At the origin of this name, there is an ancient story. Or rather, a legend.
Constantine, the 34th Roman Emperor, is said to have stopped near our shore in 312, on his way to Rome.
A vision suddenly struck him, and a cross appeared in the sky.
RETURN TO THE ROOTS
Domaine de La Croix, the birthplace of the village of La Croix-Valmer, has a rich and captivating history. Founded in 1882, it has withstood the test of time, alternating between periods of decline and moments of glory, thus reflecting its resilience and constant evolution.
The Legend of the Cross
He is said to have then been informed of his victory over his brother-in-law Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge: “In hoc signo vinces” (“By this sign, you will conquer”). This voice is believed to have led to his conversion to Christianity.
In reality, no historian has ever been able to specify where this vision took place…
The birth of the Estate
Originally from Franche-Comté, a former soldier and a passionate wine enthusiast, this enterprising man was a true visionary.
Enchanted by our land, by the beauty of its sites, its bay, and its climate, he decided to establish a legendary wine and tourist estate here.
That same year, he acquired 230 hectares and founded “Le Domaine de La Croix et Cavalaire.” This estate stretched from the borders of Gassin-Ramatuelle to those of Pardigon.
In 1892, the vineyard covered 100 hectares and produced high-quality wine. During this period, roads were laid, and neighborhoods were structured, including four farms, a chapel, an impressive cellar, villas, housing, and shops. The estate employed more than 30 people, who were housed on-site. La Croix-Valmer was beginning to take shape…
The arrival of two industrialists
In 1892, in order to develop the seaside activity and raise funds, Mr. de Vrégille had to issue 35 new shares to establish the "Société Anonyme des Terrains et Vignobles de La Croix et Cavalaire.
This corporation was modified in 1893 and 1895, and a new call for subscriptions was made to 20 additional shareholders. In an effort to push into tourism, in 1898, the estate issued new shares.
It was then, in 1898, that two businessmen from Lyon appeared. Unfortunately, this operation revealed that more than 50 hectares were missing from the 180 hectares promised to the subscribers.
To ease tensions within the company, Albert de Vrégille was forced to relinquish his properties. The founder thus disappeared from the estate he had created himself.
Between 1900 and 1945, the estate produced classified wines (rosés, reds, whites) recognized in France and abroad. It also had a large cellar near the train station. Thanks to its four farms, the estate cultivated wheat, corn, fruit trees, and more.
Luxury tourism had developed with the construction of the “Grand Hôtel.”
Seaside sports were also on offer on the beaches of La Douane and Gigaro. The flourishing estate was the master of the land: it had its own lawyers, architects, gardeners, church, shops, and schools…
A SUCCESSFUL RENAISSANCE
After World War II and the landing on our beaches, the vineyards suffered greatly, both in terms of reputation and wine quality. Additionally, the railway line was closed in 1948, giving way to road transportation.
In 1950, the estate sold some of its plots and villas to avoid bankruptcy.
It was in 2001 that the Bolloré Group, known for its ability to take on challenges, became the owner of the vineyard. The family business made sustainable investments to restore the Domaine de la Croix and the Bastide Blanche to their current splendor.
As promised, the group invested significant resources to revive the estate and evolve its identity.
A tremendous effort was dedicated to the qualitative resurrection of the vineyard: 80% of the vines were renewed, and significant investments were made in new technologies, including the creation of an ultra-modern cellar. Today, fully renovated, the estate is unlocking the fabulous potential of its terroirs and can proudly offer an interesting range of wines. Ranging from easy-drinking wines to complex and aromatic ones worthy of the finest tables, the Domaine still has plenty of surprises in store for you.
