But I feel like it is precisely by being ourselves and being as open as possible about who we love and how we live, that we can bring about real change of attitudes in rural communities, not just in France but around the world. I suppose that’s just a common aspect of small-town life pretty much anywhere. And while I’ve never encounter hostility or aggression, it somehow goes without saying that being too obviously queer would not be a good idea here. I am unaccustomed to ‘being careful’ about showing affection or openly demonstrating my sexuality, nor do I want to become used to it. Living in a queer-friendly metropolis like London, it is easy to forget that most places are not as accepting, or as rich in LGBTQ culture. Having been an active member of London’s queer scene, I have to admit that I miss it, perhaps more than anything. Bordeaux is also the closest place we can find any kind of substantial traces of gay culture. I was even able to stock up on English language books at the enormous Libraire Mollat, one of the most spectacular bookstores I have ever visited. Only the other day, my boyfriend and I spent an incredible day exploring Bordeaux’s countess charming streets, with cafes and restaurants catering to every taste.
This only reaffirms my belief that being able to travel and discover new places, diverse cultures, and local communities, is one of life’s greatest gifts.Īs a city boy, it is also a comfort to know that the beautiful city of Bordeaux lies little over an hour’s drive from here, and therefore is easily accessible, should I feel the need for any of the urban comforts I left behind. This was already apparent during my bike trip last year, but since my move to Mimizan I have been showered with acts of kindness and generosity. Outside of seasonal work, and with limited employment options, it is this creative community spirit which can make all the difference.Ĭontrary to the well-worn stereotype, I have found the French to be incredibly friendly and welcoming, despite my linguistic limitations. What I found particularly heartwarming, is to witness how eager people are to encourage and support each other’s ventures.
Local markets and art fairs, which are organized a few time a week in town squares and market halls ensure that everyone gets a chance to showcase their work. Arts and crafts, photography, jewelry making, and artisanal food are only some of the activities which are thriving here. People work hard here, always finding new ways to utilize the region’s rich resources and natural beauty. With France’s unstable economy and especially the recent COVID-19 crisis, communities like Mimizan, which rely heavily on tourism and small businesses, have hown particular resolve and strength in overcoming adversity. In truth, this is a close-knit community, comprised of people who perhaps came here to work a season or two and stayed for many years, or colorful characters who came to the end of the road, fell in love with the ocean and decided to settle here, at least for a while. As is the case with many tourist destinations, the true spirit of the place lies buried deep underneath the façade. Walking along the empty streets in early October, it is hard to believe that just a few weeks earlier I struggled to push my way through the crowd of tourists which lined the town’s center.īut there is so much more to this beautiful coast than seasonal madness and surfing. Locals, as well as seasonal workers who flock here from all over France and beyond, work insanely long hours, often going weeks without a day off. Most retail venues, restaurants and bars rely on the summer months to provide them with the main chunk of their annual income. In fact it is ‘the season’ which dictates the pace of life here. Avid surfers come to this part of France all year around, however, there is no denying that outside of the summer season, the costal resorts are far less lively. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you are sure to have all your surfing needs met here, with countless surfing schools, cafes and restaurants catering especially to the wave-riding folks, and even a surf lodge offering affordable accommodation and friendly staff. Even this past summer, despite the travel restrictions and a considerably lesser number of foreign visitors, Mimizan managed to attract a vibrant and diverse crowd. It is the surfing culture that lends the place a cool, laid-back, somehow Southern Californianesque feel. Mimizan itself, as well as nearby resorts of Contis, Hossegor and Biscrraosse, attract surfing enthusiast from around the world. With a breathtaking coastline of sandy beaches, miles of pine forests, and enchanting lakes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is certainly a good place to be if you enjoy the outdoors. The part of Southwestern France which I now call home is a magical place.
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