Le Castellet

Le Castellet is located in the department of the Var in southeastern France. Part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it is situated close to the sea and 23 kilometres from Toulon.

The village sits at the top of a hill at 250 metres altitude, set around a medieval castle from the 17th-18th centuries, which today houses the Town Hall, and with a panoramic view over the Sainte Baume from the Trou de Madame.

Very close to the Mediterranean Sea, it is a temperate, warm and very sunny French village.

Most of Le Castellet's activities is linked to the land, with many vineyards and wine estates at the foot of the village that produce the excellent and renowned wines of the Bandol AOC.

Tourist activity is another one of the village's strong points. With its picturesque heritage, the village served as décor for the cult film by the French director Raimu, “La Femme du Boulanger” (The Baker's Wife).

Also famous for its automobile circuit, Le Castellet welcomes many visitors during the big car races and the motorcycle grands prix.

Very early on, Celto-Ligurian peoples inhabited Le Castellet for several centuries. During four centuries, the House of Les Baux and the House of Provence were in conflict.

It was in 1434 that the Castillon family became the owners of the castle and remained so for two hundred years. A marriage between Anne of Castillon and Vincent of Lombard in 1629 gave ownership of the castle to the Lombard family up until the French Revolution.

The end of the Revolution saw the end of all privileges. The castle was sold, purchased to house an olive oil mill, a school and two houses.

It was in 1923 that the village oriented itself towards a future of tourism. Thanks to the expertise of a man employed by the mayor, the village followed its ambition of becoming a tourist destination that fosters tranquility. So, painters, shopkeepers and craftspeople quickly settled in the village.

The village came to life touristically while keeping all its charm and authenticity. Le Castellet is a tourist village offering stunning views, a rich architectural heritage and many sites to see and visit, such as:

• The castle
• The Saint Sauveur Church
• The Place de l'Ourmeau
• The Trou de Madame
• The Portalet Its small streets
• The crafts and souvenir shops
• A honey house
• Wine estates, an olive oil cooperative.

In the area around Le Castellet:

• Hyères: Port and attractive seaside resort with beautiful beaches. The Collegiate Church of Saint-Paul, the Templars Tower, the Tour Fondue Tower, the garden in Saint-Bernard Park, the Noailles villa (1920).
• The Iles d'Or: A group of three magnificent islands – A paradise for lovers of preserved and untamed nature.
• Toulon: The Naval Base of the French Navy