Life`s a beach...

......and it`s been too damn long since I ran along one. Aberdovey; actually, in February, bright and calm, as the sun was coming up.

Now look at it. Easter Monday and it`s bucketing down; in spades, which isn`t great if you`re sitting at the seaside with misted up windows and a back seat full of fractious children.

But I still think...rain or shine, there`s something mesmeric about just gazing out to sea. It`s a great stress buster. But always best if the place isn`t too packed.

I once spent an entire, post A level fortnight with `the girls`on sunbeds in Magalluf, close enough to hear skin sizzling all around. Yep,we got golden tans, cheap cocktails and love letters from Lars, Henrik and Sven until September, or very, very late August at the least, but we could have been anywhere.And the beach was so packed with row upon row of slow roasting tourists that we couldn`t really see the sea anyway.

Give me a brisk winter walk along Harlech`s vast expanse of sand any day; rain or shine...or if it`s got to be abroad,steer clear of the Costas and try one of Normandy`s sassy, classy resorts....like Honfleur.

Or if you want a little taste of Trouville to whet your appetite; catch the delicious Rachel Khoo tonight (BBC2 8.30pm ;repeated on Saturday 11.30am on BBC1) with the latest edition of The Little Paris Kitchen--she takes a day trip there. Yes I`m a fan. Someone who loves Paris, food, and red lipstick..AND the seaside? A bientot x

(On Twitter? Me too: @janemcintyre12 and @normandycottage)