Le Castellet is a commune in the Var department, located on a hill between Toulon and Marseille. It is known for its fortified medieval village and its proximity to the Paul Ricard Circuit. The commune is also located in the heart of the Bandol AOC vineyards, which attracts even more visitors.
Top 3 experiences to enjoy in Le Castellet
Stroll through the streets of a medieval village:
Enter through the fortified gates and explore the village's cobbled streets. Admire the stone houses and artisan shops.
Discover a race track:
Visit the Circuit Paul Ricard, a venue famous for motor racing competitions. You can book a driving course or go karting there.
Taste the wines of the Bandol AOC:
Visit a local winery to taste the region's red and rosé wines. The winemakers explain their work and the character of their terroir.
Things to do in Le Castellet
Le Castellet offers a variety of activities centered around its historical heritage, motor sports, and vineyards.
What to visit in the medieval village?
The hilltop village is the historic heart of the town. It can be accessed on foot after parking in the parking lots outside.
The ramparts and streets
The village is surrounded by well-preserved ramparts. Visitors can stroll through the calades, narrow cobbled streets, pass under fortified gates (such as the “Portail”) and admire the stone houses.
Artisan shops
The narrow streets are home to many artisan shops and workshops. You'll find jewelry designers, potters, leatherworkers, and art galleries.
Viewpoints
At the top of the village, near the church, there are lookout points accessible via a cobbled alleyway and stairs, offering unobstructed views. You can enjoy views of the Var hills, the Bandol vineyards and, in the distance, the Mediterranean Sea.
What activities are available at the Circuit Paul Ricard?
A few kilometers from the village, the Circuit Paul Ricard is a hub for motorsports.
The Paul Ricard Circuit
This large motor racing circuit hosts international competitions (such as the Bol d'Or) and public events. It is possible to book driving courses in sports cars (Ferrari, Porsche, etc.) or motorcycles. Access to the site is regulated depending on the events. Driving courses must be booked in advance with specialized schools.
The Grand Prix Karting (GPK)
Located within the circuit grounds, a large karting circuit is open to the public. It offers kart rentals for adults and children on tracks of varying levels.
Xtrem Park
This is a thrill park, also located on the circuit site. It offers zip lines, tree adventure courses, and other activities for families.
Where can you explore the vineyards?
Le Castellet is located in the center of the Bandol AOC appellation, renowned for its Mourvèdre-based red wines. Several estates and châteaux are located in the commune. They offer tours of their cellars and tastings of their wines (red, rosé, and white). This is an opportunity to meet the winegrowers. It is recommended to check opening hours and whether an appointment is necessary, especially for group visits.
What to visit in Le Castellet?
The medieval village of Le Castellet is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and can only be entered through two fortified gates. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior dates from the 11th century, with its triple-arched bell tower typical of Provençal Romanesque buildings. The 15th-century medieval castle now houses the town hall and offers a splendid panorama of the Sainte-Beaume massif and the vineyards from its esplanade. The Maison des Vins de Bandol overlooks the terraced vineyards with a view of the Mediterranean and brings together almost all of the appellation's vineyards.
What activities are recommended in Le Castellet?
The Circuit Paul Ricard, inaugurated in 1970, has hosted fourteen French Formula 1 Grand Prix races and continues to host numerous competitions. Guided tours take you behind the scenes to the paddocks, the Pit Building, and the Media Center. Wine tastings are led by advisors, and nearly 50 estates produce red, white, and rosé wines. The adventure course offers more than 400 activities across 19 courses, including giant zip lines, quad biking, and freefall jumps.
What are the must-see places?
The Château du Castellet, built in the 12th century, was used to defend the village and guided tours are regularly organized. The motor racing circuit hosts motorcycle, car, and truck competitions with picnic areas set up in the pine forests. The Maison des Vins in the heart of the vineyards offers views of the Gros Cerveau massif and the Mediterranean Sea. Le Castellet Park is one of the largest adventure parks in Europe, with a Kids Club offering inflatable games and go-karts for children aged 3 and up.
Villages and nature in the surrounding area
Le Castellet is close to other charming villages such as La Cadière-d'Azur, also perched on a hill. For beaches and ports, the towns of Bandol, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, and Sanary-sur-Mer are a short drive away. To the west, you can reach La Ciotat and visit the Calanques de Cassis.