When you think of Provence, you immediately picture olive groves, turquoise seas, the song of cicadas, and… its sun-drenched wines. Here, the vine is an integral part of the landscape. It shapes the hills, marks the rhythm of the seasons, and tells the story of centuries of winemaking expertise. Between Bandol, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Cassis, and La Cadière-d'Azur, wine tourism takes on an authentic, genuine, almost intimate dimension. It's a region where you encounter the winemaker as much as the wine itself.
Bandol: the kingdom of Mourvèdre
It's impossible to talk about wine in Provence without mentioning Bandol. This iconic appellation is the birthplace of Mourvèdre , a sun-loving and structured grape variety that produces full-bodied and profound reds, built for aging. Here, the terraced hills plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean. The wind tempers the heat, the soils are poor, the vines cling to the land: the terroir leaves its mark.
- Reds : intense, spicy, complex.
- Rosé wines : elegant, saline, gastronomic.
- Whites : discreet, but refined.
Some iconic areas not to be missed :
- Domaine Tempier : a historical pillar, producing wines with a strong identity and depth.
- Château de Pibarnon : an estate perched in the hills, sublime panorama and sculptural wines.
- Domaine de la Bégude : wilder, more authentic, on the Cadière plateau.
- Château Pradeaux : the most classic and noble expression of Mourvèdre, with admirable depth and longevity.
If you would like to discover these wines at home, some of these estates are available on Wine Upon A Time – an opportunity to extend your stay in your glass.
La Cadière-d'Azur: vineyards and panoramic views
A typical hilltop village, La Cadière-d'Azur overlooks the vineyards and faces Le Castellet. Stroll through its medieval streets before visiting family-run wineries. Here, wine tourism is first and foremost a conversation: terroir, climate, winemaking choices… Time is of the essence.
Cassis: white facing the sea
Just a few kilometers away, Cassis offers a completely different style: fresh, mineral, saline white wines , perfect with local fish. The vineyards descend to the cliffs of Cap Canaille, providing a spectacular backdrop.
Discover: Clos Sainte Magdeleine, suspended between land and sea.
Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer & La Madrague: the perfect balance
In Saint-Cyr, life is lived between vineyards and the sea. The La Madrague district, with its small port, beaches and trails, is the ideal base for a wine tourism stay: everything is close, everything is done at a gentle pace.
Ideas for wine-themed experiences during a stay:
- Wine tastings in the Bandol vineyards
- Walks on the terraced paths
- Dinner on the terrace with chilled rosé and grilled fish
- Beach day + winery visit in the late afternoon
- Excursion to the Calanques of Cassis
Where to stay to explore Bandol, Cassis and their vineyards?
To fully enjoy this Provençal stay, choose a place where you can hear the waves and where the sea is within sight.
👉 Discover Lei Cigaloun , a charming Art Deco villa on the seafront in La Madrague – Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer .
Carefully renovated, panoramic views, terrace facing the sea, concierge service: the ideal address for a high-end wine tourism stay.
📍 Reservations & information: https://www.leicigaloun.com
