PARADISE: View from the Russell's 16th floor apartment at Casa de Sole. Photo Tyler Russell.

“It’s so expensive. The French people are rude. It’s a dirty place.  There’s nothing to do there,” they all cried.

However, the vacation was paid for and we were determined to enjoy it.  All we wanted was somewhere in the sun with a nice beach and no stress.  Our travel broker, Martina Muggeridge suggested a self-catered apartment at Casa del Sole, which suited the needs of our entire family.  There we could throw together an economical meal and its location between the two main beaches gave our adolescent sons the freedom to wander independently.

While the lobby of Casa del Sole lacked the marble opulence of five star resorts, our spacious apartment was perfect.  Perched on the 16th floor, from the balcony we watched kite surfers and wind surfers putting on a spectacular show at Anse Vata beach.  Beautiful blue seas and tiny white sand isles beckoned in the distance.

Travelling with a hungry family we reduced our food expenses by packing breakfast cereals, snacks and the all-important coffee. It was worthwhile checking Internet blogs, which recommended taking detergent for the dishwasher and washing machine.  All a bit boring and practical but if it meant no one was stressing too much over shopping bills, I was happy to toss these in the suitcase.  We also took beach towels, snorkels, facemasks and flippers to save the francs.

The morning market, beside the marina at Port Moselle was a good local shopping experience and tested my C pass in School Certificate French.  With glazed expressions we wandered, recognising broccoli and apples from New Zealand, which were immediately disregarded because we wanted local produce.  The butchery, fishmonger and bakery products were definitely the most intriguing, especially as I love trying new and different foods.

However, plans to continue exploring the town centre during the heat of the day deterred me from buying perishables.  The guys were happy purchasing baguettes and were in the swing of French cuisine, for a mere NZ$2.60 per bread stick.

With some helpful advice from the information centre in the city centre square, Place des Cocotiers, we located a supermarket. The deli bar was exceptionally tempting loaded with salads, hot dishes, salamis and some of the best ham I have ever had the pleasure to scoff.  Brilliant bargains were also to be had for scrumptious French cheeses and of course, wine.  Feeding the family was organised and it was time relax.

Watch this space next week for our excursion to Phare Amedee.