From the Calanques to Hyères, the land drops sheer to rocky shores and crystalline waters where, with snorkel mask or scuba kit, you can discover a whole new world. And though the sea and its produce are the stars, the land and those who tend it make a huge contribution to the region’s wealth. All you have to do is relax and enjoy.
LES ROCHES BLANCHES
The view of Cap Canaille from this gem of a hotel will drive Instagrammers wild. The hotel’s interior, lovingly refurbished by archirect Monika Kappel, takes you back to the 1920s. Three restaurants, to suit everyone’s tastes, and a luxurious, intimate Sisley spa.
Unexpected. Let go and relax, the service is wonderful. Boat trips from the hotel jetty, pre-booked tennis lessons, helicopter rides to view the calanques, access to the elite Cercle des Nageurs swimming club.
3 suites, 33 chambres, un spa et 2 piscines.
9 avenue des Calanques, Cassis - Tél. 04 42 01 09 30
LE CASTELLET
The 6ha park used to be open only to drivers on the Paul Ricard racing track. It now features a 5-star hotel that’s a destination in its own right, thanks to its amazing amenities: a 700m2 spa, 6-hole golf course, pétanque courts, tennis court, pool and health circuit. Unexpected. The hotel and park tick all the boxes for authentic luxury, but it’s the generous cuisine of Christophe Bacquié (three Michelin stars) that brings friends and families flocking.
17 suites, 24 chambres, un spa, 2 piscines, golf.
3001 route des Hauts du Camp, Le Castellet. Tél. 04 94 98 37 77
L’ILE ROUSSE
A private beach in a bay protected from the Mistral, seawater swimming pools, a beach restaurant serving big plates of grilled meat or fish, and a Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic view: what more could you ask for a happy summer? Unexpected. The stunning view of Renécros cove will make a great screensaver, and the fully-fledged thalassotherapy centre will please the most demanding customers.
12 suites, 55 chambres, un spa et 2 piscines.
25 boulevard Louis Lumière, Bandol - Tél. 04 94 29 33 00
LE GRAND HÔTEL DES SABLETTES-PLAGE
A hotel with a breathtaking view, perched above the sea and the rightly celebrated Sablettes beach. Three restaurants: La Galerie (very Parisian), Le Navigateur (like a fisherman’s cabin), and the gastronomic L’Horizon. As owner Stéphanes Lelièvre says, "The restfuness here is the stuff of dreams, each moment is timeless, and the coast is azure blue."
Unexpected. Michel Pacha’s renovation of the hotel and the Villa Tamaris has earned it the Hilton Curio Collection brandname, which spotlights heritage and history.
16 suites, 59 chambres, un spa et 2 piscines.
575 av. Charles de Gaulle, La Seyne-sur-Mer - Tél. 04 94 17 00 00
LE VILLAGE DU CASTELLET
A showcase of the Var département’s architectural heritage. This delightful medieval village boasts a 180° view of the countryside below and cool, relaxing evenings after the heat of the day.
FONDATION CARMIGNAC
The Carmignac art foundation chose Porquerolles island as the home for its 300 contemporary artworks. This year’s exhibition is of «The Carmignac photojournalism prize: ten years of investigative reporting».
LA TABLE DE NANS
The stunning view of La Ciotat bay together with Nans Gaillard’s Michelin-starred cuisine will awaken all your senses.
126 Corniche du Liouquet, La Ciotat - Tél. 04 42 83 11 06
LE RESTAURANT DE L’ÎLE VERTE
If Tom Hanks were to book a table with Wilson he’d doubtless choose this place. Lots of fish and seafood, and access only by boat.
Calanque St Pierre, Île Verte, La Ciotat. Tél. 06 19 41 12 24
LA FOND DES PÈRES
The ideal introduction to some outstanding Bandol wines: guestrooms, separate villas, delicious home-grown meals (home-reared poultry!) and freedom to stroll around the estate at will.
1306 chemin de Pontillaou, Le Beausset - Tél. 04 94 15 2121
LES DOMAINES OTT
This summer, Château Romassan, Clos Mireille and Château Selle invite you to discover an exceptional cuvée called Etoile, a new assemblage of the best grapes from the three estates. And a novel programme to enliven your parties.
601 route des Mourvedres, Le Castellet - Tél. 04 94 98 71 91
LA FOND DES PÈRES
The ideal introduction to some outstanding Bandol wines: guestrooms, separate villas, delicious home-grown meals (home-reared poultry!) and freedom to stroll around the estate at will.
1306 chemin de Pontillaou, Le Beausset - Tél. 04 94 15 2121
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