Village of Le Castellet
If you’re a motor sports lover or know someone who is, you’re bound to have heard of the Paul Ricard racetrack or Castellet racetrack in the Var area, South of France, Provence-Meditteranean. The track welcomes a variety of major races every year, including the Bol d’Or, French Supermoto Championship, Truck Grand Prix and French Formula 1 Grand Prix. It also offers various courses for budding drivers (GTDrive, Formula 3, motorcycle driving, etc.).
But Le Castellet is also (and especially!) a pretty medieval village perched at an altitude of 250 metres, home to many craftspeople and sporting typical Provencal architecture. Potters, jewellers, leatherworkers, ceramists, art galleries and – of course – restaurants are just some of the treats in store less than 45 minutes from your favourite campsite.
This pretty village in bloom is criss-crossed with a delightful maze of paved streets, dotted with boutiques and shaded terraces…
Raimu shot the movie “The Baker’s Wife” here, adapted from the novel by our beloved Marcel Pagnol…
The village’s original name “Lou castelet” means “little castle” in Provencal dialect.
La Castellet offers magnificent views over the Var’s landscapes including the Sainte Baume hills and vineyards of Bandol.
Its medieval church, the Eglise de la Transfiguration, was built in the late 11th century.
The village centre is accessible on foot and you can park easily at the bottom of the village.