Yes, I love life and in return, it keeps on getting better and better.
Unbelievably, I have only a few weeks left of my vanlife year with Peter Van (Sponsor: Elddis) and just as I think it’s OK, I’ve seen it all and it can’t get any better….it simply does.
I arrived at the Dune du Pilat (https://www.ladunedupilat.com/) around 9 in the evening, looking for a camping to pitch at, and my jaw literally dropped to the campervan floor when I caught first sight of the Great Dune.
This planet Earth is insanely beautiful, and I fall in love with it more each day. What an extraordinary natural freak-show, a sandy mountain, formed over time that keeps swallowing up the coastal habitat.
I found this areal view online, to give you an idea (I have no drone).
MY DAY AT THE DUNE DU PILAT
This site is incredible. The energy is wonderful. I spent an entire day here, 9 hours!
Entry is free but the parking isn’t. Fair enough. If you’re happy to walk a couple of extra minutes, by turning right at the roundabout as you arrive (instead of straight for the main entrance) you find a free parking lot, by the forest. I actually camped up here for 2 nights, surrounded by many other vanlifers and right next to wild trees and wild life. On the first night, a wild boar turned up to my van, and made the dog next door bark like mad. I didn’t see the boar, unfortunately, but I could hear them out there.
As you approach the most popular entry to climb up the Giant Dune, you find services and a few handy souvenir shops, bars and restaurant. From April to November, there is a temporary staircase to help you reach the top of the Dune. Otherwise have fun tackling the sand. I’ve seen a few people on all fours, too funny.
It’s a good, challenging climb but the reward is mind-blowing. Spoiler alert: From the top you will get a panoramic view of an extensive green forest to your left, and a stunning bay to your right.
This place has a magical energy. I walked along the top ridge then settled down for a while, relaxing and soaking it all up. I met other travellers and we helped each other take cool photos (like the feature imagine). Then I ran down the sandy hill to the beach, shouting “whoohoo” and laughing out loud. Yes, crazy.
I walked along the length of the shore to the other end, to get closer to the many colourful paragliding canopies dotting the skies and the sandy slopes. The ocean was so nice and cooling and as often happens, connecting with water helps me get lots of new ideas and insights.
Slowly, I made my way back to the North side and (on recommendation from a couple of dear friends) I climbed up a wooden staircase leading to the stunning La Co(o)rniche Hotel.
I LOVE LIFE
La Corniche is a luxury hotel with a great pool and bar with a view of the entire Dune bay. I treated myself to a light lunch and a couple of cold, light rose’. Blissful.
I’m often the only person sitting alone in these places and that gets noticed, and I don’t mind at all. I smile at everyone and share the happy vibes. I was feeling so good, in such a great place, at the best table and on the most comfortable settee, in the middle of the terrace.
A perfect environment for letting the mind go, get creative and jot down fun ideas. I tackled a lot of work, preparing to exhibit Gr8fool at a music festival in Italy just in a few weeks time. An amazing very lastminute opportunity with AMA Musical Festival.
Then a lovely art teacher from Bordeaux approached me and joined me at the table for a nice chat. She saw me smiling a lot and felt the need to tell me how beautiful, at peace and happy I looked. She was intrigued to know why. A goose-bumps moment.
I told her I am in love with life and a place like Dune du Pilat reminded me of how blessed I am to be on this planet and be able to experience it.
FINDING LOVE & FREEDOM
I climbed back up the mountain of sand to join many others, chilling as the sun prepared to set on the horizon. The vibes were so powerful and fun. The best part? Watching people run down the Dune with childlike love for life, joy and freedom. Many dogs too.
I did the same again when I left the site… I ran down the steep hill feeling in love, happy and FREE.
If this is the first time you hear of the Dune du Pilat, I bet you’ve just added it to your bucket list? Great!
And if you’re looking to fall back in love with life and reach more freedom, send me a message and let’s connect.
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Gr8foolly,
Francesca
