Hotel near the A8 motorway
In the heart of Provence Verte, the Bastide Saint Julien boasts an unrivalled setting and a prime location. Between Aix-en-Provence, Nice and Marseille, the residence is easily accessible by car (A8 motorway 10 minutes away), train (SNCF TGV station) or plane (Marseille Airport 1 hour away).
Getting here
The Bastide Saint Julien is your "wellbeing and luxury" stopover on the roads of Provence that take you through charming villages to remarkable historic sites. It is the perfect destination to experience the Provençal "art de vivre” and recharge your batteries.
Bastide Saint Julien in La Celle in the Var
Nearby towns
The region's tourist attractions
As a new day dawns at the Bastide Saint Julien, a whole host of surprises await you. Wander through the narrow streets of the villages of Provence Verte, explore the Sainte-Baume Nature Reserve, discover Aix-en-Provence, the city of a thousand fountains, and why not take a day trip to the calanques of Marseille or the port of Saint-Tropez? Whether you're a nature lover, a keen walker or a white-water thrill-seeker, there's something to suit all tastes and ages.
Natural sites
Verdon Gorges
Situated to the north of Provence Verte, this is the largest canyon in Europe.
In summer, it is the ideal place for the whole family to take a dip in its cool springs or to experience the thrills of white-water rafting, including canyoning, hydrospeed, canoeing, electric boats, and more.
Sainte-Victoire
massif
Stretching from Aix-en-Provence to Pourrières, the Sainte-Victoire massif links the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône regions.
Renowned for having been a true source of inspiration for Cézanne, who immortalised it in over 80 paintings, this site has been awarded the Grand Site de France label.
With around 250km of approved footpaths for all levels, it is the perfect destination for hiking and walking enthusiasts.
Sainte-Baume massif
A major pilgrimage site, the Sainte-Baume is an unmissable destination for hikers.
Many of them set off from the hostelry, still run by the Dominican sisters and brothers, to reach the crests. At the foot of the massif, there is also a pathway that has been designated a Var Tourism and Disability trail.
Vallon Sourn
For those who love to picnic and swim in cool waters, the Vallon Sourn is a protected site offering a whole host of activities.
Some of its beaches are only accessible by canoe, while the left bank between Correns and Châteauvert is open to rock-climbers. There are also climbing schools offering beginners’ and advanced courses.
Historical sites
Basilica of Saint-Maximin
Take a stroll through the town centre of Saint-Maximin to visit its basilica, the most striking Gothic-style religious building in Provence, which is said to house the relics of Mary Magdalene.
Begun in 1295 on the orders of Charles II, King of France, the work was finally completed in 1532.
Thoronet Abbey
Listed as a Historic Monument, the Thoronet Abbey is one of three Cistercian abbeys in Provence.
A real marvel to be discovered while on a walk away from it all.
Cotignac and its rock
Take the time to visit the village of Cotignac and its impressive tuff limestone cliff, known locally as Le Rocher.
80 metres high and 400 metres wide, this rock bears witness to the existence of troglodyte dwellings, which can still be visited today. Cotignac is also home to a host of artisans and artists whose work you can enjoy as you wander through the village's charming narrow streets.
Centre-Var tourist train
Between Carnoules and Brignoles, admire the landscapes of Provence as they unfold to the rolling rhythm of the 1960s railcar.
An hour and a half of pure discovery with commentary provided by true enthusiasts, followed by a visit to the Cité des Comtes de Provence.
Villages of note
You'll delight in wandering through these villages’ shady cobbled streets to discover their little hidden squares, cooling off around their many fountains and taking the time to admire the effects of the sun on the facades of their houses.
It is the simple pleasures in life...
