Worrying that I was fast becoming a “computer” slouch potato, I invested the princely sum of 10 Euros in a rather cute pedometer yesterday. As Nigel’s tatty old BMW needed a “contrôle technique” (compulsory test for roadworthiness and similar to the UK’s MOT) this morning, I took the opportunity to try out my new gadget by walking part of the way home with Freddy while it counted my steps.

I keep forgetting how fortunate we are to live in Chateauneuf-de-Grasse and how quite open country it is too. I also forget that it’s not really flat around here and that wonderful views are paid for by walking up steep hills and getting (and looking) out of puff. Naturally, I have found a way round this and stop to admire a leaf, a fence post, even my shoelace when the going gets tough. Passers-by naturally assume that I’m contemplating nature and their beautiful French countryside, greet me with a pleasant “Bonjour!” and continue on their way . . . sadly, out of breath, I can only manage a lop-sided smile.

By the time we arrived home I’d walked 8,256 steps (6kms). Such dizzying results started me thinking: how many steps is the Promenade des Anglais in Nice? La Croisette in Cannes or to climb up Eze? What if I walked from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer – how many steps would that be? While all these questions buzzed through my head I found it no use suggesting these fabulous walkies to Freddy; he was already sound asleep in his favourite armchair.