Le Castellet: the three best viewpoints of the medieval town

First things first. If you're lucky enough to visit Le Castellet, we recommend parking at the very first parking lot you see on your left, at the foot of the village. This will enable you to climb the cobbled streets of the village along the montée Saint-Éloi. In addition to the undeniable Provencal charm of the flower-decked houses, you'll gradually gain height. And even if you can't wait to get to the top, take a look back.

Gradually, the horizon opens up and the landscape takes shape. Behind the trees, you'll be able to admire the territory's first relief. A mix of vineyards, paths and typical houses scattered here and there. It's here that our hearts begin to beat, and it's here that we recommend you stop to capture the moment and the beautiful panorama.

Here's the pearl everyone's looking for: the view from the Trou de Madame. Located a stone's throw from the 12th-century church, just past the Place du Champ de Bataille, now home to the town hall, you'll see an opening. A breakthrough in the ramparts of the fortified village, with a panorama as far as the eye can see. To get there, go through the small stone gate and down the two adjoining steps. Before you, the show begins. Fields of vines stretch for miles, the hills add a hilly touch to the landscape, and the Sainte-Baume mountain peeks out. The great thing about this view is that, whatever the season, it's always charming!

In addition to its beauty, the Trou de Madame has an equally romantic legend. It's said that the place was given this name because it was from here that the ladies would watch for the return of their valiant knights. When love meets history, the result is an unmissable viewpoint and our second favorite spot in the charming village of Le Castellet.

The last of our favorite viewpoints in Le Castellet is the Place de l'Ormeau. And it's in the heart of the medieval town that we invite you to meet us. It's here, just past Rue de la Poste, that you can contemplate both the hinterland and the coastline, both the fields and the sea. To do so, head to the far end of the square, where the fences overlook the horizon. From here, you'll have a breathtaking view from the hills of Saint-Cyr-sur-mer to the Bec de l'aigle in La Ciotat.

Don't forget to enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the village. The stone houses decorated with greenery of all kinds, the little stalls of bars and bistros that welcome you for refreshment and, of course, the little improvised benches in the shade of a mulberry tree... This ancient city calls for disconnection. So take a few breaks from the hectic pace of your visits to breathe in the historic atmosphere.

In this article, we've suggested three breathtaking viewpoints from Le Castellet. But if you fancy a more comprehensive view of this medieval town, head for neighboring La Cadière d'Azur. From this typical Provencal village, you can contemplate the ramparts in all their splendor. An even more beautiful option if you're lucky enough to get there at the end of the day, when the glow of the sunset grazes the old stones of Le Castellet, producing colors that are simply incredible!