Ramatuelle covers the top of the hill and its pleasant narrow streets meander around the town in a circular pattern. Near the top is the Place Gabriel Peri, formerly called ‘Castle Square’ because it held the seigniorial home of the Seigneurs of Audibert.

The main historic sight in Ramatuelle is the Church of Notre Dame which was built in the 16th century against the protective ramparts. Its bell-tower doubled up as a look-out post.

Also in Ramatuelle is a rather intriguing prison. It is tiny and built in a distinctly Arabian style. It was built by Napoleon III but many believed it was really a Turkish bath built by the Saracens.

Really though it is not these individual monuments but the whole ensemble of Ramatuelle that is the reason to visit the village. You will discover narrow shady streets, the stone buildings covered in bougainvillea and the stone gateways that once formed part of the town’s defences.

Ramatuelle’s main square, just outside the stone entrance gateway, is the Place de l’ormeau (Elm Square) and here are a few bars and restaurants where you can stop for refreshments.

The village generally is known as an arts and crafts centre and there are a number of little galleries to visit as you wander round.