The wind died down overnight and we awoke to sunny skies and it was warm enough to sit outside. We hadn't organised any bread for breakfast, so after showering, we drove into Bonifacio and found a car park up near the citadel and old town.
We walked into the old town, about 5 minutes away, and eventually found a cafe that was selling 'pain au chocolat' and went in for breakfast. The entrance was on a small street, but we walked back though the cafe to an enclosed balcony that had been constructed overlooking the sea below. When I say below, I mean directly below as the balcony was just hung on the outside wall of the cafe perched onto the top of the cliff. An interesting view and but not one for those of a nervous disposition!
Following this, Lynn when for a slow wander back to the car, whilst I went exploring the old town. It is a maze of small streets and minuscule squares with churches sprouting out of nowhere. I found very the impressive main gate, complete with drawbridge and massive doors and fortifications, the view from here down to the port is very impressive. From the there, I climbed up onto the ramparts which cost 2.50 Euros for even more amazing view. Near the top of the highest tower was an opening in wall which led down steep steps to the inside of the tower. Here had been arranged a number of diaramas describing the history of the town.
Back out in the sunshine, I followed the streets back out to the citadel which was occupied by the French Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment until they moved to Calvi in 1966. I found Lynn wandering along the road enjoying the view over the harbour. I continue on right out to the furthest point and looked down to the very narrow entrance to Bonifacio harbour and the lighthouse on the opposite headland.
We headed back in the car to the carpark down by the harbour and settled on a restaurant for lunch. We enjoyed Moules Frites and a small beer sitting in the sunshine by the port and all for 12 Euros each - not bad. We enjoyed watching the endless streams of coach trippers being led around by their guide. First onto a boat for a sightseeing tour of the cliffs and then herded off to get on the 'Noddy Train' to be delivered to the old town high about the harbour!
Back on the campsite, we sat around in the sunshine for a while, it was much more pleasant now that the wind had dropped.
Later in the afternoon, we got back in the car and headed up the coast to the Baie de Rondinara. This is a picture perfect shallow bay surrounded by sandy beaches. We settled down to sit on a blanket for an hour. There were quite a few people there, but it wasn't the least crowded but we imagine that in the season, it would be quite busy. The car-park normally charges for parking too.
When we returned to the campsite, we found that a huge motorhome had parked almost in front of our tent - we were most unimpressed. The vehicle wasn't on a marked pitch and certainly made us feel somewhat hemmed in.
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