St Cezaire really is a breath of fresh air. The idyllic scenery, traditional French markets and exquisite dishes on offer are all part of what makes St Cezaire so magical. In this small, yet budding, traditional French village, stunning landscapes and panoramic views surround you.
Every Tuesday and Saturday a market can be enjoyed- a chance to experience unique flavours and a true sense of history which can be found in shopping from open stalls in the confines of the village. My first thought as I walk through the peaceful, provincial village is just how lovely it is. This tranquil place is just under an hour away from St Tropez, yet there is none of the crowding that you see there. This beautiful; French village, based high in the mountains, dates back to Roman times- you can still see wash rooms used then and the church dates back many centuries. The village, although small, contains two cafes and a local-run restaurant which does excellent traditional French dishes(I recommend the soup au pesto!), no less than three bakeries and a butchers. A local school is nearby, too.
In addition, there are the famous local Grottos de St Cezaire. Going to these caves is a unique experience and not to be missed if you are in the area. Visiting these caves has been described ‘like journeying to the centre of the earth’! Also close is Cannes, a seaside town with many white beaches and shops to be enjoyed. But that is not all St Cezaire has to offer. Its history gives it a feeling of authenticity. Once owned by the Italians, the town has never quite left their history behind and still uses Italian words in the ‘provincial’ dialect.
In my short stay(sadly!) at St Cezaire, compliments go to the weather. The locals assure me that in the summer it often wont rain for months on end. Lots to look forward to, then. Rest assured, if you come to St Cezaire you will not run out of things to do; anything from chilling in a cafe watching the local bustle around you; or simply visiting the local church. With so much on offer here, and such a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming so popular so quickly.
Alexandra De Stanford Wallitt
