| THE HAUT VAR |
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| The Gorges du Verdon forms a natural border between the Var region and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. |
Terreprovence |
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THE HAUT VAR - Le Verdon
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THE HAUT VAR - Village d' Aiguines
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| Haut Var signifies nature and tranquillity: discovering old perched villages, walking through immense forests hiding truffles and mushrooms, and bathing in the lakes and rivers. |
 THE HAUT VAR - Le Verdon
Constructed like a spiral around its bell tower, it has accumulated layers of history and civilisations. In another time, it was a resting-place for the pilgrims from Compostelle. Today, the village is primary an agricultural and wine growing community producing wines labelled "Coteaux d’Aix".
TO SEE
The traces of Oppidums, the on-going excavation of a roman villa, the 12th century clock tower, the ancient |
ramparts, and the Hospice Saint Jacques, an ancient coach inn on the road to Compostelle.
VINON SUR VERDON, close to the Verdon gorges, is an ancient, important, transhumance stop. The plane trees ornating the village was planted by the shepherds from Arles. This small town with its little narrow streets is truly Provencal and perfect for an afternoon stroll. Visit the 12th century Saint-Sauveur Church, the ruins of the chateau destroyed in 1591 and the clock tower dating from the 17th century.
BARJOL, clinging to a spur close to the Verdon canyon and the Saint-Croix Lake, this pleasant village lives to the rhythm of water. Refreshed by 42 fountains and traversed by four rivers, the village is proud of its rich patrimony.
TO SEE
The 11th century Collegial Notre Dame de l’Assomption, one of the oldest churches in the region, the door of the Ponteves’ dwelling, and, most important, the fountain circuit.
SURROUNDINGS
Five kilometers from Barjois, is TAVERNES, an ancient fortified village with a chapel dated 1642 which you will discover after a pleasant walk down the hill. Situated in the northern part of the village at an altitude of 637 meters, the Chapelle Notre Dame de Bellevue offers, as its name indicates, a very pretty view over the village.
SALERNES has gained its reputation from the well-known hexagonal terra-cotta tiles that are laid on most Provencal floors. As the village is nestled into the hillside, you can go for a walk along the small narrow streets without being blown over by the wind, to the ruins of a feudal chateau. And, do not miss the 11th century Saint-Pierre Church, featuring a door with two bells.
AUPS is a window looking on to the superb countryside of Verdon. The village owes its reputation to the famous black truffles market, which takes place every Thursday from November to February. It has also preserved a few beautiful traces from the 11th and 16th century. Take a walk through the small streets and squares; discover old fountains, sundials and elaborate, sculptured doors. Also of interest are the ruins of a 12th century fortress, and the clock tower with its campanile. The Collegiale St. Pancrace, built in the Provencal Gothic architectural style, houses some interesting paintings and beautiful silver objects dating from the 15th to the 18th century.
COMPS SUR ARTUBY, situated on the border of the Prealpes, is one of the most beautiful Varois sites. Initially built on a rock, this fortified village was, for a long time, the fiefdom of the Templars. Today, there are only a few traces of this epoch: the fortified, classified Chapel of Saint-Andre built by the Templars and the Saint-Didier and Saint-Jean Chapels. Apart from its historic past, Comps has been given an exceptional, natural heritage – massive mountains eroded by time, gorges, and high plateaux dotted with forests. Natures’ paradise for hikers and nature lovers. |
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