While overseas recently I had the opportunity to hire a car for two days to explore the south of France.  By shear coincidence I was staying next to an outlet that had the Daimler Chrysler Smart Car. At first glance this small pug like vehicle looks more at home in a child’s toy set than anything a grownup would drive.

However it proved the ideal car for a busy city with limited parking, and  was a delight to drive on the open road.  I set off at 6am from the busy seaside of Cannes and headed down the coast to Saint Tropez.

The Car took a little getting used too as the steering was very direct and responsive on such a short wheel base.  This model had a sliding convertible roof which was a nice way for feel the sea air as I whizzed down the cote d’Azure   Cyclists were winding their way up the coast for their morning training.

There is a spectacular coast line between Cannes and Saint Tropez with some delightful little hamlets, fishing villages and spectacular houses along the way.  I stopped for a coffee and pastry in the seaside village of  San Raphael and watched the locals go about their Saturday morning business.

My thoughts drifted to my little car and how I could check the Smart car in as excess luggage for the flight home 🙂   A must for any local commuting and inner suburban exploring.Smart