Ramatuelle near Saint-Tropez, is the epitome of a Provençal village, with its winding streets, its vaulted passageways and its ancient mansions. A traditional way of life which each year is jostled by the hustle and bustle of the festival and the beaches.

Ramatuelle is perhaps the most typical of a series of Provençal hilltop villages. Built to defend itself against enemies and overlooking the Mediterranean at some distance, it is a town where tiny streets spiral up amongst tightly-packed houses to the proud wrought iron campanile bell tower of the Romanesque church. This picture postcard image attracts tourists and second home owners, some of whom explore the vaulted passageways and browse in seasonal boutiques, while others devote their leisure time to renovating the ancient mansions.

Part of the charm of the village is undoubtedly the fact that it is next to the legendary resort of Saint-Tropez. And that is definitely the reason why a number of artists have chosen to make it their home. The actor Gérard Philippe took up residence there and today rests in its village cemetery. More recently, the actor and director Jean-Claude Brialy created a theatre festival in the village which still enjoys an excellent reputation. Every year it attracts hosts of lovers of contemporary theatre and variety acts to its streets.

Another of the attractions of the village is its beaches, as the commune stretches down to the sea. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Lagon Bleu, Mooréa... these exotic names capture their very essence, and rightly so as they boast expanses of fine sand, a rarity on this part of the coast. In the summer months there’s a lot going on, in an atmosphere enlivened by a number of beach bars with music.