A modern test facility turned race circuit in the hills of Provence. Famous for its distinctive blue and red run-off stripes, Paul Ricard offers 167 possible circuit configurations and a Mediterranean climate.
Set in Le Castellet, Provence, Circuit Paul Ricard is a permanent racing circuit. A lap covers 5.842 km (3.63 miles) and 15 corners, run clockwise.
The circuit opened in 1970 and holds FIA Grade 1 licensing. GT and WEC all race here. It holds roughly 90,000 spectators.
The circuit was funded by pastis. Paul Ricard, who had built a fortune on the aniseed drink, financed a modern racing facility on the plateau above Bandol; construction started in June 1969 and it opened on 19 April 1970. The defining feature was the Mistral, a straight of about a mile leading into the very fast Signes corner.
Ricard died in 1997 and Bernie Ecclestone's company bought the circuit the following year, rebuilding it as a private testing venue rather than a race track. That rebuild produced the surface the place is now known for: instead of gravel, the run-off is painted asphalt in graded abrasiveness — the blue zones slow a car, the deeper red zones slow it harder. It is unmistakable on television and unusual in offering no penalty of dust or damage for running wide.
5 curated properties, sorted by distance from the circuit
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Resort · 1.9 km from circuit · 5 min drive · 4.5 (496) on Google · $$$$$
3001 Route des Hauts du Camp, 83330 Le Castellet, France
Michelin-starred hilltop resort overlooking Paul Ricard and the Mediterranean, pure Provençal luxury. Circuit Paul Ricard is a 5-minute drive away. Facilities include spa and pool.
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 20.9 km from circuit · 30 min drive · 4.5 (476) on Google
All. des Vendanges, 83270 Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, France
Bright apartments with balconies in an upscale resort offering dining, an outdoor pool & sea views. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteResort · 34.4 km from circuit · 39 min drive · 4.4 (2,305) on Google
575 Av. Charles de Gaulle, 83500 La Seyne-sur-Mer, France
Refined rooms & suites in an upscale hotel opposite the beach, offering dining, a spa & pools. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 34.6 km from circuit · 36 min drive · 4.2 (2,059) on Google
Av. de Besagne, 83000 Toulon, France
Contemporary hotel with free Wi-Fi, plus a casual restaurant with terrace seating & a bright bar. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 42.2 km from circuit · 54 min drive · 4.4 (1,040) on Google
2200 CD 80, Route de Nans, 83640 Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, France
Functional quarters in a humble hostel run by Dominican friars, offering a restaurant & a chapel. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteNearest Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) — approximately 65 km from the circuit
Parking inside the circuit is free for most events. Daily shuttle buses also run from Marseille, Toulon and Aix-en-Provence.
Visiting Circuit Paul Ricard for a race weekend? Here are essential tips to make the most of your trip to Le Castellet, Provence. The circuit holds up to 90,000 spectators, so plan for large crowds on race day.
Circuit Paul Ricard is in Le Castellet, Provence. The nearest airport, Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), is about 65 km from the circuit.
5 properties are listed near Circuit Paul Ricard, the closest 1.9 km from the circuit. Each one is listed with its measured distance from the circuit, and every entry links to the property's own site.