The chateau which dramatically dominates the heights of the town dates from the 11th century and originally had three enclosures and four enormous towers.  Much of it was destroyed during the 17th century wars of religion and later after the Revolution.  But impressive ruins of the original towers remain, along with remnants of the stone windows giving a very good idea of the medieval defensive building.  The chateau is owned by descendants of the Castellane family who owned it before the Revolution and it is now protected as  a Monument Historique. There are live performances there during the summer.

The village which clusters round the castle is a delight and rewards meandering round its steep, winding streets, decorated everywhere with flowers and fountains.  Shady squares provide a cool retreat from the sun in summer, and in the quieter seasons of spring and autumn,  the heights of the village breathe peace and fresh air. Many of the buildings house craftsmen and artisans whose wares enliven the medieval streets.

The rue des Templiers is the oldest street in town, noted for its fine arcades, and the carving of stone framed doors and windows.  The street leads to the 11th century Eglise St Michel which is a superb example of Provencal Romanesque, constructed in the form of a cross.  Inside is a superb marble font dating from as early as the 7th or 8th century.  Three kilometres in the direction of Port Grimaud is the little chapel of Notre Dame de la Queste, built by monks from Marseille in the 11th century –  there are the relics here of Saint Lambert and a very grand Baroque altarpiece.  There is still an annual pilgrimage to the chapel held every August 16th.

For the most attractive Pottery and Terra Cotta tiles – visit Poterie de 3 Terres

Galerie du Cygne St Tropez opened in June 2001 and is open for the Summer months of June to September. Opening hours are 10h00 to 12h00 and again 17h00 to 20h00.

Every Thursday – Market.
Every Monday, Thursday Friday  and Sunday – Marché local Port Grimaud
1st Sunday in the month – Brocante
Every Sunday – Puces (flea market)
Every June – Fete du moulin (windmill festival)

Copyright © 2011 Rosemary Bailey

Copyright images Informationfrance 2011

Aups

Bandol

Bormes-Les-Mimosas

Cavalaire-sur-Mer

Draguignan

Fayence

Frejus

Gassin

Grimaud

Hyeres

La Croix Valmer

Le Castellet

Le Lavandou

Le Rayol-Canadel

Les Issambres

Port Grimaud

Saint Raphael

Sainte Maxime

Salernes

Sanary-sur-Mer

St Tropez

Toulon

Booking.com

The beaches surrounding Sanary-sur-Mer are rich with archaeological remains from Greek and Romans settlers who had trading posts in the neighbouring marine gulfs.

The foundation of the harbour dates from the 16th century but Sanary’s main economic growth came from tourism at the end of the 19th century.  In 1921 Sanary was declared a ‘Station de Tourisme’ and it was renamed Sanary-sur-Mer to promote tourism amongst the rich and influential Europeans and Americans who visited the Riviera.  In addition to being a holiday destination, the town is famous for its literary connections with writers and artists spending time here during the 1920s.  Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World whilst living near La Gorguette.  Intellectuals and artists took refuge in Sanary-sur-Mer between the 1st and 2nd World Wars.  Political emigration to southern France included 400 German and Austrian refugees who fled to the Var during the early 1940s to escape Nazism and many of them settled here after the war.  A plaque in the village commemorates the German authors who sought exile, many of whom were interned by the French as enemy aliens including Bertolt Brecht and Thomas Mann, amongst others.

As a tourist resort, the village underwent a strong period of growth in the 1980s and is now a thriving town with beautiful beaches and a reputation for quality developments including a shoreline esplanade and several good bars and restaurants.

A visit to Sanary-sur-Mer will begin from the pretty harbour, lined with palm trees and pastel coloured houses, there is a square 13th century medieval watchtower.  Originally part of an important defensive system to protect villagers from invaders, it was around this Romanesque tower that the village developed in the Middle Ages.  However, it  now contains the Frédéric Dumas Historical Diving Museum which opened in 1994, exhibiting a unique collection of original diving equipment.  Jacques Cousteau, Frédéric Dumas and Phillipe Thailliez (nicknamed Les Mousquemers : the musketeers) started and developed their diving skills in the waters of Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol.  The Museum is fascinating and there are panoramic views across the bay and surrounding countryside from the top of the tower.  Scuba diving is a very popular pastime at the resort and there are several instructors who can take you for dives in the azure clear seas amongst the archipelago of islands off the coast.

The Chapel of Notre-Dame de Pitié, built in 1560 on a headland west of the town, has lovely views of the coast and the small outlying islands of Embiez, Rouveau, Point Negre and the red rocks of the rough coastline of La Cride.   Église Saint Nazaire is a Gothic Revival church of the late 19th century which was built on the site of an earlier church which is well worth a visit.

There is a colourful Provençal market held every morning under the plane trees outside the town hall with a wonderful display of flowers and fresh local fruit and vegetables.  The main market is held on Wednesday morning when farmers come into town from the neighbouring villages with homemade produce.

With lots of sunshine and an average of only 61 days of rain per year, Sanary-sur-Mer is an attractive holiday destination all year round for swimming and water sports.  The Mistral, a strong wind coming from the Rhone Valley, can bring cool temperatures and gusty conditions which are ideal for windsurfers.

The beaches of Lido, Portissol and Bonnegrace are the most popular with families because they are sandy whereas La Cride, Beaucours and Roc Amour are smaller with a rocky coastline and have pebbles.   The Esplanade beach is centrally located and it gets very busy due to its proximity to the town centre.

Some of the oldest vineyards (dating from the Roman empire) can be found in nearby Bandol and Le Beausset a few miles west of Sanary-sur-Mer and it is an interesting trip to learn how the local wines are produced before tasting the end result in the restaurants.  La Table du Vigneron at nearby Ollioules is a charming restaurant in the heart of the vineyards of the Domaine Terrebrune estate which serves regional dishes and their own excellent Bandol Rose and Rouge wines.

Every year the town organises carnivals, evening craft markets in the summer and festivities celebrating the harvest from the sea.

Sanary-sur-Mer is an exceptional seaside resort which welcomes visitors throughout the seasons.  It offers a range of accommodation to suit everyone, whether in the village or near the sea front.  There is plenty of choice from 4 star accommodation to boutique hotels, apartments and campsites.

Hotel de la Tour located at 24 Quai General de Gaulle is beautifully located on the quayside, ideal to watch the boats coming and going.  It has an excellent restaurant and visitors have a choice of dining on the terrace overlooking the bustling harbour or inside in the dining room.  The chef’s specialities include bouillabaisse and  fresh produce from the fishermen’s boats.

Hostellerie La Farandole is right on the sandy beach of La Gorguette and features an outdoor pool, a spa and a hot tub on the roof top.  Le Panoramic restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and stunning views of the Mediterranean sea.    From the roof terrace bar you can enjoy looking out over the Bay of Bandol and the Isle of Bendor – it is a magical location at sunset with first class accommodation.  Soleil et Jardin is 5 minutes from the beach and port and has an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace, a garden and a pool house. Le Vallon du Roy Residence is situated in the heart of a pine forest close to the beach.  The apartments are fully equipped with a terrace, dining area and the site also features an adventure playground,  swimming pool and tennis courts.

By rail:  TGV trains from Paris take approximately 4 hours.  The nearest station is Ollioules-Sanary-sur-Mer.

By air:  The nearest airports are Toulon (38km) and Marseille(59Km).  Direct flights from Toulon fly to London, Oslo, Brussels and Rotterdam.

Originally founded by an order of monks from the Lérins Islands near Cannes in 1000 AD, the town was named after one of their Saints called Maxime in the 8th century.   They built a monastery and settled in the area trading in fish, cork, wine and olive oil which were transported to Marseille and onwards to Italy.  The 16th century La Tour Carré, now a museum, was built to commemorate the monks and Napoleon restored the guns in this tower to protect the villagers at the beginning of the 19th century.  Historically, the town was little more than a collection of farms centred around the church and it was only in the 18th century that Sainte Maxime began to grow into the vibrant and beautiful resort that exists today.   Visitors began to come during the early 20th century and was popular with the artistic group of the period who came to enjoy the fantastic climate and lovely beaches.
On 15th August 1944, the beach of Sainte Maxime was at the centre of Operation Dragoon, the invasion and liberation of Southern France during World War II.   By the foot of the harbour pier and by the beach at La Garonette, there are memorials located at the landing places honouring the US forces who did so much to secure freedom for the Allies.  At La Garonette, the sailing centre is named La Batterie as it was the location of a German artillery battery.

The fires of 2003 destroyed vast areas of the hills and woodland behind Saint Maxime and reforestation will take many years.

The town is well positioned with more than 10 kilometres of white sandy beaches along the coast including La Nartelle which is renowned for its fine sand and clear waters where water sports of every description are available.    La Croisette is a supervised beach for those who like the sun and sea with public and private facilities inviting you to relax and have fun.   There is also a sailing school which offers training courses and tuition at every level for children over 7 years of age.   La Madrague has opportunities for  scuba diving and to the east, Garonnette and La Plage des Eléphants beaches have water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing and snorkelling.    La Plage des Eléphants was named after local author Jean de Brunhoff who wrote the childrens’ much loved series “Babar”.
This stretch of the Riviera coast has 87 beaches, each with a different name and personality.  One of the best loved beaches is Sainte-Maxime’s Plage du Centre Ville which, as its name suggests, has a central location right in front of the Casino with a restaurant.  It is flat and sandy and ideal for families because it is sheltered, ensuring the swimming is very safe.    The Casino beach is private with a wonderful view of the Golfe du St. Tropez and an attractive restaurant.  Havana Plage and Paris Plage both have good on-the-beach restaurants.  The beaches are particularly popular with families, however in mid-summer they are virtually full and there is no shade so it is advisable to bring or rent a parasol.

In addition to all types of water sports, there are also two sports halls and many outdoor facilities including tennis, an 18 hole golf course, hiking, archery, horse riding and mountain biking to enjoy.  A cycling path along most of the coast towards St. Tropez and Port Grimaud has recently been extended and touring the Massif des Maures by foot or by bike is a popular way to explore the countryside.   Two modern shopping centres, a casino and even a music school are available for visitors as well as a cinema and a theatre.

The Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique de Ste Maxime) also called Parc des Myrtes, is found beside the N98 opposite Le Croissette plage.  This large, shady botanical park is very quiet and peaceful despite being so near the busy beaches.    A tranquil area full of regional trees and bushes, this is a pleasant place to sit and ponder and there is also a children’s playground and space for picnicking.

The streets of the town are pedestrianised so there is ample opportunity to visit the shops and cafés which line the streets in the old town opposite the harbour.     There is a daily covered market at Rue Fernand Bessy near the market place.  Every Monday, the ‘Capet’ food market in Ave. George Clemenceau takes place and every Thursday in Place des Sarrazine regional produce, fruit and vegetables are sold.  On Fridays, the Marché Forain in Place Jean Mermoz holds a large mixed market.

La Nartelle Beach is the most exclusive spot amongst the beach club restaurants which includes Mario Plage.  There are also plenty of sun-loungers by the bar offering  complete relaxation with a view to die for.      Other beach clubs are La Renne Jaune, Barco Beach and the Madrague. On the pier there are marine shops to browse and an excellent restaurant.

Sainte Maxime has an excellent selection of restaurants, some overlooking the Gulf of St. Tropez which provides a sumptuous backdrop to mouthwatering menus. Particularly recommended is Hostellerie la Belle Aurore at 5 bd Jean Moulin.  La Badiane has a romantic appeal set in an intimate dining room with superb food and local wines.   La Reserve on the front specialises in bouillabaisse, oysters, lobsters and provençal cuisine.  There is something for everyone !  Though some restaurants are quite expensive, there are plenty of reasonably priced places to eat in comfortable surroundings offering a warm welcome.

Hôtel Les Jardins De Sainte-Maxime is 300 metres from the beach and 15 minutes from the city centre.  It has an indoor and an outdoor pool and most of the rooms have a private balcony with an exceptional view of the bay.   The restaurant serves a range of Mediterranean cuisines and regional specialities which can be served either in the dining room or on the terrace.    Hôtellerie de la Poste is right in the centre of town and guests can enjoy a drink on the hotel’s poolside terrace which is surrounded by a pretty garden.

Apartments and self-catering villas for rental are available throughout the year but booking in advance is essential during the season.  There are also several camp sites nearby with full facilities for children.  B & Bs are plentiful and often located within easy reach of the beaches and the jewel of the Côte d’Azur, St. Tropez, is just a short journey away.

By boat:  One of the great attractions of Sainte Maxime is the boat service (Les Bateaux Verts) which crosses the bay to St. Tropez and northeast to Cannes.  During the summer months these boats are a blessing to escape the inevitable traffic jams which build up on the roads into St. Tropez.  From St. Tropez there are boats which take you further southwest to Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Le Lavandou from which you can also visit the Hyères Islands.   Trips to Les Issambres and Port Grimaud leave on a regular basis from the harbour.

By rail: The nearest station on the main rail line is Saint Raphael, 14 km from Saint Maxime which has frequent services to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Eze, Monaco, Toulon and Marseille.

By air:  Nice Cote D’Azur airport is the most convenient but Hyeres airport is not far away.

By car:  From Nice airport or if you are coming into the Cote d’Azur by car, take the A8 to Le Muy turno-off.  Drive down the D25 to Sainte Maxime.  To avoid toll charges, come off at Saint Raphael and drive along the coast on the D1098.

Gassin is believed to be one of the oldest villages in the South of France with the first written evidence dating back to 1234.    Roman occupation brought security and prosperity to the region by agricultural development.   The original name of Garcin dates back to earlier times to the 10th century.  The Knights Templar are thought to have built the castle on the rock and you can see traces of the Templiers on the ancient walls in some of the streets and doors.  Once a Moorish stronghold, the town is surrounded by the remains of 13th century ramparts.  Together with the neighbouring village of Ramatuelle, the villages were originally created to allow the local people to escape the pirates who cruised the Mediterranean waters.

Gassin is an old village steeped in history and its cobbled streets and romantic atmosphere are a life apart from the bustle of the coastal resorts.  In the 19th century the main industry was cork making and silk worms were also raised here before being sent to nearby Cogolin for various craft works.  The other main trade was charcoal making by local people called ‘bousquetiers’.

The Galerie deï Barri was founded in 1969 and specialises in European and North American contemporary figurative art.  The gallery exhibits a choice of internationally renowned artists as well as young emerging talents.

Walking along the medieval terrace, the Promenade deï Barri, enjoy a drink or a delicious meal in the tranquil setting of the Place deï Barri in one of a few first class restaurants with stunning views over the vineyards.

Gassin village has a beautiful old church constructed in 1582 called La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Compassion.   A stone slab in the church which bears a drawing of  a ship corresponds to Roman archaeological finds from the 1st century. Wandering around the ancient streets is interesting, one of which, called l’Androuno, is claimed to be the narrowest street in the world.

There are numerous beaches close to Gassin where all major water sports can be enjoyed including Gigaro, Debarquement, Pampelonne and Escalet.   Port Gassin is growing and emulating other ports like Port Grimaud and the marina of Cogolin which are popular with visitors wanting to sail.   Some parts of the coast have been put under conservation restrictions to preserve the flora and fauna of the area which makes for interesting walks and cycle rides.

Gassin has an 18 hole golf course at the fabulous Gassin Golf and Country Club and there is also a popular Polo Club, the Haras de Gassin, where horse riding instruction is undertaken.

Before leaving the area, take a tour of one of the 10 wine producing domaines including Minuty, Bertaud, Belieu and Pampelonne – and sample the wines which are also featured on local menus.

There are several luxury villas and apartments for rent in Gassin but during the summer months, accommodation is much sought after.  The 5 star Hotel le Mas de Chastelas is a former 18th century mansion, set in a large garden with an outdoor swimming pool.  It has an excellent restaurant serving traditional French cuisine which can be eaten in the dining room or by the pool.

A number of highly recommended restaurants such as Le Vieux Gassin, Le Carpaccio, Le Pescadou and La Verdoyante offer excellent food in very pretty surroundings.  Renowned for its famous visitors and chic style, Gassin offers quality and great hospitality in a delightfully romantic hilltop setting.

By car:  Gassin lies 2 kms from route D559 which links Hyeres (41km) and Sainte-Maxime (12 km).    Nearest motorway: A8 junction 36. Take the D558 via La Garde Freinet and Grimaud or the new road from Le Muy via the D25. Once on the coast road there might be considerable traffic near St. Maxime, in  high summer it is preferable to use the D558.
By rail:  Nearest station is St. Raphael 37km
By air:  Nearest airport is Toulon/Hyères (37km); Nice (71km); Marseille (113km); Avignon (155km)

In recent years, the town has reasserted itself and has a lively atmosphere throughout the year.  There is a wealth of new museums, cafes and restaurants where you can sample local specialties like escabeche de sardine and la cade, a cake made from chick peas.  The centre of the modern town is Place de la Liberté, dominated by the magnificent Grand Hotel, the last vestige of former glory days.  Here, too, is Place Victor Hugo with its pavement cafes and the splendid Opera de Toulon.   Look out for the huge wall frescoes that have become so typical of Toulon.  The old town, with its winding streets and once notorious red light district, is currently undergoing massive renovation.

The many museums include the Musée de la Marine with its fine baroque entrance housing huge model galleons, figureheads, paintings and naval instruments and the Musée du Vieux Toulon  dedicated to the history of the town.  There is a classic  Musée des Beaux Arts with an eclectic variety of French paintings including many Provencal artists and the new Hotel des Arts which houses more contemporary exhibitions.  The Cathedrale Ste-Marie-de-la-Sedo is originally 11th century with17th century additions and also has works by Puget as well as a magnificent  baroque altarpiece.  On nearby Cours Lafayette, there is a huge and lively market everyday except Monday.

Enjoy the harbour bustle from the pavement cafes on Quai Cronstadt and don’t miss the statues by Pierre Puget said to be modelled on galley slaves which adorn the town hall annexe along the quai.  East of the town is the beach district of Mourillon, the place for a breath of sea air and evening night life.  The best view of Toulon is from Mont Faron above the town reached by a winding road or better, the telepherique cable car.   Here you will find the Memorial museum to the Allied landings in Provence in August 1944.  Up on the hill there are also restaurants, a park and a zoo.

Copyright © 2011 Rosemary Bailey

Copyright  Images : Informationfrance 2011

Apart from market days, Salernes is a peaceful little town where you can wander at will through its maze of winding streets and quiet squares and fountains, such as the Place de la Revolution with its medieval water source.   You can see vestiges of the old chateau which once dominated the town, and the 17th church of Notre Dame de Misericorde, with its single nave and  two belltowers.   You can even bathe in the river, at the little sandy  river beach, La Muie.

There are several excursions out of town, three kilometres to the north is the Chapelle Saint-Barthelemy, a 16th century hermitage on a rock overlooking the Bresque river.   Or you could head for the Cascade de Sillans, a dramatic waterfall in the river Bresque, which is very popular for canyoning.

Copyright © 2011 Rosemary Bailey

Copyright Images : Informationfrance 2011

Frejus is the oldest Roman city in Gaul, founded and named after Julius Caesar in 49 BC.  It was once the most important port after Marseille and was on the Aurelian Way, the great Roman road between Italy and Spain.  Some of the walls and remains of the gates of the Roman city can still be seen, including the Lantern d’Auguste, the tower which once guarded the old port.  The Porte de Rome stands at the end of the original aqueduct  that supplied the city with water and you can still see traces of the channels and arches on its 40km journey through the countryside.  There are also fragments of a 1st century theatre, where performances are still  held.  Best of all is the Arena, which once accommodated 6000 spectators and continues to be used today for bullfights and musical  events.

Today the most lively part of town is the medieval centre, a charming ensemble of pastel painted houses, 19th century mansions and cafes clustered round the Cité Episcopale.  This is a fortified cathedral close.  The cathedral itself is an early example of Provencal Gothic and has elegant 12th -13th century cloisters,  with beautiful painted ceilings.  Opposite the cathedral is the 5th century baptistry, the oldest in France.   It is of octagonal construction,  built from Corinthian columns pilfered from the Roman forum.  Recent excavation has revealed the pool itself surrounded by white marble paving.   The Archaeological Museum can be found on the first floor, with its collection of Gallo-Roman antiquities found during the excavations of Fréjus,  including statues of marble and bronze and rare mosaics.

Several more intriguing  sights beckon around Fréjus:  the Villa  Aurelienne,  a Palladian house amidst large gardens;  the Pagode Bouddhique  Hong Hien, a Buddhist pagoda built by Vietnamese soldiers who fought in France in 1917, and the Mosquée de Missiri, built for Sudanese troops in the 1920s. There is also the Chapelle Notre Dame de Jerusalem,  romantically positioned on top of  a hill in the forest to the north, in quartier La Tour de Mare. The tiny chapel, the last building to be designed by artist Jean Cocteau, with an atrium, stained glass and frescoes, is best seen illuminated by the setting sun.

Market day : Friday
Fête: 15 August
Every March – Carnival des Enfants
Every April – Fête des Plantes
Every Easter April – Pâques à Saint-Aygulf (Easter)
Every June – Fête de la Musique
Every July – Les Nuits Auréliennes
Every July – Les Nuits de Feu (fireworks)
Every August – Fête du Raisin
Every August – Les Nuits de Feu (fireworks)
Every September – Omelette Géant – giant omelette festival
Every November – Festival de l’Air et du Vent (air and wind festival)
Every December – Foire aux Santons

Copyright © 2011 Rosemary Bailey

Copyright  Images : Informationfrance 2011

Cavalaire was a Roman settlement and excavations have revealed evidence of several sites dating from the 1st century BC – one of which was once a grand villa near the beach.

The beach was also an important location for the Allied landings during World War II when the 3rd Division of the American infantry disembarked here on 16th August  1944.  Every year there is a parade of military vehicles along the coast and a reconstruction of a military camp.

This is a relatively new town, founded in 1929 and classified as a tourist resort in 1956.     It was awarded Station Nautique  (nautical resort) status in 2008 and Famille Plus in 2009 which recognises the district’s services and facilities specifically designed to give families with children the best amenities in a safe environment.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is renowned for its water sports including water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing.  It plays host to the ‘Jet Game’ competition in September every year.   The quality of its beaches and the cleanliness of the water make this a very attractive place for swimming and the bay is also an excellent spot for scuba diving.  Sports tuition courses are available for beginners and there is also a supervised gym.   To the south west of the main bay, Le Dattier is a small beach and there are also several coves along the coast which provide a quieter spot for sunbathers away from motorboats and noisier leisure activities.

The port of Cavalaire is one of the most sheltered and best-equipped of the Côte d’Azur which attracts an increasing number of visitors.   It has mooring for 1,000 boats and there is also a fleet of traditional fishing boats known as ‘pointus’ which go out every day from the harbour.     Day boat trips to the nearby Hyères Islands to view the stunningly scenic islands of Port-Cros, Porquerolles and Le Levant are an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

Away from the beach, taking a walk or cycling towards the low mountains of the Massif des Maures will lead you to the pretty villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle.    Alternatively, following the Fenouillet footpath along the coast towards Cap Camarat takes you through a nature reserve which is a favoured route for wildlife enthusiasts.  There are several ‘discovery trails’ to explore but, owing to the heat of the summer, these walks are best enjoyed in the cool of the evening or the more gentle weather of spring and autumn.

A colourful market is held every Wednesday morning on the Place Jean Moulin which offers a huge variety of regional produce including honey from the forest, olives, olive oil, locally made saucisson and naturally, the local rosé wine.  There are good shops and lots of cafés in the town providing a welcome respite from the beach.  Free entertainment and festivals are organised by local people for visitors throughout the summer months celebrating the Provençal way of life.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer has an interesting cultural heritage including the Mont-Jean Oppidum (a ‘monument historique’), the Pardigon site with its archaeological excavations and the Domain Foncin bastide.   All well worth a visit.

Lying in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Cavalaire-sur-Mer  has wonderful views across the bay. Many of the places to stay have balconies and terraces from which you can soak up the beauty of this exceptional resort.   Les Residences du Soleil – Hôtel de la Calanque is a luxurious seafront hotel with a superb swimming pool looking out over the Mediterranean.  The restaurant serves freshly caught fish, lobsters and the house speciality, bouillabaisse    A stone’s throw away from the beach and the attractions of St. Tropez, this is a haven of  tranquillity and an ideal holiday destination.

Hôtel Les Alizés is positioned in the town centre near Plaisance Harbour.  It has a panoramic restaurant bar and a small boutique.  The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine and guests are invited to dine on the terrace all year round.  The hotel also has a bar/tea room with views of Cavalaire Bay.  Hôtel Villa Provençal offers a warm family environment in a enchanting property with a beautiful garden to relax in.  The yacht marina is 600m from the hotel and the long white sandy beach with all the available water sports are just nearby.   The restaurant serves delicious Provençal cuisine and you can look out over the restful palm trees whilst sipping a well-earned glass of wine.

Restaurants are plentiful along the coastline catering for every taste.  La Créperie Bretonne is always good value as is Le Yams, famous for its seafood.  Le Pizzaiole restaurant on the front is very popular with an excellent  menu including foie gras de canard maison, linguine with clams, Charolais beef steaks and a huge variety of appetising salads.   Restaurant L’Emeraude  located on the new port promenade specialises in ‘fruits de mer’ (shellfish) and various local fish dishes.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is buzzing with lively bars and cafés.  An excellent way to wind down after a day on the beach, wander along by the port and enjoy a sundowner at Bar du Port, Bar Les Palmiers, Caffé Romain  or Chez Carmelo.  Le Bahia Club is a new, chic night club with a discotheque and a great atmosphere.  Alternatively, Casino de Cavalaire offers good cocktails, a restaurant and gaming tables.

By car:  From UK take a ferry to Calais, then the motorway to Cavalaire about 1,000 miles.  A long drive !

By air:  The closest local airport is Hyeres-Toulon  (32km) which is about 45-60 minutes driving or 40km by airport bus.   International airports:  Nice Airport is 78km; Marseille Airport is 111km or Avignon Airport 155km.  Nice and Marseille are approximately 2 hours driving to Cavalaire-sur-Mer.

By Rail:  The nearest rail connection is either St. Raphael (approx. 30kms) or Toulon (approx 60km).  Trains from London St. Pancras International (Eurostar & TGV) go via Paris or Lille to Toulon, Marseille or to St. Raphael.  There is a direct bus to Cavalaire from Toulon (Route St. Tropez).

The gardens of Le Rayol date from 1910,  a period when many rich families settled on this previously undeveloped stretch of coast. Banker Alfred Theodore Courmes built an art nouveau mansion here,  along with  a summer house and a grand classical pergola, surrounding it all with exotic gardens.   When he went bust  – it was either the stock market crash of 1929 or over enthusiastic gambling in Monte Carlo that did for him,  or perhaps a combination of both,  the property was bought by aeronautics engineer Potez in 1940,  and he began the rescue of estate and gardens.  He constructed  a splendid flight of steps lined with cypress trees which lead down to the beach and a bamboo plantation – now one of the glories of the gardens.

Subsequently the entire property fell into disrepair again and the gardens were very neglected.   In 1989 they were bought by the Conservatoire du Littoral (the Coastal Protection Society) in an effort to conserve part of this precious coastline from development.   Now the Domaine has been landscaped into an amazing variety of different gardens, growing plants from  Mediterranean climates around the world  –  California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.

You can wander along the paths through the gardens glimpsing the turquoise sea below through the  trees which include dragon trees, eucalyptus, cacti, gum trees and many varieties of palm.  Professional gardeners give well informed guided tours.  In summer you can also take a guided snorkelling tour of a marine garden.   The whole Domaine is wonderful to explore at any time of year,  in summer  when concerts are held here on balmy evenings, but also glorious in spring and autumn and quite exquisite under a rare fall of snow .

The Domaine du Rayol is a large botanical garden located beside the Mediterranean just to the southeast of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. This beautiful area of trees, bushes and flowers is divided into different botanical regions of the world, including Le Jardin de la Méditerranée.

It takes about one and a half hours to follow the marked, 2 km itinerary but you should plan on a half-day for a leisurely tour, exploration and photography.  It’s just a couple minute’s drive down from Le Rayol, and there’s parking at the entrance.

Entry is 8 € adults, 5 € Children.
www.domainedurayol.org

Copyright © 2011 Rosemary Bailey

Copyright  Images : Informationfrance 2011