All the Colors of Provence in Bandol

Nature

Especially known for its wines and its coastline, Bandol is a charming little town where good living is combined with a superb natural landscape.

By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - July 30, 2011

Seated at a table outside a café on the harbor, a glass of wine in hand and a few snacks in reach, we go back over the day’s adventures. Arriving in the morning, we took in the view from the surrounding hills of the immense bay of Bandol and its clear, sparkling water. Then we rush to the beach at Rènecros. A quick dip in the cool seawater gives us a dose of energy for roaming the alleys of the little vegetable market on the

church square where tomatoes, peppers and eggplants flaunt their colors and whet our appetite. A quiet stroll in Old Bandol brings us to the port. After buying our tickets, we find ourselves on board a water suttle on our way to Bendor Island. This 17 acre islet rock was bought by Paul Ricard in the 50's and entirely renovated according to the tastes of the King of Pastis. The island includes a hamlet with a fishing port, shops, a restaurants and a bar. For us, it’ll be pizza and the grill, before a maiden

deep-sea dive with the club set up on the island. Right in front of our masks, we have the octopus, grouper and other fish all to ourselves. We return to the mainland by boat. Drunk on the sun and the sea air, we lean against the rail and let our eyes wander towards Bandol. We take in the hills towering over the bay, where French stars, Fernandel, Mistinguett, Raimu and Henri Salvador spent their summers in peace. Beyond is the hinterland with the villages La Cadière d’Azur and Castellet, choice destinations for those wishing to discover the most beautiful wineries of the Bandol Controlled Designation of Origin certificate. A great schedule for tomorrow!

Discover

Office du tourisme de Bandol
Allée Alfred Vivien
83150 Bandol
Tél. 04 94 29 41 35
www.bandol.fr

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