| THE AUTHENTIC VAROIS |
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| This district is bordered by the Sainte-Baume Mountains, the Esterel Mountains in the west, and the Maures mountains in the south. |
Terreprovence |
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THE AUTHENTIC VAROIS - The Saint-Baume mountains
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THE AUTHENTIC VAROIS - Field of olive-trees
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| The fertile plains are planted with olive trees and grapevines, the hillsides are green and lush with wafting scents from the pine forests, all so typical of Provence. The famous Cotes de Provence and also the excellent Bandol wines originate from this region. Watered by the Argens River and its numerous tributaries, it is the ‘water chateau’ of Var. |
 THE AUTHENTIC VAROIS - The abbey of Thoronet cloister
SAINT-MAXIMIN-LA-SAINTE-BAUME
Built in the basin of an ancient lake at the foot of the Saint-Baume mountains, this traditional village has a very rich artistic and historic past, dating back to the 14th century. But its reputation is linked to Madeleine (a biblical figure) who lived and died a recluse in the Saint Baume mountains.
TO SEE:
The Basilique Saint Madeleine one of the largest Gothic buildings in Provence. Within, you will find a number of chapels, ornate |
with works of art. Visit the gallo-roman crypt and the Sainte-Marie Madeleine Archeological Museum.
SURROUNDINGS
The Sainte-Baume mountain range extends for 12 km and takes its name from a grotto (baoumo in Provencal language) where Marie Madeleine took refuge. Since then, this name has applied to the entire mountain range. Over the course of time, this exceptional site has become an important place of pilgrimage.
BRIGNOLES is an old town with an ancient past going back to the 2nd century. The Comtes de Provence founded their chateau here in the 12th century so they could benefit from the climate. The grapevines growing on the hillsides around the village represent an important resource for town.
TO SEE
The Saint-Sauveur Church dating from the 12th century, the Palais des Comtes de Provence, and a 17th century church. The Musee du Pays Brignolais contains the Sarcophagus de la Gayolle, from the 2nd century.
DRAGUIGNAN and Central Var Draguignan, capital of Haut Var.
Draguignan is the communication crossroads between coastal Varois and the Verdon region. A rapidly growing town and culturally dynamic in bringing its historic past to the fore. When walking through the streets you will see old houses with sculptured doors and a number of squares with beautiful fountains - Place aux Herbes, Place du Marche - all of which have a history to tell.
TO SEE
The Clock Tower dating from 17th century, and the Saint-Michel Church. The Musee des Arts and Traditions Provencales exhibits old tools and instruments used for agriculture and other traditional activities such as cork, silk, terra-cotta hexagonal tiles… If you visit the fairy dolman in stone you will find a collective burial place dated somewhere between BC 2500 and 2000 years.
LE THORONET is a typical Provencal village: shaded places to sit at the foot of old traditional houses, olive trees and green-leafed oaks.
TO SEE
The superb Abbey of Thoronet, which, together with Silvacane and Senanque, is one of the three extraordinary Cistercians in Provence. Construction started in 1160 and finished 30 years later. At the beginning of the 13th century, some 20 monks and a dozen lay brothers lived in the monastery. During five centuries it was neither transformed nor repaired. Consequently the roof finally collapsed and the abbey fell into a dilapidated state. Prosper Merimee came to the rescue and brought in architects who specialised in historic monuments and in 1873, restoration of the Abbey began..
LORGUES
The religious fervour during the Middle Ages, gave rise to fortified villages, one of which was Lorgues. Situated 10 km southeast of Draguignan, this village is well worth a visit. On either side of the paths, shaded by plane trees, you will find religious edifices and traces of fortified walls. Pay a visit to the Collegiale Saint-Martin built in the 18th century by Bishop de Frejus, future Minister of Louis XV.
CALLAS sits at an altitude of 400 meters, northwest of Draguignan. Surrounded by massive rocky mountains and green forests, this small village is a haven of tranquility. Its torturous, stepped streets, shaded squares with old fountains, are charming and picturesque. Surrounded by numerous chapels and an exceptional site – the Gorges du Pennafort.
TO SEE
Perched on a hill is the Saint-Auxile Chapel dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as the Notre Dame de Pennafort Chapel with its greco-byzantine cupola and Saracen tower, the Trinite Chapel and the Church of the Assomption.
SURROUNDINGS
Drive along the D25, direction Callas, and you will be in awe of the spectacular Gorges de Pennafort.
PAYS DE FAYENCE
Sitting on alpine spurs, are a series of tiny villages clinging to the mountain slopes. You will discover many strongholds and chateaux constructed to protected both the interior of the villages and the territory from invaders coming from the sea.
FAYENCE, a village nestled into the hillside, has become a favourite spot for tourists due to its picturesque countryside, meridian climate and charming, small streets. Although the past has left a few traces, such as the vestige of a 12th century chateau and a 15th century chapel, the village earns its reputation from sailing (the first European center) and international competitions.
SEILLANS is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Surrounded by olive trees and greenery, this small perched village was built around a fortified wall during the course of many centuries. Narrow, paved streets bordered by old houses painted in ochre and the colour of autumn leaves, small shaded squares with ancient fountains, symbolise Seillans. Max Ernst, the famous Surrealist painter, lived the last ten years of his life here. To see: The Chapel Notre Dame d’Ormeau built in the 12th century on the ruins of a roman temple, the 11th century Saint Leger church, rebuilt in 1477 and restored in 2000, and the Saracen door, which is a classified historic monument.
MONTAUROUX, a small village in the Var district, was the scene of battle between Henri IV and the Duc de Savoie. Christian Dior, the celebrated couturier, chose this village to build his summer residence at Chateau de la Colle Noire. Visit the St. Barthelemy Chapel constructed in the 17th century by the ‘penitents blancs’ who decorated the painted panels.
About 8 kms from Montaroux you will come upon the Saint-Cassien Lake - crown jewel of eastern Varois. Lying peacefully in the bosom of a superb landscape of numerous beaches and small wild creeks, it is THE tourist spot of the Pays de Fayence and a paradise for those who love fishing. |
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