info on villages in Provence

BARJOLS
At the gateway to Haute Provence and the hills of Var, near the Gorges du Verdon and the Lake of St. Croix, this peaceful village, set on a limestone cliff, is an inviting stop for visitors.

An interesting place with 42 fountains and lavoirs and four rivers! Barjols' architecture and life have been determined for centuries by the omnipresence of water.

Its rich past is shown clearly in the 11th century Collegiate Church, the Fountain Trail, the Regional Water Museum, the Carmes waterfall, the Fête des Tripettes, and the leather fair.

CARCES
At 130m above sea level, between the Provençal Alps and the Mediterranean beaches, Carces is in the center of the Var. It is built on a hill at the meeting place of the rivers Argens and Caramy. It is tranquil and green place.

Wooded paths lead nature lovers through the woods and along the river banks.

Walking along the tiny streets of the village you will discover its medieval character and its many craftsmen.
Very nearby is the lake of Carcès, a lovely spot of 100 hectares. It is a paradise for fishermen with its 8kms of banks. It’s no wonder that Carcès, with its four rivers is renowned for its fresh water fishing.

The cicadas and the sun await your visit!

COTIGNAC
Cotignac is situated deep in the Var, center of Provence at an altitude of 230m. This is a town of great character. With a waterfall in the background, Cotignac stands at the foot of a majestic great rock.

The great rock, which stretches for about 400m is quite an amazing sight. The moving sun alters the shadows which in turn are constantly changing the aspect of the sides of the cliff.

One can see at different times, giant stalactites, ledges, and deep crags. All of this, hovering 80m. above the houses built at the bottom. Take the time to make a detour. You'll fall under the charm of this village like no other.

Visitors to the old quarter, set next to the cliff, can see houses of the l6th and 17th centuries, stone or wrought iron decorations and narrow streets, all witnesses to the long and interesting past of Cotignac.

There are many fountains scattered around the village, some quite curious looking, that bubble with cool clear water. The "Cours" (court), sheltered from the heat by vast and impressive plane trees and cooled by the ever-flowing fountain is a lively place full of restaurants, cafés, hotel and shops. The colourful, provencal, weekly markets are a treat for the eyes.

FLAYOSC
Between the mountains and the sea, Flayosc is both a Provençal village and a medieval one. This is an interesting place to stop and learn a little history in a verdant background.

In the midst of olive groves, reputed vineyards, oak forests, and rosemary bushes, the village is perched high on a rock side. Its classic outline both picturesque and peaceful. The houses are huddled together under the old bell tower, and one can see as far as the Maures and Esterel mountains, underlined by the blue sky.

A walk around these winding streets will let you discover the church and its beautiful steeple, the Saracen doors and the pretty fountains. The one on the main Place de la Reines has a wash house and pots of flowers around it, all in the shade of an enormous plane tree.

Along with its wine, olives are important to the agricultural community in Flayosc, three mills still produce high quality extra virgin olive oil and are well worth a visit.

LE THORONET
Le Thoronet Abbey sticks in the mind as the "chef d'oeuvre" of Roman Provencal Art. The abbey is admired for the simplicity of its architecture which emits a sensation of serenity and spirit. Le Thoronet is a typical village in the River Argens valley.

The landscape is typical of Provencal limestone country, with the garrigue and green oaks, rosemary, thyme and olive trees swaying gently in the breeze.

Thirteen hamlets are distributed among the wild valleys here. Linked by quiet rural lanes they offer the opportunity for some beautiful, country walks

Moreover if you wish to get even closer to nature try an adventure down the river by canoe or kayak, and reach even those more inaccessible and secret locations.
Many discoveries to explore!

LORGUES
An impressive avenue sets Lorgues apart from all the other beautiful medieval towns. Lined with plane trees and relaxing restaurants, cafes and boutiqe shops you can immerse yourself in the provencal life and lose yourself for hours, people watching and soaking up the life of the town.

Religious buildings, ruins, olive oil mills and ancient façades all come together under the shaded courts and along the winding streets leading off the main avenue in Lorgues.

Bordered by two rivers, with sloping hills and terraced planting, the land around is also full of little hamlets, chapels and varied vegetation. Lorgues holds one of the largest Provencal markets on a Tuesday morning all year round and is a fine display of local produce and wines as well as clothing, gifts and provencal pottery and linens. Not to be missed!

SALERNES
Situated in the valley of Bresque, where the rivers Pelicourt and Grave come together, this small town is both an artistic and an industrial center. Salernes is world famous for its unique tile production. Terracotta red hexagonal is the best known and is seen in any of the provencal houses, both modern and rustic. The rich red soil of the area is the source and Salernes can lay claim to that. A visit to any of the individual small stone factories lining the road is a real experience.

Salernes is set on the side of a hill and is sheltered from the wind.
In this mild Mediterranean climate, it is pleasant to stroll about the narrow streets admiring the picturesque houses and the 11th c. church with its door and two spires.

VILLECROZE
Set up against the foothills of the Alpes de Provence in Haute Var, Villecroze is a charming village which attracts many visitors. Set against the magnificent backdrop of mountains, pines and oaks, this village has many sights to see.

The Commanderie des Templiers (house of the Templar knights) of Ruou founded in 1150 which, at the time, influenced life in the area all the way from the Verdon Valley to the Mediterranean. In its park are trees of rare species, caves, a waterfall and beautiful rose gardens. Well worth a visit!

In the summer, Villecroze organizes concerts in the St. Victor Chapel (12th and 13th c.). These are given by the International Academy of Music (Foundation Grunner - Schlumberger) and bring together great musicians from all over the world.