The French Grand Prix is an exhilarating experience that allows you to witness luxury cars at their greatest speeds. With luxurious places to stay, delightful gourmet food to taste and picturesque views to take in, traveling to the French Grand Prix is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Southern France.
Where Is the French Grand Prix?
The French Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet in Southern France. Le Castellet is a village on top of a hill that overlooks the countryside. This fascinating medieval village features cobblestone streets, gorgeous restored houses and ancient remains. When you are not watching the exhilarating Grand Prix, you can stroll along Le Castellet’s winding streets to shop for arts or dine alfresco at a charming cafe.
Traveling to Castellet, France
If you plan to attend the French Grand Prix, there are a few ways you can reach the Paul Ricard race track. The Le Castellet Airport is private, but you can fly into it if you own a private jet. If you need to reach the French Grand Prix city via an international flight, you can book a flight to the Marseille Provence Airport, the Toulon Hyères Airport or the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Once you reach one of these cities, you can then make your way to the race track via train or car.
Fantastic Places to Stay
Circuit Paul Ricard is in a rural location with few accommodation options, but you can find incredible places to stay in nearby cities such as Marseille, Toulon and Bandol.
Marseille
The Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port is a five-star hotel that offers a luxurious stay near the beach and port. Enjoy gorgeous views on a terrace overlooking the Old Port, and indulge in a relaxing visit to the Sofitel Spa. The hotel’s two restaurants offer delectable Mediterranean and French cuisine served on the terrace so you can dine alfresco.
La Petit Nice Passedat is a luxury hotel facing the Mediterranean with gorgeous ocean views. The hotel’s star chef, Gerald Passedat, serves gourmet dishes based on culinary traditions of Mediterranean cuisine. Dine on a terrace with panoramic ocean views and relaxing sea air at 19-17. Enjoy a full sensory experience by visiting the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool, enjoying a cocktail on the water or trying a delectable gourmet dish.
The InterContinental Hotel Marseille-Hotel Dieu is a sophisticated five-star hotel in the historic Panier district. Enjoy Mediterranean dishes on the terrace while marveling at the Notre Dame cathedral. At this hotel, you can also indulge in some luxurious relaxation at the Spa by Clarins or work out in the hotel’s fitness room. With a short walk, you can stroll along the Vieux-Port to see the boats lining the dock.
Toulon
The Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, and it’s a historic luxury hotel that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. When you stay at this fine hotel, you can enjoy direct beach access as well as waterside entertainment and dining on the Promenade Jean Charcot.
Enjoy a delicious dinner from one of three restaurants in the hotel, and then take advantage of the hotel’s full-service spa offering a sauna, tranquil pools and a sun terrace.
Stay at OKKO Hotels Toulon Center to easily explore the city and marvel at the beautiful sights it has to offer. The hotel is a historic building with incredible 20th-century architecture. Book a stay in a gorgeous, elegant room and enjoy gourmet breakfasts each morning and delectable dinners every evening.
Bandol
If you prefer a more intimate setting and wish to escape the crowds, the Splendid Hotel in Bandol offers a delightful stay in a picturesque location. Each room and suite offers a gorgeous view of the sea, and each morning you can indulge in a delicious breakfast including fresh fruits and local products.
Stay at the Hotel Resort Le Fregate Provence to enjoy the Bandol Vineyard and one of France’s most beautiful golf resorts. Take a relaxing swim in any of the hotel’s five swimming pools or take in views of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants to indulge in local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.
Incredible Things to Do
Castellet, France, is near exciting, relaxing and fascinating things to do and see. Whether you appreciate history, fine dining, picturesque villages or relaxing days on the beach, there are plenty of places to explore near Castellet.
Explore Marseille’s History and Dining
Visit Marseille to enjoy delectable food and fascinating history. Stroll along Marseille’s cobbled streets to experience the wonder and charm of this historic port city that dates back to 600 BC. Learn more about the city’s past at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations or the Marseille History Museum.
Enjoy an alfresco dinner on the narrow, colorful streets of Marseille’s historic district, Le Panier, which translates to “Old Town.” This delightful district was originally discovered by Greek settlers, and today it hosts a wide variety of designers, shops and art studios. Explore remarkable street art around every corner along with a wide variety of cultural sites throughout the district. Marseille is also home to some of France’s best restaurants, cafes and bars.
Ride a Cable Car in Toulon
In Toulon, you can ride to the top of Le Mont Feron in a cable car to witness incredible views of the picturesque city. Reach the top of the mountain in less than six minutes and then take in panoramic views of the sea and the city’s incredible architecture below. After your breathtaking adventure, you can enjoy some Mediterranean cuisine at one of Toulon’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Relax on a Beach
The Le Castellet race track is near a wide variety of beaches. Enjoy an excursion on a luxury yacht or enjoy some wine by the ocean. Whether you enjoy swimming, reading by the sea or simply taking in gorgeous views, there are plenty of places to enjoy France’s coastlines near Castellet.
Travel With Peace of Mind With an ARREVA Advantage Membership
Attending the French Grand Prix and exploring all that Southern France has to offer is an unforgettable experience. Travel with peace of mind when you become an ARREVA Advantage member and take advantage of insurance benefits, travel assistance and medical assistance.
Alternatively, if you are not an ARREVA Advantage member, REVA provides emergency medical evacuation in the event that you become ill or injured while traveling overseas. Our expert flight and air ambulance teams provide compassionate medical care while transporting you to the nearest hospital or your home country. Contact us to learn more about our member travel benefits and emergency travel assistance.