explore all it had to offer - this time with a camera!