La Cadière d'Azur

Discover the medieval village of La Cadière d'Azur in the Var

Perched on the edge of its cliff, on a hill opposite the village of Castellet, this small medieval village benefits from a panorama that goes right to the shores of the Mediterranean. It is surrounded by pine forests and overlooks the renowned and famous Bandol (AOC) vineyard.

A charming Provencal village

La Cadiere has the charm of those Provencal villages that have retained their authentic identity with its small flower-filled streets steeped in history. Between its colourful lively streets and alleyways, the place Jean Jaurès is brightened up by the indispensable shops: the grocer's, the new fishmonger's, the pork butcher's, and among the other café restaurants, the famous and typical "Cercle des Travailleurs" (Worker's club) reserved for members only, (a laisser-passer is still required!) There is no doubt about it, this is the place to meet.

Whether leaning on the counter or sitting outside at a table, from generation to generation, you find the same customs, the same children's shouts and games that enliven the streets. They call, tease and shout at each other. The older inhabitants are seated on a wood and iron bench, their canes firmly in their hands and their heads full of memories. And unchangeably, like a reflex, everyone, young and old, sooner or later glances up at the iron clock that has been telling the time and overlooking the village since 1551.

The city walls and gates

In relation to its heritage, La Cadiere has preserved some traces of its past. The remains of the old village's ramparts have three majestic gateways, Saint Jean's gateway in the centre, the Mazzarine gateway to the east, and the Colle gateway to the west. Beside the town hall, with its permanently flower-filled balconies, is Saint Jean's gateway dating from the 16th century. Its wooden doors spiked with enormous nails are still in place today.

The narrow streets around Saint-André church

Visitors can wander around in the warm, increasingly narrow lanes, whose stairs intertwine with the houses inside the rampart walls. The climb up to the church of Saint André, even closer to heaven, is effortless. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century on the ruins of a 12th century church. Its bell tower possesses the oldest dated bell in the Var region: 1458.

The Sainte Magdeleine chapel

Via the Rue de l'Hopital you will see the chapel of Sainte Magdeleine, a stonework edifice erected on the ruins of a feudal chateau. There, on the square, is the orientation table in stone and ceramic representing the village and its surrounding area. It is the work of Anne Marie Surlier the village potter.

Walks in the Bandol vineyards

There are superb walks in the area around the village. Setting out from the Colle gateway, (meaning hill in Provencal) you will be able to follow olive tree lined paths, that run through the famous AOC Bandol vineyards.

A host of arts and crafts shops

Today, while La Cadiere's main economic resource is wine growing, craftwork has an important place in the dynamism of the village. Whether they are potters, weavers, dressmakers or painters, the craftsmen at La Cadiere are in fact all... women. All of them are inspired by the same bright Mediterranean landscape, though each one of them produces very personal work that you will be able to admire in their shops/workshops. Once you come here, you also will understand why this village has inspired so many famous painters and artists with a passion for the moods and the landscapes of Provence. All of that without overbearing crowds and without having been spoiled by uncontrolled tourism

Beaches nearby

The beaches are all within easy reach of the village of La Cadière. Head for Saint Cyr sur mer or Bandol to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. You can easily stay in La Cadière d'Azur and get to the beach in just a few minutes.

The market

La Cadière's Provencal market takes place every Thursday morning on the Place Jean Jaurès (see our map). It's a friendly market, ideal for discovering Var specialities and stocking up on local fruit and vegetables.

Our map of La Cadière d'Azur (postcode 83740)

To find your way around La Cadière d'Azur, you can use our interactive map of the village, which you'll find on this page. We've included all the places of interest in the village as well as our accommodation recommendations. This will help you locate them before you book your holiday in La Cadière d'Azur.

Our photos

Our team has taken many photos of this pretty Var village. You'll find them at the bottom of this page in a slideshow. We hope they will inspire you to discover La Cadière d'Azur!