Bandol in the heart of the Provence Alpes Côtes d'Azur (PACA) region, in the Var, between Provence and the Mediterranean.
At a real crossroads, Bandol is at the center of this admirable Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region with its Var department bathed almost all year round in the sun and magnificent light.
The Sainte-Baume massif is the Provençal massif north of Bandol whose particularity lies in its developed beech grove, preserved for centuries. There is in particular thecave of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine,a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. This cave called Sainte Baume gave its name to this superb massif.
Bandol is also close to Aix en Provence (1h00 drive), Aubagne close to the paths of Pagnol (30 minutes drive) and of course the Mediterranean with the creeks of Cassis (25 minutes drive),the islands of Bendor, the Tour Fondue, the grand Gaou, of course the island of Hyères (Porquerolles) and the island of Levant.
Bandol in the heart of the medieval villages of Provence:
In the heart of Provence in the triangle Aix en Provence - Marseille - Toulon, you will discover typical Provence with its rocky paths, scrubland, olive trees and vineyards.
The medieval hilltop village LeCastellet, a real charming village with its flowered arbors to cool off in the middle of summer, will welcome you at the top of its rocky peak. It will offer you a superb view of the Sainte Baume massif. Behind the ramparts, many shops will be waiting for you!
In a range of beautiful landscapes of vineyards and pine forests, history lovers will also enjoy visiting the village Le Beausset with its Romanesque chapel of the twelfth century and its 57 oratories.
In the heart of the Provence of Pagnol and Giono on the southern slope of the Sainte Baume massif, you will discover the traditional village of Signes. Signes has kept the beautiful vestiges of its past and in particular its church of the twelfth century, its clock tower and several historical houses. In Signes you will appreciate the many walks in the wild scenery that surrounds the village.
Still Bandol in the heart of medieval villages
The village ofEvenos is composed of 3 hamlets: Sainte Anne d'Evenos, the old Evenos and the hamlet of Broussan. The most typical is the old Evenos with the ruins of its medieval castle from where you can admire an exceptional viewpoint from La Ciotat to the islands of Hyères. You will also discover its winding streets that will satisfy lovers of old stones, walks in the middle of nature and the olfactory and gustatory pleasures that Provence offers. You can also see the famous climbing sites of Cimaï.
At the foot of the Sainte Baume massif, the small village of Riboux with its 30 or 40 inhabitants will take you to the highest heights of the Var, will delight hikers, nature lovers and heritage in search of tranquility and authenticity.
Facing Le Castellet, in this medieval village of La Cadière d'Azur,very close to the sea, you will discover its medieval streets and gates. La Cadière d'Azur will offer you a panoramic view of the countryside and the vineyards, this Provencal village is also the capital of the Bandol wine appellation that you can enjoy ... in moderation. For lovers of olive oil, soaps, specialties, you can stop at the mill of Saint Côme.
