Gruissan

14.09.2013


We were attracted to Gruissan, a port right on the Med, because there's a huge poster of it hanging on the wall over the computer in our Villa and because it's where Lin and Jeff, the caretakers at Villa Mimarmel, moor their boat.

Although much larger, it did remind us of Sidney, on Vancouver Island.  There, boats from various corners of the Pacific stop for a visit to enjoy the great restaurants and appreciate the quiet and peaceful Canadian way of life.  Gruissan has gorgeous sailboats, motorboats and catamarans, all neatly lined up in slips on multiple quays.  The town itself welcomes these visitors and proudly shows off its heritage.



Enjoying the sunshine.



Karl, on a mission to photograph the town.

Husband and wife whiling away the afternoon with a couple of fishing rods.

Gruissan is considered one of the most beautiful circular villages of France.  This ancestral village of fishers and vintners has maintained its Mediterranean colours, narrow streets and traditional housing.



Tall masts and the smell of the sea.



Is there any doubting this is a Mediterranean view.

Gorgeous catamaran.



Well-equipped pleasure craft - and it's for sale!

 

 I enjoyed the sense of humour found on the mannequins at modern little clothes shops.

Boats coming and going, providing wonderful entertainment as we sat at one of the numerous cafés.

We even found you a rental if you wish to come and spend some time here!

Statue of Georges Brassens, a post-war French poet and song-writer.

 

Statues placed throughout the town which surprise us with their simplicity and sense of humour.  This casual statue of Georges Brassens awaits someone to provide him with a drink while he puffs on his pipe (which unfortunately has broken.)

Inside the church.

Only here would you find snail shells on sticks, "growing" in a flower garden.



One of the interesting streets with the "Barberousse Tower" in the background, as well as the church on the far left.

"Barberousse Tower" from opposite angle.

 

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Gruissan is also known for its salt marshes.  Not as large as the ones we visited in the Camargue, these are nevertheless quite impressive.

Saint Martin's Saltern

Salt production as a result of the interaction between sea and sky has created landscapes which transforms sea water into salt crystals - a real alchemy.

The salt from Saint Martin's saltern is the result of a "salt marsh" technique, which dates back to Antiquity.  During the summer at dawn, when the "Cers" wind blows, a fine layer of salt forms over the salt plains. This light salt is "la fleur de sel".  Gathered in a delicate fashion, this product is the perfect complement to any meal, giving it a subtle and savoury taste.
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Saint Martin's Saltern also produces both natural salt crystals and coarse salt. When infused with natural spices and aromas, this salt brings a new dimension to meals, or in its natural form can be used for other purposes.

 

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Driving back home, we came across this boat which is being refurbished.  Looks like they've been at it for a while and there may not be an end in sight.