The village of Ramatuelle, built on a foothill of the hill of Paillas, in a snail-like configuration, overlooks the famous bay of Pampelonne, from Cape Pinet to Cape Camarat, and the agricultural plain dotted with vineyards. Numerous craftsmen have taken up residence in the narrow streets that start from the Place de l'Ormeau, where an olive tree has stood since 1983 Gérard Philipe lived here and is buried in the small village cemetery The cultural life is particularly rich here in summer with three festivals, of classical music, theater, variety and jazz.
Farniente and swimming on the program
The beach of Ramatuelle, the one that made its seaside fame, is undoubtedly Pampelonne. With its 4.5 km of white sand, it is classified as a "remarkable natural area". Attracting each year its share of French and international tourists, it has seen the development over the years of infrastructure for reception and accessibility. Today, it counts about twenty private establishments, and is equipped with tiralos for the customers with reduced mobility (available at the first aid post of the boulevard Patch). The practice of naturism is authorized there on two portions of beach, and one will find on the spot a vast panel of nautical activities such as the kayak, the jet-ski or the water skiing.
Less known to the general public, the cove of Bonne Terrasse was the stronghold of the fishermen of Ramatuelle. Located at the southern end of the beach of Pampelonne, it is characterized by a sandy strip in an arc of 150 m. Access is by stairs (about 10 minutes from the parking lot) and it is not supervised.
Between Cap Camarat and Cap Taillat, the family beach of l'Escalet stretches for about 350 meters. It will delight snorkeling enthusiasts: mask and snorkel are essential to discover the sea bed. You prefer to stay on the surface? Opt for kayaking instead!
If you love small creeks and secret coves, take the coastal path. From the Escalet beach to the Cap Taillat, there is a succession of small magical nooks and crannies just waiting to be admired (and respected!). Smart advice: go there in the morning to play Crusoe! Let's remember the Douane beach at the foot of Cape Taillat: white sand and superb panorama.
Some visits and legendary flavors
After a few good sessions of sunbathing and swimming, you will have to go and have a look at the mills of Paillas. Of the five mills used until the 19th century, only one remains today.
Then, let's go to the Notre-Dame church. Adorned with a serpentine portal, it was built in the 16th century. Initially leaning against the old ramparts, its bell tower was probably originally a fortified element of the medieval enclosure. Inside, you can admire gilded wooden statues and two altarpieces from the 17th century.
Then, you should not miss the lighthouse of Cape Camarat. 130 meters high and built in 1831, it offers, from the coastal path (access on the left of the lighthouse), an exceptional 360 degree panorama, which allows you to discover the whole bay of Saint-Tropez, the capes Lardier and Taillat, the islands of Levant and Port-Cros. Not to be missed!
A getaway in the Var is also the opportunity to enjoy a mythical gastronomy. Here, one does not know where to turn in front of the Provençal plates containing a myriad of flavors and scents. Sight, smell, taste, all our senses are awake. Fruits and vegetables bursting with sunshine, aromatic herbs, oils and olives in profusion, game and fish, the Var region is magical and a joy for the local chefs when it comes to preparing their menu. A simple lamb mouse with rosemary accompanied by eggplant papeton and a Provencal tomato is a real treat for the most demanding of diners, so what about tians, panisses, barigoules, daubes, pieds et paquets, supions, bouillabaisses, aïolis, tapenades and other spreads? As if all this were not enough, the nobility of the wine region from the southern Rhone to the hillsides of Aix enlivens every meal. So, bon appétit!
Long live jazz!
Finally, coming to Ramatuelle in August is an opportunity to attend its famous jazz festival. The passion for jazz aperitifs of the village letter carrier, Denis Antoine, has indeed been transformed little by little into a festival, with the help of Guy Lafitte, to become Jazz à Ramatuelle. Since 1985, the greatest jazz artists, from the most classical to the most modern, have performed at the Théâtre de Verdure. This year, it is from August 16 to 20 that you can applaud those who have marked the recent history of this music. Get your diaries out!
Smart info
When is the event held? All year round, of course. To attend the 2022 edition of Jazz à Ramatuelle, go to the Théâtre de Verdure from August 16 to 20, 2022
How to get there. By plane (Toulon airport), by train, by bus or by car, everything is possible
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COMITÉ DÉPARTEMENTAL DE TOURISME DU VAR - More information on the website
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JAZZ IN RAMATUELLE - More information on the website
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