Perched in the hills above the Mediterranean, the little village of Ramatuelle is the yin to St Tropez’s yang. Peaceful and quiet, the village is surrounded by lush countryside and traditional Provençal olive groves, a world away from the bright lights of the seaside resorts. High above the coast, the pretty little cobbled streets of the village wind up the Paillais hill in a circular formation. At the very top you’ll find some of the most breathtaking views on the French Riviera which have made Ramatuelle popular with many artists and painters over the years. Just minutes away from the famous beaches of Pampelonne down on the littoral , Ramatuelle is the ideal place for a leisurely, luxury vacation. Discover the slow-life in Provence and fall under the spell of this magical little village.
The heart of Ramatuelle is the village square, the Place de l’Ormeau with its bistros and twice-weekly market. An 18th Century stone fountain provides mineral water for thirsty locals and visitors but most people prefer to grab a coffee in the Café de l’Ormeau instead. Surrounded by shady olive trees, the Place is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a spot of people watching in the summer months. But it’s on Thursdays and Sundays that the little square really comes into its own when the village market takes over for the day. Enjoy freshly baked croissants from the bakery stall, stock up on charcuterie and cheese for aperitif time or take home a bag bursting with sun-ripened lemons for your G&T, market day is always a special occasion in the French Riviera.
Ramatuelle dates back to Medieval times and you’ll find lots of historical treasures dotted about the narrow streets. Explore the village on foot and check out the stone ramparts, houses dating back to the 15th century, a prison built in the Napoleonic era and much more besides. History buffs will love the 16th century churches with their beautiful stained glass and magnificent works of art. Historically the church towers were used for much more than just worshipping, they also allowed the villagers to spot any pirates or soldiers planning to invade Ramatuelle. Stroll around the ramparts and admire the view of the Mediterranean from high above, these days tho’ there are more superyachts than pirate galleons in the waters below!
The village centre is neat and compact but there are plenty of art galleries and boutiques to check out in the flower-filled streets. Pop into the traditional savonnerie for some sweet-smelling soaps made with locally-grown ingredients to take home as a souvenir of your trip. Or watch skilled craftsmen create beautiful wooden instruments in the village workshop, the true Provençal way of life is definitely alive and well in Ramatuelle. And when it comes to local produce, the vineyards of Ramatuelle produce some of the best wine in the South of France. Visit one of the many domains to taste a delicious glass or two of rosé and discover what the locals have known for years, wine tastes much better in the sunshine!
When it comes to eating out, Ramatuelle has a fantastic selection of restaurants. Pop into the village for a taste of traditional Mediterranean cuisine served with a view in one of the many bistros. Or if you prefer to eat by the water, head down to Pampelonne for lunch and/or dinner on the beach. This is the place for fresher than fresh seafood, indulge yourselves with a family-style platter of delicacies direct from the Mediterranean or order some of the most incredible handmade sushi you’ve ever seen, you’re on holiday after all! As night falls, Pampelonne really comes to life and the beach restaurants become chic clubs with live DJs spinning all the latest music. Dance the night away down by the water’s edge and then head home to the village for some well-deserved peace and quiet in the luxury of your rental villa.
The area around Ramatuelle and St Tropez is full of coastal trails offering everything from a gentle stroll to a proper hike, and all with the same fabulous views of the mountains and the Med below. We highly recommend taking an evening walk around the Taillat peninsula, surrounded by pine trees and the glorious smell of jasmine you’ll more than work up an appetite for dinner back at your villa. And of course the beaches are not just for dining out. Sports enthusiasts will love all the exciting water sports on offer in Ramatuelle where anything goes from diving to hoverboarding. Charter a yacht and sail around the bay of St Tropez, strap on a snorkel and take a peek under the surface of the Mediterranean or kayak around the Cap Taillat nature reserve for a fun day out. And of course if you prefer your time at the beach to be a little more relaxing, the chic beach clubs all along Pampelonne plage are just the thing. Reserve one of the Ibiza-style daybeds and top up your tan with the occasional dip in the sea to cool off, this is what holidays in the South of France are all about.
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