What’s on in Sainte-Maxime this November

28 October 2015

Attend Wine-Tasting & Watch Rally Racing during a Luxury Break in the Côte d'Azur

With seasonal highs of 17C, the South of France is an ideal destination for a warming-winter break along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. However, with a whole host of glamorous events lined-up during November, its sun-soaked weather isn’t the only attraction. Located a mere 10 minute drive from Amarante Golf Plaza, the picturesque town of Sainte-Maxime will be offering the chance to join in a delicious French tradition involving wine-tasting… and join crowds of thrill-seeking spectators for the 61st Rallye du Var. Start planning your November getaway to the Côte d'Azur now using our guide to these two unmissable events.

Beaujolais Nouveau

19th November 2015

It’s (almost) Beaujolais Nouveau time! On the third Thursday of November, bars across France will fill with wine fans raising a glass to newly harvested wine; an annual tradition that’s now spread across the world. Connoisseurs and the simply curious will gather at festivals and exclusive launch events to be the first to sample the fruity taste of Beaujolais Nouveau after it’s officially released for consumption at 12:01am. Within weeks of production, the first of these vintage wines will not only cause quite a stir in France, but make waves as far as Asia and the United States, where millions of bottles will be shipped for the occasion.

The media hype around this red wine began with a race to get bottles to Paris, which spread to the rest of France during the 1970s and then onto international destinations. However interest goes back as far as the 19th century, when the arrival of this wine in Lyon was seen as the sign of another successful harvest. The wine itself is made from Gamay grapes, which are produced in the Beaujolais region and harvested in late August or early September, before being fermented for only a few days. These techniques result in a lack of tannin and lead to the lightest and fruitiest of all the Beaujolais wines. These characteristics fade within a year or so, meaning the earlier it’s drunk, the better, and unlike most reds, it’s recommended to be served slightly chilled.

Around 120 Beaujolais Nouveau festivals are planned for 2015 in the Beaujolais region alone, some with music and fireworks. The nearest celebration to our French Riviera spa resort will be down the road in Sainte-Maxime at Barrière Casino. Located next to the town’s white sandy beach, this popular venue will be offering the chance to sip on the new arrival and dine from a country buffet on the 19th of November. Its free event will start at 18:30, and the venue also boasts 130 slot machines, traditional games and three restaurants, with views overlooking the glittering Bay of Saint-Tropez. Take the opportunity to join in the race and take part in this celebrated French tradition during a luxury stay at Amarante Golf Plaza this November.

Rallye du Var

26th – 29th November 2015

The air around Sainte-Maxime will be filling with an excited buzz… and the sound of revving of engines when it hosts the 61st Rallye du Var this November, minutes from our Côte d'Azur Golf resort. The four-day event will be the eighth and final round of the French Rally Championship and is set to attract some of the biggest names in the rally world; all eager to compete along the 612.89 km route through the beautiful Massif des Maures.

Its 14 stages will see drivers fly past dense woodland featuring oaks, pines and arbutus, otherwise known as the strawberry tree, and darting through some of the many idyllic villages and towns located near to Sainte-Maxime and its glamorous neighbour Saint-Tropez. Drivers will be racing past Plan-de-la-Tour’s 16th century tower, through the wine-making town of Vidauban, which sits along the banks of the L’Argens River, and via Collobrières; famous for its chestnut festival.

The event has become internationally renowned since its first edition in 1950 and can boast previous winners such as nine-time World Championship Rally winner Sébastien Loeb and Didier Auriol, who became the first French World Rally Champion in 1994. Eager to see the action, crowds are set to gather in the vast parking space by Sainte-Maxime’s yacht-filled port for the start of the race at 12:48 on the 27th, and will return to the same spot for 11:30 on the 29th to welcome back the fierce competitors. With the additional attraction of the 31st Rallye du Var Historique, which will feature vintage motorsport cars, alongside the fact that atleast 45 riders have already provisionally signed up, this will be a must-see event for any rally or racing fan staying at our luxury hotel.

From a race to taste some of France’s most sought-after wine to watching a heart-racing rally finale, Sainte-Maxime can offer fun-filled days and evenings out during a luxury stay at Amarante Golf Plaza this November.