The Verdon Gorges are in the north of Green Provence. This is the biggest canyon in Europe, with truly breathtaking landscapes. It is also an ideal spot for swimming with your family or for whitewater sports.
The Sainte-Victoire range extends from Aix-en-Provence to Pourrières, forming a link between the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Sainte-Victoire is world famous as Cézanne’s favourite model, and which the artist immortalised in over 80 paintings. Today you can explore the painter’s favourite scenes on foot or visit his studio, which has remained unchanged since his death.
The basilica contains the relics of Mary Magdalene, making it Christianity’s third most important tomb. Building work began in 1295 on the orders of the future French king Charles II and from the plans of the architect Pierre Le Français. In 1592, the work was definitively interrupted. The basilica’s doorway and the large entrance door were never built.
The tuf cliffs of Cotignac, which the local inhabitants call Le Rocher (The Rock), are 80 metres high and 400 metres long. It was traced by the River Cassolle, whose course was deviated, and which today flows to the east of the village. But the rock also bears witness to the presence of cave dwellings that it is still possible to visit. Some present-day dwellings still nestle in the rock.
If there is a hiker’s paradise, then the Sainte Baume range must be it. There is a large number of footpaths, but the shortest way to reach the crests of Sainte-Baume is from the hostelry that is still run by Dominican nuns and friars. The first hiking trail with the Tourism and Disability label in the Var department begins at the foot of Sainte Baume.
Although it is a protected site, Vallon Sourn (which comes from the Provençal word meaning sombre’) has a picnic area and a non-lifeguarded swimming area in a naturally enchanting setting. Even though some beaches can be accessed by road, others can only be reached by canoe.
Barjols owes its nickname as the Tivoli of Provence to the many streams and sources in the area. Water is everywhere, and provided economic development to the town, but also its many washing places and fountains (one in each district). They were funded by the village notables, and the most famous of them is in Place de la Rouguière: the Raynouard fountain (its sponsor’s name).
At the heart of the medieval town centre is the palace, the birthplace of the Earls of Provence. Brignoles, a sub-prefecture of the Var department, is an invitation to stroll through the history of France along the streets of the old town.
Provence Verte , a territory with an area of 1/4 of the Var department , the green heart of Provence, within an hour of the largest sites in the PACA region . Discover 43 Provencal villages , unspoilt nature , a Country of Art and History , away from the summer crowds of the seaside .
Site officiel Office de Tourisme La Provence Verte
Carrefour de l'Europe - 83170 BRIGNOLES - Tél. 04 94 72 04 21
Site web : www.la-provence-verte.net - Site séjour : www.sejourprovence.com
More info about the 8 tourist offices
The Verdon Gorges
The Sainte-Victoire range
Saint-Maximin Basilica
Cotignac and its Rock
Sainte-Baume moutains
Vallon Sourn beach
Barjols fountains
Brignoles medievale town
Hiking
Vineyards & Discoveries
Christmas in Provence
Events off season
Lake, river, canoe
Picnics, afternoon naps
Amusez-vous
Beaches, the seaside
Summer holidays events
Markets & typical villages