Seniors Discover La Celle, France

Pour yourself some coffee and come with me to a quiet, peaceful French village in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The principle reason I came across this neat little town is due to a well known Hostellerie called the Abbaye de la Celle. It is big time and rates four stars.

If you are searching for a quite little village for a peaceful visit, this is it. Senior travelers will find La Celle France  just southeast of the city of Brignoles. It’s backed by high forested hills to the southwest, and a rocky peak that is called “La Lube”.

Most of the houses of the old village are stretched out in a line along a low ridge. The center of the village is pretty much dominated by the ancient Abbaye de la Celle. This senior would want to have a Pastis (an anise-flavored spirit) or two with my wife at the Café du Midi on the square. Le Midi is what the French call southern France.

 Seniors Enjoy Provençal

Over the years La Celle has managed to keep its typical Provençal feeling with its shaded village square, the old village wash house, the bubbling fountains, the game of French bowling called pétanque, and the ancient streets and houses. The river Caramy crosses straight through the village giving a pleasant atmosphere of freshness and greenery.

La Celle is agricultural, and in particular, a viticultural community. The red wines and the rosés (Var) are very fruity and well appreciated. Try them all. These wines, along with the Couvent Royal, a 12th century Benedictine Abby mentioned above, are the pride of the people from La Celle.

Be sure to take in the romanesque church at the abby, the Chapelle Necropole de la Gayolle. Senior visitors can enjoy evening concerts in the chapel of the abby in the summer months. Senior bikers can also enjoy seeing this part of the country on their bikes.

Additional neighboring villages include Camps la Source (10 km), Forcalqueiret (10 km) and Tourves (10 km).

The Abbaye de La Celle is the major draw here. Spend a few days just soaking up the sun in La Provence and enjoy the many amenities the village and the area has to offer. -jeb