Le Castellet is a medieval village perched high above autoroute A50, and about 45 minutes north of Aix-en-Provence. We visit this beautiful town often, not only for it’s proximity to the vineyards of Bandol but also because it’s an undeniably “picture-perfect” Provençal village.
Many a Frenchman (& woman) rave about this enchanting spot, and this usually sleepy hill-town is packed during the summer months – French tourists, English expats, and even the odd Royal Caribbean cruise-group make the wobbly ascent up its narrow village roads. We’ve witnessed a few of the tour-bus maneuvers…not for the faint of heart.
And one of the things that keeps the crowds coming back is the number of chic boutiques, art galleries, & Provençal shops that line its streets.
One of my favorite shops is Le Comptoir des Lavandes. Although I’ll confess I’d love to blow a week’s salary on their purple-treasures, I can’t help but leave with at least a few soaps or a lavender sache.
And have I mentioned yet that this place smells incredible? Talk about soothing. The owner has also done a great job with the outside displays; creating quite the illusion of the lavender-filled Provence we all dream of… Well, at least me & the dozen or so tourists with our faces pressed to the windows.
I’ll be writing more about Le Castellet in future posts & also about one of its other not-so-hidden treasures: a delicious crêperie taken straight off the shores of Brittany. A très bientôt!
Le Comptoir des Lavandes 5 Rue de l’Eglise 83330 Le Castellet
Belle Provence Travels 
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