Grand Prix Hotel & Restaurant

Lost in the resplendent countryside that stretched out before me, I didn’t notice that we had arrived at our destination! The Grand Prix Hotel & Restaurant, by the quiet, tranquil and sleepy village of Le Castellet. I was looking forward to a holiday of good food, peace, relaxation and cultural visits. Just 20km from the beach, this boutique hotel is found in the west of the Var region, just next to Bouches du Rhone. This place was the perfect relaxing escape to the countryside.

Warmly welcomed by the staff, we happily skipped to our room, small suitcases rolling speedily behind us. Our room was fairly spacious and luxuriously modern, dark wooden flooring and beige walls welcomed us in with a feeling of indulgence and yet, serenity. Whilst my husband emptied out our suitcases into the contemporary furnishings, I went to refresh in our Italian shower and sleek bathroom. After our little pause we decided to take a car ride at dusk, a stunning way to marvel at the French countryside before an evening meal at the hotel’s restaurant.

Le Pitlane is elegant and sophisticated, a lovely place to spend the evening savouring succulent Provençal food. Around the room are photos of races and cars alluding to the hotel’s name, and nearby racing track “Circuit Paul Ricard”. The menu features an array of creamy soups, smooth terrines, melt-in-your-mouth steaks and irresistible desserts. Accompanied by the delicious taste and aroma of our French red wine, the evening seemed to continue for a delightful infinity. To finish off we stepped out onto the terrace to gaze at the stars that were twinkling in the clear countryside sky. What a perfect evening!

The comfortable and large bed provided us with all the sleep we needed to be refreshed for the next day. We awoke to an invigorating buffet breakfast before going out to race go-kart style at the Circuit Paul Ricard. Little did we know how tiring racing could be and in order to relax our arms and oblique muscles, and release them from tension, we returned to the hotel to take advantage of the hammam. Renewed and refreshed we took an afternoon trip to the Le Castellet village before returning to the hotel’s bar and unwinding with a finely tuned evening cocktail. We imagined coming back here when it would be full-blown summer, taking a dip in the large pool, sunbathing and soaking in the Californian bath.

Over dinner that evening we contemplated what the rest of our time here held for us, after a jovial morning of go-karting we were looking for some other rather more tranquil activities. There is a wealth of vineyards in this area so we were planning on a few visits and maybe even some indulgent wine tasting sessions. What we did know however, is that we would take this time to fully unwind and breathe in the airs of the verdant country. France and its flavours never cease to amaze me; its visual flavours, taste, smells and general atmosphere that surrounded us provided us with exactly the environment in which we flourish.