Perched on a hill, the typically Provençal village of La Cadière-d’Azur has preserved its authentic character. When planning your stay, you can choose from several different themes: the village’s fortification history, a botanical trail with views over the Bay of Saint-Cyr-les-Lecques, and experiences centred on the area’s heritage and Bandol wines. This lets you weigh up your interests in culture, landscape and wine and choose a focus for your stay.
Gates and local history
The Porte Mazarine was opened in 1657 in the fortifications of La Cadière-d’Azur. The Porte de Saint-Jean is a gate in these fortifications that leads to the church; the Porte de La Colle is one of the old gates in the fortifications. The three gates offer different historical points of reference: the year is central to the Mazarine, Saint-Jean is defined by its connection to the church, and La Colle belongs to the group of old gates. Those interested in local history will find tangible links here to the period, function and architectural heritage.
In the centre, the Maison du Terroir et du Patrimoine is housed in a restored 16th-century chapel. Its permanent exhibitions focus on the area’s geological and archaeological heritage. A visit therefore combines the history of a historic building with exhibitions about the region’s natural and human traces.
Botanical trail and scenic views
Along the Sentier Forestier et Botanique, visitors can learn about Mediterranean flora, with information panels accompanying the botanical discovery. The trail also offers panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Cyr-les-Lecques. The 17th-century Sainte Croix chapel is also on the route. Anyone looking to bring together natural history, landscape and a historic building in one experience will find a different focus here than in the exhibitions in the village centre.
Seasonal access restrictions may apply to the massif. Check the conditions for your planned visit date before setting out.
Bandol wines and changing exhibitions
During visiting hours, the Maison du Terroir et du Patrimoine offers a playful, olfactory tour exploring the aromas of Bandol wines. This is a sensory way to discover wine, while the permanent exhibitions focus on geological and archaeological heritage. Temporary exhibitions of photographs and paintings are also held regularly. As individual exhibitions run for a limited time, it is worth checking the current dates and visiting hours in advance.
The Domaine de La Bégude offers guided tours of its wine cellar and historic buildings. For wine enthusiasts, these are two different ways to explore the subject: at the Maison, the programme features an olfactory discovery of Bandol aromas; at the Domaine, a guided tour of the wine cellar and historic buildings. You can then choose whether you would rather discover wine through its aromas or in the context of the estate.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Mandrier-Sur-Mer, Bormes-Les-Mimosas, La Motte, Ampus, Montferrat, Tourves, Ramatuelle, Pourcieux.
For the overview of the wider region: Var.
