Places to See

THE SUNSET CRUISE & PLACES OF INTEREST

Apart from the various organised events on PACHACAID there is ‘THE SUNSET CRUISE’ of the Bay of St-Tropez. It leaves Port-Grimaud in the early evening and visits Marines de Cogolin, Millionaires Bay and St-Tropez. A full commentary in English and during the cruise complimentary drinks (Captains Rum Punch, ice cold beer, red, white or rose wine and soft drink) are served from the bar. On arrival at St-Tropez you have two hours ashore to explore this world famous village, walk along the port, stroll among the painters or admire the yachts. Prices are currently Adults 26 Euros, Children 21 Euros and Children under four 6 Euros. The price includes transport to and from the boat!! See our Agents BELLE VALLEE for more details and to arrange booking.

Alternatively take your car and go to LE LAVANDOU, take a trip in the Seascope, which is an underwater trimaran, the central transparent and deeply submerged hull can seat twenty-four people, discover the extraordinary underwater world. On board this vessel you will see the traditional rocky wildlife of the Mediterranean and the fish swimming alongside the vessel. Viewed from under the water a truly unique experience. The trip lasts for thirty-five minutes. From here you can also take boat trip to the (nudist) ILE DU LEVANT, or the ILE DE PORT CROS, an area of outstanding beauty, and the ILE DE PORQUEROLLES. 

Of course MONACO - MONTE CARLO – and NICE are all well worth a visit. In MONACO visit the Museum, see the exhibition of Jacques Cousteau, visit the Palace and look down over the town and see the Grand Prix Circuit. Maybe a visit to the Casino de Monte Carlo (perhaps break the bank!) or the Jardin Exotique built on the cliffside at the western entry to Monaco, go underground to the Grottes de L'observatoire that has caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. Or go to EZE and visit the Fragonard Perfumerie. Further afield is VENTIMMMIGLIA MARKET in Italy. Purchase the many bargains to be had, especially the ‘leather gear’.

For the anglers visit the LAKE OF ST. CASSIEN just off the Autoroute north of FREJUS. The lake is a paradise for fisherman and swimmers and where one can also indulge in Wind Surfing and Rowing. Many footpaths skirt the Lake. In this particular part of France, there are so many places of interest to see, the hilltop towns of GASSIN and RAMATUELLE, go to ST. TROPEZ, PORT GRIMAUD, BORMES LES MIMOSAS. TOULON is worthy of a visit and boat trips are available around the bay. Scuba Diving is also available at PORT GRIMAUD with 'Cote D'Azur Diving' who run beginners to advanced and speciality courses. Equipment available for hire or take your own but book up before you go. A definite must is the GORGE DU VERDON (Europe's answer to the Grand Canyon). See the breathtaking scenery, it is possible to drive completely around the Gorge, but it is a day's outing. We would suggest taking sandwiches and cans of drink, but it is a must to see. Whilst at the Gorge du Verdon, visit MOUSTIERS ST. MARIE and marvel at the beautiful pottery that can be purchased in the local shops, an excellent souvenir. Go to HYERES see the only working Salt Mine in France. Visit ANTIBES, which has a Marine Park, ST. MAXIME, FREJUS where there is a Safari Park and ST. RAPHAEL. Nearby there is Horse Riding, Golf and various Water Sports. In addition to the above, FISHING TRIPS or perhaps a HELICOPTER FLIGHT from PORT GRIMAUD can be booked. Opposite the Geant Casino is LUNA PARK, a fun-fair, with guaranteed thrills and the possibility of family reduction tickets. Really the choice is never ending. 

Do look at the books that have been provided in the Mobile Home showing places of interest and plan your day accordingly. For more details ask BELLE VALLEE, PACHACAID RECEPTION or any of the Tourist Offices (Syndicat D'Initiative) which can be found in most towns.

Beaches

There are many excellent beaches in the area. For the naturalist try Pampelonne or Tahiti. For those less daring the closest are Canadel and Rayol, both in picturesque sheltered coves. Also try the Cavalaire beaches and those in the St. Maxime direction.

Shopping

For the bulk of your shopping, the cheapest sources of food and drink are the Geant Casino on the St. Tropez road, the Le Clerc in Cogolin or Europa Discount (ED) which is between Le Clerc and the Geant Casino. 

At the Geant Casino there is also a clothing section and selection of shops covering a whole range of goods and services. Incorporated in the 'Casino' complex are two banks with cash point facilities available. 

Fresh fruit is in abundance in the St.Tropez/Cogolin area and can be purchased cheaply from roadside stalls. 

Wine, need we say more! The region is famous for its local wines which can be purchased for a fraction of the cost paid in the U.K. Do visit the Co-operative Vinicole in either Cogolin or Grimaud where bulk purchases can be made. Remember it is not always the most expensive wines that are the best value.