Where?

Ramatuelle, France

Why now?

Overlooking Provence’s rolling lavender fields and endless
striped vineyards, Ramatuelle is small French village masked by
tall medieval walls. Built to defend itself against enemies,
Ramatuelle’s high position, thick ramparts and mighty watchtowers
were enough to deter pirates who once looted and terrorised the
villages along the French Riviera.

A place of Tropezian legend, wander through the circular,
labyrinthine streets seeking out historical jewels on every corner.
Stop by the 16th-century Church of Notre Dame, filled with gilded
statues and an ancient watchtower or visit the crumbling, disused
prison, built in an unusual Arabian style by Napoleon III.

Continue down narrow, shady streets, admiring stone gateways and
charming buildings covered in tumbling bougainvillea, until you
arrive at the tree-studded central square. The smell of freshly
baked croissants and strong coffee will lure you into a quaint
bistros or cafés, where you can sit and watch the sun rise above
houses decked with jasmine, honeysuckle and – naturally – lavender.
People watch to your heart’s content.

Don’t miss…

One of the Côte d’Azur’s biggest draws is its beaches. Head to
Pampelonne, just below Ramatuelle, for a lazy day trip spent
bathing on the gold-coloured sand or taking to the waves for a dip
in the Mediterranean. Rent a car and drive inland to explore other
neighbouring villages. Perched on a rock, Gassin has double the
appeal thanks to jaw-dropping views across the bay on one side and
rolling hills flecked with windmills on the other. Stop for lunch
on the Promenade Dei Bari for poetry-inducing vistas and A-grade
French cuisine.

Who to take with you

A number of small art galleries are dotted around Ramatuelle.
Choose a companion who fancies their hand at arts and crafts – join
a workshop or pick up local wares at the craft markets held twice
weekly in the village square.

When to go

During the
summer, several events and festivals liven up the village’s
sleepy streets. Come in July
for the Temps Musicaux and the Theatre and Variety. Jazz fans
should coordinate their trip in line with Ramatuelle’s Jazz music
festival, held in August.

Where to stay

Surrounded by nothing but olive groves and lavender fields, book
a room at La Réserve Ramatuelle for a
quintessentially provincial stay. With twelve private villages,
manicured garden and the renowned Crème de la Mer spa, you’ll never
want to leave.

Most likely to bump into…

Despite oozing a rural ambience, Ramatuelle’s proximity to

St Tropez and Sainte-Maxime means celebrity spotting is not
unlikely. A-listers looking for a quiet escape on the Côte d’Azur,
away from the bustling crowds of French Riviera hotspots, are among
the usual suspects.

Essentials to bring with you

These Cult Gaia Kaia leather sandals
scream Provencal-chic with their neutral shade, square toe and
elegant ruched strap.

How to get there

Fly into Nice
Airport, only an hour and a half drive from tranquil
Ramatuelle.