Big trips with the family are a rare event these days. COVID-19, business commitments, daughters and sons-in law schedules, and grandchildren’s academic and athletic programs can totally mess up grand schemes and best of plans. In 2020, I saw a window of opportunity and immediately began planning a trip to Europe. It was only possible for our oldest daughter’s family schedule and she had to work online daily while on the trip. I found a fabulous rental with VRBO in Bandol. We added another villa in Antibes when the Isle of Guernsey and the UK closed down due to COVID. Join the Gentry & Decker clan in the beautiful city of Bandol on the Cote d’Azur.

The Decker family enjoying the pool. A private staircase led us to the beach as well.

Travel tip: Snagging a great rental on VRBO or AIRBNB takes a lot of advanced planning and a bit of luck. In these post COVID times people are traveling like maniacs! Top rentals are often booked very quickly. Be sure to check the cancellation and deposit refund policies as these vary by property. We found this large 3 story home in Bandol was surprisingly affordable compared to renting 3 nice rooms in an area hotel. I actually committed on this rental almost a year and half ago!

Travel tip: I selected Bandol and this particular beach after a search with en.plages.tv. The website reviews beaches throughout France.

Our friend Philippe arrived from Paris for a few days and we hosted a dinner for him.

We went into town for a petit-dejeuner. I’ve had this thing for chocolate croissants lately!

Bandol has a small daily market at Place de la Liberte but Tuesday is the day for the big weekly market on Quai Charles de Gaulle alongside the marina. It was jam packed but totally fun! Paxton was on the lookout for a shirt.

Believe it or not there was a merchant selling Hawaiian shirts, Paxton’s favorite!

The Bandol marina.

The cafe near the church at Place del la Liberte was packed. We didn’t hear any U.S. or British accents the whole trip,….but the French people were out in force and they adore the South of France! Marla and I usually travel to Europe early in September,…never July and August butschool schedules didn’t leave a choice. Parking is often a nightmare as there are so many tourists…from France!

Philippe treated our group at the Michelin starred restaurant, Les Oliveres at the Thalazur Hotel where he was staying. The setting was superb! I could almost write a book on all the fabulous restaurants with Philippe and his wife over the years!

If I could guess, Lisa just might be saying,…you are entitled to your thoughts,….but….you are totally full of ….! Just a guess of course!

A great evening at “Auberge Provencale“. Our earliest reservation was for 9:15! It is a popular spot!

While at the boucherie (butcher shop) and their adjoining traiteur (like a deli providing prepared foods) we loved watching the woman preparing zucchini flowers!

Years ago the Decker family hosted Baptiste Pelosi (in the center next to Lisa) for three weeks. Marla and I always loved him and we are even FB friends! When his family heard we would be in Bandol they drove all the way from Chamonix to visit us in Bandol. His family is wonderful and very interesting!

A time for reconnection and celebration!

Marla and The Boys reflect on the day.

I think we lost count of how many Aperol Spritz we all enjoyed!

The whole gang loved walking around the marina and especially this duo singing Beatles songs. The black “Low Profile” yacht by Sunseeker was pretty cool as well.

I enjoyed more fish on this trip than ever before! This was my grilled “Loup”, or sea bass.

Walking into Bandol town from our rental.

Paxton and I did a little exploring in town. Of course we had to have a gelato!

Our “Translate” apps are ok, but not perfect when deciphering French menus.

We LOVE our salads from fresh produce at the morning market. I have certain rituals while in France. First thing in the morning I seek out the best bread and croissants from a boulangere and a cafe au lait or a cappuccino or two. I try to sync with “the place” and soak in the vibe.

While in Paris our friend Jean-Francois gave us some bottles including this magnum from his family’s Champagne house, Andre Clouet. Obviously that didn’t last long! We will visit his sister Alex in California soon and she just launched her own Champagne brand sourced from the family vineyards.

A special moment with father and son.

Views of the beautiful bay of Renecros. Our rental is the three story building in the center of the lower image.

I saw this wonderful home while walking around the bay. The color of the glass door awning was fabulous!

Bandol was beyond our wildest dreams. We loved being together, connecting with old friends, and meeting new ones as well. I can feel this moment right now and am so grateful to experience it with those I love!

My whole being is filled with “joie de vivre.“ A final toast to Bandol. Next stop…Antibes.

Travel tip: When our UK trip was cancelled I needed an alternative. I found an amazing 13th century castle on a hill overlooking the Dordogne River. I was communicating my interest via messages to the owner and told her I would let her know in the morning. Well…it was quickly gobbled up before I could get it. The owner told me she had 11 requests that morning alone! It was $795 per night at the time and a fabulous price. It is now $1657 per night. We ended up going to Antibes. Here is the link for the castle: https://www.vrbo.com/1687880?noDates=true&unitId=2249341

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.