A Detour Worth Taking

Daily Miles: 29.85 | Total Miles: 13,779.27

I snoozed a few times but made it out of bed before 7 a.m. I could still feel the cold—blocked nose, a bit of a cough—but I think I slept better. Cold coffee, packing, checking the route one more time.

I decided to take a small detour to Saint-Tropez. It’s not a place I would normally go to, so I thought I might as well run there and have a little breakfast. Why not.

I started running after 8 a.m. The first mile felt heavy, my body still dealing with the cold. But once I found a rhythm, things eased. And just like that, I was moving along the coastline again—one of those moments where I simply feel grateful to be here, doing this.

There was quite a bit of traffic leaving Sainte-Maxime, and it made me think how long it has been since I’ve been stuck in a traffic jam. I’ve seen many on this journey—but never been part of one. That still feels like a quiet kind of freedom.

The run toward Saint-Tropez flowed well. I only stopped once when I saw a yacht sitting in a canal, wondering how it even got there—and how it would ever leave again.

By the time I reached Saint-Tropez, the sun was already strong, and I felt it. I tried to stay along the waterfront, taking in the atmosphere. Then, suddenly, the smell of freshly baked bread in the air—I had no chance. I stopped at a small open bakery on a corner and bought an almond twister, packed it into the buggy, and kept going.

Along the harbor, I passed rows of yachts, watching the quiet movement of a world that feels far away from mine. Johnny Depp strolled by, Prince Albert II of Monaco not far behind, and Elton John seemed to be enjoying the morning sun. At a nearby table, Bono and Beyoncé sat over coffee, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

I watched for a moment… and then smiled.

Well—maybe not. But it felt exactly like that kind of place.

And yes, I have to admit something. I treated myself to the most expensive coffee I’ve ever had—11 euros. Even coming from Switzerland, that felt… significant. But sitting there in the morning sun, watching the world go by, I thought: at least I won’t miss out on this experience. So yes—I did it.

After exploring a bit more, I left Saint-Tropez and continued west. It turned into one of those perfect running days. I was sweating, feeling strong again, enjoying every step. At some point, I found a bicycle path that took me all the way toward Le Lavandou—completely by coincidence. Sometimes, things just fall into place.

Spring is in full expression right now. Flowers everywhere, colors in every direction—trees, bushes, grass. And then the ocean, in all its shades of turquoise. It almost feels unreal at times, like something imagined rather than lived.

The last miles were partly on gravel, through tunnels for pedestrians and cyclists, with views that made me slow down just to take them in.

Along the way, I met three women—Delphine, Tatiana, and Audrey. Such a beautiful, energetic encounter. We shared a few moments, a few words, and a lot of positive energy. I left feeling lifted.

About four miles before my destination, I saw a bench I couldn’t resist. I stopped, sat down, and just looked. The sea, the light, the quiet. One of those moments where everything feels exactly right. Gratitude comes naturally there.

Arriving in Le Lavandou, I found a perfect place to stay. Nadesh gave me a room with a sea view. I had a simple dinner—chickpeas and couscous—and now I’m here, finishing this.

This journey… it really is something special.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea