La Cadière d'Azur

Overlooking the reputable vineyards of Bandol, the medieval village of La Cadière

d'Azur stretches along the top of a cliff and offers remarkable views over the Sainte-Baume and the bay of La Ciotat.

Surrounded by forests and traversed by the GR51 hiking trail, the village is the departure point for many walks. The forest of the Défends is a delight for hikers and cyclists.

Many artists, painters and craftspeople have also chosen to live in La Cadière d'Azur. And the beautiful flowering inlets give it a typically Provençal air.

The heritage to see:

• The Saint-Jean and Saint-Côme Chapel
• The Sainte-Anne Chapel
• The Sainte-Magdeleine Chapel and Saint-André Church
• The medieval houses on the Rue de l'Horloge
• The Saint-Jean gate, the La Colle gate and the Mazarine gate
• The Clock Tower

To do:

In the heart of the village, the "Maison du Terroir and du Patrimoine" presents a permanent exhibition about the geological, archaeological and cultural heritage of the southern part of the Sainte Baume (closed Sundays throughout the year and weekends except in summer).

The Moulin de Saint-Côme mill and its attractive boutique offer many local products. A small museum with free entry lets you discover the secrets of olive oil making. The mill is still in activity; if you're there in the olive season, you can watch them press the olives.

The AOC vineyards of Bandol stretch out at the foot of La Cadière d'Azur. You can visit some of the renowned wine estates such as the Domaines Bunan, Château de Pibarnon, Domaine Lou Capelan....

In Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer (4km), the Dolce Frégate Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Facing the sea, you will find two courses with 18 and 9 holes, a golf academy, a restaurant and even more...

A few kilometres away, the beaches of the Mediterranean invite you for a refreshing break: the rocky inlets of La Ciotat, the beaches and coves of Bandol and of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer...

With so much to offer, you will certainly want to spend a moment in this charming hilltop village in the Var.

When you're there, try out the hotel Bérard & Spa, with its two restaurants run by the Michelin-star Chef Jean-François Bérard, a hotel with lots of character and the Aroma Spa for relaxing and regenerating.