Page 246 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

244 BACK ROADS FRANCE

here annually. The village is also
where Gérard Philipe (1922–59),
a leading young French actor of
the 1950s, is buried.
ª Head north on the D61, following
signs for La Foux and Saint-Tropez.
After around 3 km (2 miles), look out
for a left turn indicating Château
Minuty – it is easy to miss. Turn left at
Château Minuty. The road continues
uphill to Gassin, where there are car
parks on the edge of the town.
4 Gassin
Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; 83580
Saint-Tropez’s peninsula is blessed
with copious rolling vineyards.
Château Minuty (open daily Jul–Aug,
Mon–Sat Apr–Jun, Mon–Fri Sep–Mar) is
one of the area’s finest and has a
pretty chapel and 19th-century
mansion. Sample and stock up on
cru classé Côtes de Provence (visitors
Top left View over the Cap de Brégançon are expected to make a minimum
from Bormes-les-Mimosas Top right 3 Ramatuelle purchase post-tasting). Afterwards,
Colourful window of a café in the Domaine du Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; 83350 go up to the heights of Gassin, one
Rayol botanical gardens, Rayol-Canadel-sur- Located on a hilltop, this attractive of France’s most beautiful villages, to
Mer Above Vineyards around Château Minuty village is enclosed by wooded slopes see the 360-degree vistas.
with the hilltop town of Gassin in the distance and vineyards. The village was called ª Edging along Gassin’s ramparts,
Rahmatu’llah (God’s Gift) by the follow signs to La Croix-Valmer. At
Saracens. Today, visitors can send La Croix, head west to Rayol-Canadel-
their senses into overdrive by visiting sur-Mer on the D559, in the direction
this medieval village on market day. of Le Lavandou. Turn left at the Rayol
Stalls line the streets of the pedes- tourist office; signs clearly mark the
trianized town centre, selling ripe downhill drive to Domaine du Rayol.
produce, wicker baskets, linen and a
smat tering of eccentric art. Grab a 5 Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
newspaper and relax out on the sun- Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; 83820
dappled terrace of Café de l’Ormeau Its shimmering beaches may
WHERE TO STAY
to take in Provençal life at its finest. resemble those of a Caribbean
Theatre and jazz festivals take place lagoon, but Rayol-Canadel’s true
AROUND RAMATUELLE
Château de Valmer expensive
About 7 km (4 miles) from Ramatuelle
is the gorgeous Château de Valmer. A
palm-lined path connects this 19th-
century mas with a white sand beach.
Opt for one of the romantic rooms, or
book La Cabane Perchée, a treehouse
located in the hotel’s vineyards.
Gigaro, La Croix Valmer, 83420; 04 94
55 15 15; www.chateauvalmer.com;
closed mid-Oct–mid-Apr
AROUND BORMESLESMIMOSAS
La Bastide des Vignes moderate
This ancient and intimate Provençal
mas has just five colourful bedrooms,
and is situated in a peaceful setting
amongst the vineyards. Guests can
escape the heat with a dip in the pool.
464, chemin du Patelin, 83230; 04 94 71
20 29; www.bastidedesvignes.fr; closed
Oct–Apr Above Paintings and other wares on display in a roadside shop, Ramatuelle
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150