| COASTAL VAROIS: Bandol and surrounds |
| Bandol and surrounds |
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COASTAL VAROIS: Bandol and surrounds - The Bandol's creeks
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COASTAL VAROIS: Bandol and surrounds - The port in Sanary sur mer
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| Bandol and the area around is both a seaside resort and a marina. |
 COASTAL VAROIS: Bandol and surrounds - Le castellet
LE CASTELLET, an enchanting feudal village standing aloof on the summit of an |
inland cape. Raimu knew exactly where to come when he directed his cult film "La femme du boulanger" (The Baker’s Wife). One enters Castellet through two fortified gates followed by an exhausting, but rewarding, walk up and down the small sloping streets and squares bordered by ancient, tastefully restored houses, artisans and art galleries. There is a breathtaking view from the esplanade of the chateau which sweeps from the Saint-Baume Mountains to the vineyards at the foot of the village.
LA CADIERE D'AZUR
Facing Castellet and perched like a bird on the edge of a cliff is another feudal village. It also offers a spectacular view. This time, over the Mediterranean. The village has preserved an interesting history. The ruins of the ramparts are pierced with three majestic doors. The narrow streets of the old village lead to the church in which the bell-tower contains the oldest bell in Var dating from 1458. One really appreciates Cadiere d’Azur for its atmosphere. The village has not lost its soul to an unbridled tourism. The elderly still sit on the wooden benches, leaning on their canes, silently pondering on the past, or discussing whatever between themselves. The locals are always found resting their elbows on the counter bar of the "Cercle des Travailleurs" where everyone greets them. The light that casts a luminous glow over the village has inspired many painters to make this village their home.
The village is surrounded by pine trees so there are fabulous walks along numerous paths bordered by olive trees, criss-crossing the well-known vineyards.
TO SEE:
Three doors - the center door of St.Jean dating from the 16th century, the Mazarine door on the eastern side, and the Door de la Colle on the western side. The 16th century Saint-Andre church was built on the ruins of a 12th century church and the Sainte-Magdeleine chapel was constructed on the ruins of a feudal chateau. The wrought-iron clock dominating the village, has never stopped since 1551.
SANARY SUR MER
A charming seaside resort, animated by a small fishing port and boats. It offers beautiful, fine-sandy beaches sheltered from the mistral by the surrounding wooded hills. Already well known in the 1920’s by the artists and writers who lived there, the place became a refuge in 1933 for a large number of German intellectuals fleeing from Hitler. Visit the Notre Dame de Pitie chapel in which you will discover some beautiful ex-voto naives.
ILES DES EMBIEZ belongs to the Paul Ricard Foundation. The archipelago is swarming with fish and therefore a haven for fishermen and divers. It is composed mainly of two islands of astonishing diversity. : pebbly beaches, creeks, salty swamps, pine forests and even a vineyard that produces an excellent Rose. Take a look at the medieval ruins of the Chateau de Sabran and a visit to the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute with 30 huge aquariums is not to be missed. |
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