3 VILLAGE TOUR

Guided village tour in Provence

The Var: Ollioules, Le Castellet, Sanary-sur-mer

I am almost convinced that I am the first American in the history of Ollioules to settle in this medieval village, nestled in the mouth of an ominous gorge. Here, the “Sudistes” as we are called, live the real Provence. So what awaits us on a day like this? A medieval village, a village in the wine country of Bandol, and the most authentic and beautiful port in all of Provence. And it’s objective, trust me, I’ve already researched them all.

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Ollioules: The village has been endowed with the honorary titles of “City and Crafts” and one of the most “Beautiful Detours of France”. Ollioules greets us at the foot of its feudal castle. She invites us to discover, above the stream and its fountains, more than thirty art workshops, and a colorful farmers market on Thursdays and Saturdays. We will wander the alleyways of the medieval quarter, look at the ancient houses and tell stories. We will climb to the castle at the foot of the “Big Brain” ridge, tell what happened here, and look out over the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea.

Le Castellet: The beautiful feudal village has gained much publicity due to being the host for the international car race Paul Ricard. From the parking lot, we climb to the picturesque village located at the top of a hill. We observe charming houses and the small plazas surrounded by carefully restored stone houses. We will weave in and out of the small streets and visit handicraft stalls. At noon, we surrender to one of the inviting restaurant terraces. From the promenade of the 15th century castle we have an extraordinary view of the St. Baum ridge, where the famous Bandol vineyards will wink at us.

Sanary-sur-mer: We end the tour by descending to the shoreline. We reach the colorful pier of the small fishing port and immediately fall in love with it! In this Provencal village, with a Mediterranean atmosphere, colorful facades, on lively streets, we will tell the history of the port and its connection with neighboring Ollioules. Sanary was awarded the Medal of Heroism in World War II. To whom did she give shelter to from the Nazis? And why did a small fishing village take a stubborn stand in front of the Third Reich?

Ends at 4 p.m. It is recommended to lay down on the inviting beach in Sanary and finish up with dinner in one of its cute restaurants in the old city.

This tour is PERFECTLY suitable as a shore excursion for cruise ship passengers arriving in Toulon/Sanary-sur-mer/Bandol. I adjust the starting and ending time to your ship’s schedule. See 5-star reviews below in gallery.

KEY POINTS
TO NOTE

Price for guiding only.
Cruise ship passengers option: 450 euros including transportation, wine tastings and pickup for up to 4 travellers. If you are more than 4 travellers please contact me for a tailored trip in a larger van or minibus.
• Please bring a water bottle and a sun hat (in summer).
• Please consider fitness level when choosing the tour.
• Trip includes walking on flat streets lined with cobbled stone and ascending / descending stairs.
• Guests walk at their discretion on uneven surfaces.
• Guests in need of a seat can enter a local café.
• This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, or a wheelchair.
• Lunch is not included in this tour. 
• The order of the trip (villages) may vary depending on field conditions and events.

Additional Tours

MEDIEVAL OLLIOULES

MONACO & MONTE CARLO

AVIGNON

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

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