A day at the races – the Circuit Paul Ricard

For many holiday destinations there are a few ‘must do’ activities or specific places to visit. Here in Provence we’re lucky to have our very own destination venue – The Circuit Paul Ricard Race Track! This incredible complex and homage to motor racing was built in 1969 just outside of the picturesque village of Le Castellet by Paul Ricard, the drinks magnate who created Ricard, an anise and liquorice-flavoured aperitif in 1932 (it’s delicious – if you’ve not had it then try some when you’re next on holiday in Provence!).

The new circuit opened in 1970 taking just 10 short months to construct and quickly became the premier venue for French motorsport securing the French Grand Prix which it hosted from 1971 for 14 years (more on the Grand Prix later!).

The track was built alongside its very own airfield that was also owned by Paul Ricard (who in addition to a racetrack and airfield added two private islands to his list of assets…