The warm weather has arrived and I decided to walk the scenic coastal pathway ‘Sentier du Littoral’ on the Cap d’Antibes.
Cap d’Antibes walk
The pathway is one of my favourite walks here on the French Riviera. It combines sea views with rocky outcrops, and views of stunning bays and prime real estate. Not to mention a good workout from the steps and terrain!
Cap d’Antibes walkway
You can read more reviews about the walkway here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187217-d3156526-Reviews-Le_Sentier_du_Littoral_Cap_d_Antibes-Antibes_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence.html
On my most recent walk, I noticed the annual arrival of the purple jellyfish in large numbers bobbing in and out of the many bays. There were swarms of 500 jellyfish in some areas.
Each summer, these purple jellyfish ‘Pelagia Noctiluca’ arrive and inflict painful stings from their trailing tentacles on beachgoers, professional divers and boaties. Many Riviera beaches have jellyfish nets, but if the jellyfish get through they are then trapped.
Pelagia Noctiluca, the purple jellyfish on the Côte d’Azur
Here are my tips if you are swimming at the beaches on the French Riviera:
- The Oceanographic Observatory of Villefranche-sur-Mer researches and maps jellyfish locations on the French Riviera. It takes less than 2 minutes to check if there have been any recent jellyfish sightings. On the map in the link, choose your region from the drop-box (e.g. Cannes). Red areas are high-risk. http://meduse.acri.fr/carte/carte.php
- If you are stung, do not rinse the sting with fresh water or alcohol. Use seawater. Find medical assistance as soon as you can, and at main beaches look for ‘secours’ personnel who can treat your sting.
Stay safe in the water!
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