GUIDE / GASSIN / WHY DON'T YOU..?
”Why don’t you…” was the name of the fashion column that made Diana Vreeland famous. For 25 years, she would make different suggestions under this rubric in Harper’s Bazaar, one more outrageous than the other: "… rinse your blond child's hair in dead champagne to keep it gold, as they do in France” or “… have an elk-hide trunk for the back of your car? Hermes of Paris will make this”, or “… tie black tulle bows on your wrists?”. The suggestions were based in Vreeland’s deep knowledge of fashion and style, but presented in an eccentric and effervescent way, making her ideas seem lavish and over the top. To suggest “why don’t you… go to Gassin instead of to Saint-Tropez” might not have exactly the same ring to it as if Vreeland had proposed it, but it’s close, as most would think it an unexpected and novel idea to not stay in Saint-Tropez or Sainte-Maxime, but rather at their more discrete, inland neighbour.
Gassin is only eight kilometres from Saint-Tropez, but worlds away from its glitz and glam, located in the middle of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. While the latter has a name that is instantly recognizable around the world, Gassin is more anonymous, though no less elegant. Perched on a hilltop in the Maures Mountain-chain, which connects Hyères with Fréjus, the town is located at 200 metres above sea level, with a breath-taking view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It has a place on the list “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, not only because of its ancient beauty and cultural significance, but also for its important flora and fauna, considered to be a particularly vital aspect of French nature.
¨It’s main claim to fame is however the world’s narrowest street, l’Androuno , which measures only 29 centimetres wide (not to be recommend to those suffering from claustrophobia).¨
The Promenade Dei Barrie stretches along the medieval terrace, leading up to several very pleasant restaurants, with most tables placed outside, to benefit from the panoramic views. From Gassin, you can see the nearby towns of La Croix, Valmer, Grimaud, St. Maxime and Les Issambres, while in the other direction, you can see as far as the Îles D’Or and all the way to the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. It’s main claim to fame is however the world’s narrowest street, l’Androuno , which measures only 29 centimetres wide (not to be recommend to those suffering from claustrophobia).
l’Androuno
¨The town is full of winding streets and ancient houses, overflowing with colourful flowers.¨
In all corners of the town, the smell of jasmine fills the air; the town is full of winding streets and ancient houses, overflowing with colourful flowers. The garden L’Hardy-Denonain in the south of the village is officially classified as a “remarkable garden”. The name of the small alleys around the town centre – The Passage of the Watchtower, the door of Saracens the Passage of the Templar Knights – reference its illustrious past and place in French history.
Spending time in Gassin in the summer, one quickly comes to realize that keeping a slow pace is preferable. Though located on a hill, which offers a welcome cooling breeze, it is still rather hot in the Mediterranean sun. The reason the town once was founded, four kilometres from the sea, was however not to enjoy the views, but to escape the many pirates that regularly threatened the towns closer to the seaside (this is the same reason that neighbouring Ramatuelle was founded).
As Gassin is close to many places, but still remote enough not to be overrun by people wanting to visit the French Riviera, it is a perfect base for excursions to the vineyards, beaches and small towns in the area.
To stay
Wonderful views, attentive staff and charming rooms.
Place dei Barri
83580 Gassin
France
+33 4 94 56 17 30
Just outside Gassin, only a few steps from Tahiti beach. The cuisinie is seasonal, simple and genuine.
Route de Tahiti
83350 Ramatuelle
France
+33 4 94 55 97 00
To eat
Restaurant with views, specializing in the Provençale kitchen.
Place dei Barri
83580 Gassin
France
+33 9 67 73 14 01
Traditional restaurant with stylish interiors and charming outdoor terrace.
866 Chemin Vicinal
Chemin de Coste Brigade
83580 Gassin
France
+33 4 94 56 16 23
Lovely restaurant in the centre of town, part of Hôtel Bello Visto.
Place dei Barri
83580 Gassin
France
+33 4 94 56 17 30
To visit
Château Barbeyrolles
Biodynamic vineyard and the inventor of the modern rosé wine.
2065 Route de la Berle
83580 Gassin