| Le Castellet is a beautifully quaint little medieval village, | | | | old fortified "portes". The winding streets are all |
| perched on a hill about a 10-15 minute scenic drive | | | | cobblestone and the narrow little houses often have |
| through the vineyards from Bandol. | | | | pots of flowers hanging from the balconies. The |
| Unfortunately, it's not accessible by public transport | | | | chateau was last rebuilt in the 15th century, and has an |
| - so you'll either need to have a hire car, | | | | imposing defensive feel about it. Apart from the views |
| or take a taxi from nearby Bandol. (If you're | | | | and the attractive atmosphere, there are a number of |
| travelling to Le Castellet from Bandol, you'll go right | | | | interesting crafty shops to browse around and |
| past my favourite wine producer Domaine Le Galantin | | | | numerous bars and restaurants, including a creperie if |
| in Plan du Castellet! It's definitely worth stopping off and | | | | you're looking for a light lunch. |
| buying a half a case of their delicious rose wine.) If | | | | Le Castellet was the set for the cult film "La femme |
| you're driving there, don't park in the first car park you | | | | du boulanger" directed by the famous writer/director |
| come too - it's quite a way outside the village. There's | | | | Marcel Pagnol. <P> <P> |
| another car park further on which is just at the base | | | | Sue Aitken is the owner of Boutique Provencale which |
| of the steep hill where Le Castellet is set. | | | | offers <a rel="nofollow" |
| There are fantastic views of the surrounding | | | | onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', ' |
| countryside and across the valley to its better-known | | | | outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href=” Gifts</a> |
| rival La Cadiere d'Azur.For some reason La Cadiere | | | | and <a rel="nofollow" |
| seems to attract more tourists, although, in my opinion, | | | | onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', ' |
| Le Castellet is by far the prettier location. The village | | | | outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href=” Home |
| retains its fortified look - there are still sections of the | | | | Accessories</a>. |
| ancient ramparts remaining, along with a couple of the | | | | |