Polyphème

The name of the rusty wreck at the harbour mouth. It wastowed to that point from Toulon and acts as both breakwater and mooring post. It now remains a relic - the "wreck to end all wrecks...". It has been announced that a real harbour mole will shortly be built.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

EVENING QUIET

All unnecessary noise has to be avoided between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Don't sing the national anthem at sundwn or "knees Up Mother Brown" after midnight.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

NAUTAMINE DRAMAMINE

A medicament which prevents your stomach rolling while on the waves. Helps would-be voyagers to avoid "feeding the fishes"

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

MASS

Mass is celebrated in the little church of "Christ Roi" every Tuesday. This church is situated above the village aquare. Pater Moulin who comes from the mainland regularly celebrate the mass sometimes complains about the heavy soutane but demands that the faithful wear more then a "minimum" when visitng the church.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

MIDDAY SIESTA

The siesta is on a par with evening rest and polite naturits avoid unannounced visits between 1 and 4 pm.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

MINIMUM

A piece of cloth the size of a man's hand which is inevitable in all the village streets, at the market place, at the harbour, when shopping, and in the post office. In order to keep the "Slip Minimum" dry it is better take it off when on the beach. It is a curiosity but is obligatory. It should be kept "at the ready" when on the "Corniche de Soleil" and on the way to the Grottoes. It need not be worn but can be best kept in your beach bag. The shops on the island sell the "minimum" in alla variations for males and females, young and old.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

MISTRAL

A strong, dry wind from the north west (usually under a cloudless sky). It can blow for three, six or nine days and makes people slightly excitable. The local people have it that men beat their wives when Mistral blows...

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

LAURENT COLOMBERO

A transport operator who carries tourists and all their belongings from the harbour to every desired adress. When his taxi, loaded to the brim,  wobbles shalily along the island path, it would make a normal British constable rub his eyes and pinch himself to see if he were awake - the gendarme on the isle of Levant jumps on the bonnet and has a free ride.

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

LOULOU LE CORSAIRE

Ludwig, the pirate. Son of a traditionnal island fisher-family called Pegliasco. In this time, the father used to ferry tourists tothe island. The son owns large boats which ply under the flag of his "Companie Les Iles d'Or"

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

CACTUSES

Always be found in places one you never suspect. The fruit of these "barabrian figs" (as they are called in France) is eaten by those in the know with reverence. Don't forget your rubber gloves when taking off the skin, though !

Ile du Levant in the nude n°111 Special Edition Sun & Health (Holidays) Limited 1967

Cactus et Port Cros - une photo de Jean Miaille