The Provence Sud Sainte Baume destination comprises nine communes stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the Var mountains. And five of them are located in the hinterland. Cradles of our Provencal culture, witnesses to our historical heritage, this itinerary is a tourist exploration of the most beautiful hilltop villages of the western Var. We warn you right away: ancient medieval towns, a regional nature park and panoramic views are on the agenda for this Provencal itinerary!

Stage 1: Evenos

Between heritage and breathtaking views

Évenos - Nèbre - Provence Sud Sainte Baume

 

To start off this perched itinerary, we're not just proposing a commune, but a town made up of three hamlets, one of which is home to an ancient medieval town with breathtaking scenery. Fancy a visit? Head for the charming village Evenos ! Here, the delicate peony is celebrated every year, and the history of the area is particularly palpable. It's also a favorite spot for climbers from the Var, who enjoy exploring the Destel rock face.

Évenos must-sees

  • NebreAlso known as "Old Evenos", this ancient city is astonishing. Built 362 meters above sea level on an ancient eagle's nest of basalt rock, its ruins seem to have emerged from a mirage. The bonus: superb panoramic views of the surrounding towns.
  • Les Crêtes du Croupatier Les Crêtes du Croupatier: a hike that will take you to new heights, leading you from hamlet to hamlet to discover the unusual corners of the village.

Stage 2: Le Beausset

Entrance to the Regional Nature Park

Le Beausset hinterland Var

 

The village of Beausset has the distinction of being the gateway to the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park. This is where the protected area begins, and where the coastline gives way to the grandeur of the eponymous massif. In Le Beausset, you can stroll along the cobbled streets, lined with small, colorful houses and beautiful mansions, and let yourself be carried away by theauthentic and picturesque atmosphere of the town, its rural past and the human traditions that have shaped it.

Le Beausset must-sees:

  • Le Beausset-Vieux Le Beausset-Vieux: an old historic town, today its Notre-Dame chapel and panoramic view over the vineyards are a favorite stopover for visitors and locals alike.
  • L'Écomusée départemental des 4 Frères The Écomusée départemental des 4 Frères: a place that highlights all the natural wonders of our region, where you can see fun exhibitions, hike trails or go mushrooming when the season permits.

Stage 3: Le Castellet

The artistic medieval city

Le Castellet hinterland Var

 

An ancient medieval town with well-preserved fortified ramparts, this hilltop village is a favorite haunt of local designers. When crafts meet history, the result is a village where wandering the cobbled streets becomes a favorite activity for holidaymakers.

Le Castellet must-sees :

  • Discovering the town With its ancient castle, thousand-year-old gates and unique views over vineyards and olive groves, a stroll through this village is a guaranteed immersion in the region's Provencal past.
  • La Bandol Wine House How could you visit Le Castellet without visiting the headquarters of the Bandol AOC appellation? With its sumptuous natural setting, this is the place to go to discover the history of Bandol wines and taste some of their great vintages.

🧑‍🎨 Good to know: Le Castellet's tourist information center offers an art trail. A great way to explore the town's narrow streets while enjoying the talents of local artists. 

Stage 4: La Cadière d'Azur

The Provencal village lost in the vineyards

La Cadière d'Azur hinterland Var

 

La Cadière d'Azur is the typical Provencal village. The one you can easily imagine, the one you'd send a postcard to, and above all, the one you'd love to stroll through. Delightfully surrounded by AOC Bandol vineyards, the town is easily recognized by its bell tower, the highest point in the commune. Here, a rich heritage blends with the charm the charm of century-old architecture in the heart of Provencal culture.

Must-sees in La Cadière d'Azur:  

  • The historical tour Guided by QR codes throughout the city, discover its medieval past. An ancient feudal castle, emblematic squares and superb churches are all on the program...
  • La Cadiérenne La Cadiérenne: located at the entrance to the village, this winery is one of the largest wine cooperatives in the western Var. An ideal place to buy fine bottles of Bandol AOC...

Step 5: Signs

The power of nature and the gentleness of craftsmen

Nougats from Signes Var hinterland

 

Let's move a little further away from the coast to fully embrace the treasures of the hinterland. Nestled at the foot of the Sainte-Baume, Signes has the picturesque charm of Provencal villages attached to their roots. All this, in the heart of a vast, varied and well-preserved natural territory, much loved by local sports enthusiasts. Small stone streets, townhouses, squares and wash-houses tell the story of the destination and its age-old traditions.

Must-sees in Signes

  • The Siou-Blanc plateau The Siou-Blanc plateau: an extraordinary playground for hiking and mountain biking aficionados. Cross pine forests, ride on clay paths and admire breathtaking views.
  • La nougaterie Fouque: one of the region's century-old craftsmen, you can't visit Signes without passing through the doors of this gourmet shop. Let yourself be carried away by the sweet smells, and above all, taste the local specialities!

Stage 6: Riboux

The territory's smallest village

Riboux Sud Sainte Baume

 

Resting delicately on the southern flank of the Sainte-Baume massif at an average altitude of 737 m ( all the same!), Riboux is proudly one of the highest highest communes in the Var. And it's also the smallest commune in our territory, with just fifty inhabitants. Once famous for its cade oil and pine resin, this little town is a throwback to the movies of yesteryear. Manon des Sources" and "Jean de Florette" were filmed here. That's how many typical, authentic settings await you!

Riboux must-sees

  • La Saint-Pilon Chapel Historic site and exceptional viewpoint over the Sainte-Baume perched on a hill, this chapel is a place of devotion in every sense of the word...
  • A stroll through the village: let yourself be lulled by the gentle song of the cicadas, disconnect from the city and the crowds of the coast and enjoy the real Provencal way of life.

In a nutshell

Click here for all the major stages of this route in the Var hinterland and an overview of your itinerary:

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