The Region
This spectacular villa is set in a secluded hilltop looking across beautiful Provencal countryside and vineyards towards the picturesque, coastal towns of Bandol, Sanary and Cassis. As your eyes sweep around and take in the achingly beautiful views, you follow the dramatic ridgelines of St Baume inland and see the historical fortified towns of Le castellet and La Cadiere D’Azur, their churches and battlements bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
La Cadiere-D’azur, 10 minutes’ drive from the villa, perches above the surrounding vineyards of Bandol. The juniper trees that surround the medieval village, cast their perfume into the air and lead you ever upwards through a series of winding narrow, cobbled streets to the village square where you can rest under the shady plane trees and watch the world stroll by in the typical French fashion – C’est la vie!
The vibrant harbour town of Bandol lies a mere 15 minutes’ drive away. The beautiful harbour with its dazzling array of boats and yachts and attractive promenade is surrounded by quaint restaurants and bars. The traditional centre of the village is the terrace of squares full of bustling cafes and typically Provencal, with hints of ‘Belle Epoque’ villas tucked away behind its shady plane trees.
Along the coast from Bandol – a beautiful walk by the way – lies the market town and fishing port of Sanary Sur Mer. Fresh fish is sold in the bustling market along with local specialities, fruits and vegetables, earning it the title of the most ‘beautiful weekend market in France’. It is impossible not to try some of the fantastic offerings on display!
The fortified feudal village of Le Castellet is 25 minutes inland from the villa and one of the Var region’s top attractions. An enjoyable afternoon can be spent walking around the lovingly restored squares, chatting to and watching the local craftsmen at work. Then a short 15 minutes along sweeping country roads brings you to a dramatic change of pace as the renowned Paul Ricard circuit comes into view – often heard long before it is seen! Now hosting the French F1 Grand Prix, it is a ‘must see’ for all race fans. To hear the engines race along the famous Mistral straight is worth the visit by itself.
For golf aficionados, one of the region’s most beautiful courses is only 10 minutes’ drive away at ‘Golf Dolce Fregat’ with breath taking views of the Mediterranean and the subtle scent of the lavender that the region is so famous for. Whether you take the 18 hole Fregate or the 9 hole Fregalon, you will be stunned by the fairways and greens.
If you are looking for spectacular drives or long rugged hikes, then we recommend the Route des Cretes from La Ciotat. The ‘Route’ passes the awesome spire of the Bec de l’Aigle and the deep blue inlets of the Calanques before twisting up and running along the dizzying falaises (cliff tops) with Mediterranean waves crashing some 400 m below then winding down into the tiny fishing port of Cassis. Favoured by the locals over the ‘touristy’ St Tropez you can meander through the tiny streets and simply relax outside one of the many cafes and bistros dotted around the harbour.