Visit to a wine domain and Îles d'Or

The day was forecast to be windy and the forecast was correct. This area is subject to the Mistral, the wind that blows down the Rhone. It has a reputation for lasting for one day or three days. When we were looking for an area to buy a house in France, any area affected by the Mistral was ruled out, as was any in the path of the Tramontana, which blows across the coast near the Pyrenees but generally stops around Narbonne.
The first event of the day was a visit to a wine domaine which has diversified into fruit and vegetables in addition to the grapes. This area of France produces a large volume of excellent fruit and vegetables. The Domaine des Myrtles grows aubergines, tomatoes, lemons, kumquats, cucumbers, strawberries, amongst others in an enormous greenhouse.
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We had a tour of the greenhouse, the amazing machines that are used to gather and process grapes on an industrial scale, followed by a tasting. We were not impressed by the wine although the fruit and vegetable side of the business is obviously very popular and successful.
After lunch back at the holiday village, we set out for our trip to one of the Îles d'Or, Porquerolles. 
By now, the wind was getting worse and many people were becoming anxious about the crossing. We were reassured that the crossing only took 20 minutes and all went well.

The port was busy when we arrived.

The current town of Porquerolles was built about 1820 and the church, which was our first stop, was built in 1850.

The wind was something of an inconvenience, but it was sunny and we were able to climb up to the highest point which is the castle.
This house, on the way up, has banana trees growing outside

The island has had the usual selection of invaders, Greek, Romans etc. became a part of France in the 15th century. The castle, which is on the highest point has been rebuilt several times.
It wasn't a difficult climb, but the path was rough and one needed to be careful. 
Fort St Agathe, the current  building was built In the 16th century on the site of older castles. It is now a museum. 


There is also an 18th century windmill, Le Moulin de Bonheur. Apparently the windmill stayed in use for longer than most because no tax was not charged on flour milled on the Island.


A house on the outskirts of the town cover d with Bouganvillea.

Our guide pointed out the dying palm trees which have been attacked by an Argentinian moth.  They no longer produce leaves and need to be cut down.

After some delicious (and large!) ice creams, we rejoined our group for the trip home. This was rather more exciting than expected:  the boat was full and so we had to go up to the top deck. Fortunately, we managed to find a spot as far to the front as was possible; even then we were only just enclosed.
When the boar started off, all was well, but, as we gathered speed, we started to hit waves and were riding a roller coaster all the way back. Those outside and in the more exposed parts of the inside upper deck were drenched!
A wave hits the boat from the side

The roof of the upper deck, showing how far the waves came in

That was quite enough excitement for one day, so after dinner, we settled down in the bar for the Karaoki session with the choir providing the entertainment