All right.So get ready, because today we are diving into Clonkdonville.
Yeah.It's, um, it looks straight out of like a travel magazine, you know, dramatic limestone cliffs, a hidden bay with like the most incredible turquoise water.
I've seen pictures.Yeah.It's beautiful.
It's basically paradise, but with a catch.
You can only get there by hiking or boat.
Ah, so that's what makes it special.Yeah.It's not your typical beach vacation.
Colombes d'en Vaux is all about the journey as much as the destination.
Exactly.And whether you're someone that's like dreaming of a future trip or just love exploring like hidden gems, or even if you just want to like soak in some virtual beauty, this deep dive is for you.
We've got some great sources to guide us.We have a YouTube video from some hikers who actually made the trek.And then we have an online article that ranks Colombes d'en Vaux as one of the best beaches in the South of France.
Having those firsthand accounts alongside a broader perspective, I think will really give us a well-rounded understanding.
For sure.For sure.OK, let's jump right in.
So our beach guide, Discover the Ultimate Beaches in the South of France, describes Calanque-d'en-Vaux as this breathtaking cove nestled within a national park.
Unspoiled natural beauty is the name of the game here.
And the fact that you have to hike to get there adds another layer to the experience, right?It's not just about lounging on the sand.It's about earning that incredible view.Yeah.You put in the work and you get rewarded.
Exactly.And speaking of the hike, let's turn to that YouTube video.Calanctonvo and its turquoise sea.
The hikers start their journey near the charming town of Kassi, which is known for its picturesque harbor.
So imagine starting your day with like a delicious croissant and a view of the boats bobbing in the water.
And then heading off on this adventure.
That set the scene beautifully, doesn't it?
From a charming coastal town to the rugged beauty of the Cologne.
Absolutely.And right from the start, the hikers give some great practical advice.
They emphasize starting early to beat the heat.
Which makes total sense, especially if you're tackling a challenging hike.It does.
And that's where preparation is key.I think, as we'll see, the terrain can be demanding.So having the right footwear supplies and mindset is crucial.
Totally.And they also recommend hiking poles.
Especially for those steep climbs and descents.
One hiker even said, I don't know what I would have done without my poles.They saved my knees on those rocky sections.
Like having an extra set of legs.Yeah.Providing stability and reducing strain, especially on uneven terrain.
And as they make their way along the trail, you can almost feel the anticipation building in the video.Like the scenery starts to change dramatically.
And at one point, one of the hikers says, it feels like we're in a completely different world.
There's something powerful about that shift in perspective, isn't there?Like leaving behind the familiar and entering a landscape that feels almost untouched.
I love that.And they even compare the landscape to Monterey, California, with its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline.
That's fascinating how different corners of the world can evoke such similar feelings of awe and wonder.
It's crazy.And then comes the moment they've been waiting for.
Their first glimpse of Calanque-Donvaux.
They describe those limestone cliffs plunging into the water and that incredible turquoise color.
One hiker even said, the water is so clear it's like swimming in an aquarium.
It's those details that really bring the experience to life, don't they?Yeah.You can practically feel the coolness of the water and see the sunlight reflecting off the surface, almost as if the journey itself heightens the senses, you know.Right.
Making those first impressions even more vivid.
That's such a good point.It's like you've earned the right to be amazed by that beauty because you've put in the effort to get there.
Exactly.And you can really sense that feeling of accomplishment in the hikers' voices.They've conquered the trail, and now they get to reap the rewards.
And those rewards are pretty spectacular.
They spend the next few hours swimming in that crystal clear water, relaxing under the shade of a tree, and they even witnessed some people cliff jumping.
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough for that.
Yeah, it speaks to the adventurous spirit that Calanque-D'en-Vaux seems to inspire, right?Yeah.It's a place where you can push your boundaries, whether that's tackling a challenging hike or taking a leap of faith from a rocky cliff.
I like that.You know, it's interesting because our beach guide, Discover the Ultimate Beaches in the South of France, actually highlights Calanque-D'en-Vaux as a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation.
It's like this perfect blend of exhilaration and tranquility.
That's what makes it so unique.Yeah.It caters to those who crave both the physical challenge and the serenity of nature.
It's like the best of both worlds, right?
You get the thrill of the hike and then you get to just chill, relax.
It's a perfect combination.
But before we get too lost in the beauty of Cologne-Donvaux, let's consider another perspective.
Our source, Top 10 Things to Do in Saint-Tropez 2024, reminds us that the south of France is also home to some seriously glamorous beaches.
Indeed.And Saint-Tropez, with its reputation for attracting the jet-set crowd, offers a stark contrast to the rugged charm of Colanc-D'en-Feu.
The video specifically mentions Pamplon Beach, which is basically the epitome of a trendy A-list celebrity hotspot.
They packed beach clubs, designer swimsuits as far as the eye can see, and maybe even a paparazzo or two lurking in the background.
It's fascinating to consider these two extremes, isn't it?
On one hand, you have the secluded, almost untouched beauty of Calanque d'Anvaux, and on the other, the vibrant see and be seen energy of Pompelon.
It's like choosing between two completely different vacations.
One focused on natural beauty and personal accomplishment, the other on luxury and social scene.
Both have their appeal, but they definitely attract different kinds of travelers.
And that's the beauty of the South of France.It truly offers something for everyone, from secluded coves to buzzing beach clubs.
So thinking about those contrasting experiences, what stands out to you from our exploration of Cologne-Denveau so far?
What resonates most with you?
For me, it's that connection between effort and reward that keeps coming to mind.
The idea that the challenges of the hike actually enhance the experience, making the beauty of Klong Dong Vo even more profound.
I love that it's like those breathtaking views taste even sweeter because you've worked up a sweat to get there.
You earned it.Yeah, exactly.
It's a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding experiences require a little bit of effort.
Absolutely.And that sense of accomplishment, coupled with the awe-inspiring nature of the surroundings, creates a memory that's sure to stay with you long after you've left the beach.
OK, let's loop back to our hikers for a moment.
They're still exploring and they have some great stories to share.Cool.They describe arriving at this incredibly peaceful cove called Port Penn early in the morning.It sounds absolutely magical, like a hidden paradise just waiting to be discovered.
There's a certain sense of wonder that comes with finding these secluded spots, isn't there?
Almost like you're stepping back in time to a place untouched by the modern world.
I can practically feel the stillness of the air and hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the rocks.And then they face the final challenge. the descent down a steep rocky section to finally reach Pellung Thon Vo.
Sounds a little bit treacherous.
I bet this is where their preparation really pays off.
Those hiking poles provide stability and their early start ensures they're not tackling this tricky section under the midday sun.
Right.They make it down safely.And then it's pure bliss swimming in that cool, clear water, relaxing under a tree and just soaking in the beauty of this hidden gem.
It's like all the effort of the hike just melts away.
It's that release, that feeling of letting go and simply being present in the moment that makes these kinds of experiences so valuable.
And after a few hours of pure enjoyment, they decide to head back up the trail, their stomachs rumbling for a well-deserved lunch.
I bet even a simple sandwich would taste incredible after a morning like that.
There's something about physical activity in nature that just makes everything taste better.Your senses are heightened and you're more attuned to the simple pleasures.
That's so true.Now, speaking of different tastes, I'm curious if you were standing at the trailhead ready to embark on this adventure, what would be going through your mind?
What aspects of the experience would excite you the most?
For me, it would be that sense of anticipation.
Knowing that with every step, I'm getting closer to this incredible natural wonder and that the journey itself will be just as rewarding as the destination.
That's so cool.Like, it makes me think about something that we were talking about a little bit earlier.You know, the contrast between Calanque d'Anvaux and a glamorous beach.
Yeah.Like, they both offer such incredible experiences, but in such different ways.
It really highlights how, like, diverse the idea of a perfect beach can be.
Right.For some people, it's all about luxury and like being seen.Yeah.But then for others, it's about connecting with nature, even if it requires a little more effort to get there.
And there's no right or wrong answer.No.It's all about what you're looking for.
But I have a feeling that like after diving into Colombo with us today, you might be leaning toward a little more adventure on your next beach trip.
Perhaps there's something undeniably appealing about a place that rewards you for your efforts.Right.You know, and it's not just about the physical challenge, but the mental shift as well.Totally.
Like leaving behind the everyday hustle and like immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature.
It's like hitting the reset button on your mind and body.And hey, maybe after a good hike and a refreshing dip in those turquoise waters.
You've worked up an appetite worthy of like a delicious meal in Cassis.
Remember those charming harborside restaurants we talked about?
Fresh seafood, a glass of local wine.
And just the satisfaction of a day well spent.
The perfect way to end the day.
The perfect way to complete the experience, you know?Bringing together physical exertion, natural beauty, and the simple pleasures of good food in a picturesque setting.
And with that image in mind, we're going to wrap up our deep dive into Colanc-Donvaux.
I know, me too. It was fun while it lasted.
Yeah, it was an adventure.
We hope you've enjoyed exploring this hidden gem with us.
Thanks for taking us along.
So next time you're planning a getaway, remember sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones less traveled.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep adventuring, and keep seeking out those experiences that make you feel truly alive.
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