A return to St Tropez after many months brought more than the sodden shoes and clothing that a sharp downpour - rain, yes, but also hailstones in sufficient quantity to form little heaps in corners of the beaches and side streets - made inevitable.
It was a pleasure to be there out of season, with people around but not in crowd-sized proportions. The storm was bad while it lasted, but it did not last long.
I drove straight along the peninsula road without hint of delay (though it was slower getting out again in the early evening). It was then a doddle to find a space, indeed a choice of spaces, much closer to the harbour in the sprawling port car park than is usually possible. I've known days in summer when it can take an hour to cover the last mile before the car park, and 15 minutes more to locate an unoccupied slot.
The scene along the waterfront was relaxed and uncluttered. Only a few artists were displaying their paintings and there was little sign of activity on the sumptuous berthed yachts - including two, side by side, named Don't Touch and Funky Town - to suggest imminent arrival by rich, possibly famous owners or charter passengers.
But Easter will bring many more people to the port, and they will be hoping for more settled weather.
And I'll stick closer to home, such as the lovely village of Bormes-les-Mimosas ...
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