Place of the Month
Sainte-Maxime |
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Along the coast line of southern Provence, or generally known as the Côte d'Azur, you find a string of sea resorts. From Menton to Marseille, You find a resort to your specific liking. Looking for an upscale and mondaine resort? Try Cannes. Prefer a more secluded and intimate creek sans boulevard or beach boutique? Head for one of the creeks along the Corniche des Maures, such as the little gem of Le Rayol. However, in summer there is no distinction between small or large; it's just crowded everywhere. In the Var, Sainte-Maxime (see map) is a pleasant example of a resort with a lively town, a busy marina and a string of fine beaches.
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Sainte-Maxime's history dates back to the early Middle Ages and a monastery with its name that has now disappeared. There are very few signs in town of an early history, though close to the port the Tour Carrée des Dames stands prominently. It was constructed as a defensive tower in the late Middle Ages by the monks of the islands of Lérins. Now, it functions as the museum of local tradition and history. |
The emphasis in this town is on today: today's sun, today's fun and perhaps more of that tomorrow. Visitors jam the roads, fill the parking lots to the last place and flock to the beaches. During sun breaks, they stroll along the many beach and sun-themed shops or flop down in one of the sidewalk cafés along the boulevard. Others venture into the older part of town which has been nicely renovated and spruced up with boutiques filled with Provencal goodies and a large choice of restaurants. The narrow, winding streets and alleys are a great way to cool off the summer heat. |
For me, the main attraction in Sainte-Maxime is the covered market that opens daily (8 am - 1 pm and 4 - 8 pm) in summer and only mornings (except Monday) in winter. There you find excellent quality in local produce and products, fishmongers, bakers and flower shops. On Thursday morining there is also an open-air market.
Sainte-Maxime is for holiday lovers who are not afraid of crowds and jam-packed roads in the summer months. For a little respite and quiet, the Maures mountains are just behind the town, protecting it from the strong Mistral and offering kilometers of trails for walking, biking or horseback riding.
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