TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE VAR

Bargème (56.5 km- 1h)

At the top of a rocky hill, this medieval village of the 12th century offers a panoramic view of the valley, from the top of its 1097 meters above sea level, it is the highest village in the Var. The site is classified, and the village is a member of the association “The most beautiful villages of France”, it is really worth your detour if you want to see what an old feudal village in Provence looked like. Bargème is dominated by its feudal castle, Château Sabran de Ponteves, whose tower, its round towers and the ruins of its enclosing walls, can be seen from afar. The castle was destroyed during the wars of religion, it remains today largely demolished.

Callian (24.5 km- 36’)

The village dominates the plain between the Massif de l’Esterel in the south and the Prealps in the north. Formerly an important town, Callian group around its feudal castle perched on a rocky peak, picturesque mansions, pretty winding streets and many flowery stairs. Lake St Cassien fits harmoniously into this green setting will allow you to cool off by indulging in the joys of fishing and boating. Place Bourguignon is pleasant with its fresh waterfall and the neighboring esplanade offers a panorama of the entire plain and surrounding mountains. In the heart of the village, you will find the 16th century castle, with its twelfth and thirteenth towers, the church of 1685 and its bell tower varnished with bright colors.

Cogolin (93km- 1h16’)
Supported in the foothills of the Massif des Maures, on the shores of the Gulf of St Tropez, Cogolin is lucky to be close to the sea (and the mythical Saint-Tropez), to have an old village full of charm, a modern harbor converted into a marina. Cogolin is renowned for its pipe and carpet factories.

Fayence (27.7km- 42’)

Lac de Saint Cassien Var(83) France (2003)

Traditional village of Provence built on a hillside, dominated by the Clock Tower from where you will discover a 360 ° panorama, Fayence has kept its winding streets, squares shaded by plane trees, and stalls. To see also, the oven of the Mitan, old bread oven, the Sarrasine Door, bordered by the ramparts, the Chapel Notre Dame des Cyprès. Fayence is famous for its Gliding Center.

Fréjus (48km- 38’)
Frejus, City and Country of Art and History, in a land of elegance. The Roman and medieval heritage is a prestigious setting: amphitheater, aqueduct, theater, archaeological museum (and the two-headed Hermes), military heritage. The episcopal city, in pink sandstone, is inscribed on the Route des Hauts Lieux du Var.

Ramatuelle (96.8km- 1h22’)
Built on a hillside, Ramatuelle offers a prestigious panorama facing the famous bay of Pampelonne beach still intact, offers 5 km of fine sand. Many coves allow to isolate themselves, the seabed there is of exceptional beauty. The village is enclosed in a walled enclosure from which one can discover the pink tile roofs, the old stone houses with doors and windows of time, it is crossed by narrow streets. The cultural life is particularly rich with in particular, jazz festivals, classical music and famous theater. Many celebrities fell in love with the place and settled there.

St Tropez (95km-1h22’)

LES VOILES DE SAINT TROPEZ (The Sails of Saint Tropez) : In the foreground, a splendid auric rig proudly jibes, staysail and tormentin as well as the houari sails of the mainmast and the mizzen mast, all yellowed but sumptuous sails which are reflected discreetly in the chop. In its wake as in the background, this sailboat gives way to particularly bright white sails. The whole contrasts with a worrying sky. Beyond the marine subject, it is especially the play of lights, reflections and shadows that enhance this picture.

International tourist capital, become a myth, St Tropez has contributed to the reputation of the Côte d’Azur.
In St Tropez everything is famous and celebrated:
– The beaches: Bouillabaisse, Caneliers, Salins, Pampelonne … there are about forty on the peninsula.
– The place des Lices where, under the plane trees, take place petanque parties mixing stars of show business and local wearing the famous leather sandals, the “Tropéziennes” and sipping the Pastis as an aperitif. St Tropez became St Trop as early as 1950, when the Parisian artistic and intellectual world, bewitched by the charm of the small port, came down to St Trop for the summer. They met on the port Sagan, Picasso, Prévert and many others. Early in the morning, the Place aux Herbes offers vegetables, fruits and flowers next to the marina where some fishermen live, selling their fish on the market, not far from the famous breweries “Le Gorille” and “Sénéquier”. A typical Provencal market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday morning on the Place des Lices. The “Bravades” of St Tropez, religious and festive processions, are very animated.
The first begin in May, the last takes place on June 15th.

St Maximin (121.8km- 1h12’)
In the heart of Provence, Saint Maximin spreads out at the foot of the Massif de la Sainte Baume, in the basin of an old dried up lake. It is equidistant from the first Alpine foothills and the sea. While being very dynamic, Saint Maximin is a city of traditions. This city offers through the visit of the old city and the old medieval Jewish neighborhoods of great artistic and historical wealth. The fame of Saint Maximin is the quality of its heritage. Do not miss the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene (Magdalene, the biblical figure has indeed come to retire and die in the Holy Baume) and in the old city, the royal convent, the Arcades and the Hotel Dieu. During the visit of this very large basilica, we can admire the many side chapels laden with works of art, the Choir, the carved Nave, the Gallo-Roman crypt of the 4th century and the sarcophagus of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Tanneron (13.9km- 27’)

Tanneron is a small peaceful village, located in the extreme east of the Var department, on the edge of the Alpes-Maritimes. It is the capital of the massif of the same name, well known for the quality and quantity of the mimosa that floods the massif. Do not miss the painting of the many yellow foliage during the flowering period between January and March.

Le Thoronet (92km- 1h)
The Thoronet resonates, in everyone’s imagination, as the masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art, an abbey admired for the purity and the stripping of its lines which give off an impression of unity and great serenity. But Le Thoronet is also a typical village in the Argens Valley. The landscape is that of Provence limestone, with its garrigue planted with oaks, rosemary, thyme and olive trees, which undulate in the breeze.