The "Villages de Caractère" label was created to bring together villages that have retained their authenticity around a quality charter, while preserving and promoting their natural, historical, architectural and human heritage. For the Var, the aim is to promote the plains planted with their sun-drenched vines or olive trees, and hilltop villages sheltered by their imposing chateaux. Take the time to experience the Provençal lifestyle while enjoying a drink with friends or a game of pétanque with the family.

ENTRECASTEAUX, A CHATEAU, A FORMAL GARDEN AND PICTURESQUE NARROW STREETS

This charming village, sheltered by its imposing chateau which is a masterpiece of Provençal architecture, invites you to back to the 17th century in France - the "Grand Siècle". The famous formal French-style garden and the large square in the shade of the centuries-old plane trees, give a hint of the everyday lives of the great Provençal families of yesteryear. Madame de Sévigné, among others, stayed there while continuing her famous correspondence with her daughter.

If you walk through the narrow streets, you can go right down to the river, La Bresque, peaceful in the summer but sometimes extremely fast-flowing. The houses in the lower town can even flood in wintertime. Going back up towards the northern part of the chateau, visit the ice-house, a curious and unusual circular building that served as a cold store for the guests staying at the chateau.

COTIGNAC AND ITS ROCK

The Cotignac tuff cliff, which everyone here calls "Le Rocher", is 80 metres high and stretches over 400 metres. It marks the bed of the river Cassole, which was diverted and now flows to the east of the village. But the rock also bears witness to the existence of a troglodyte settlement that can be visited. Some present-day dwellings are still set into the rock.

Covered by hundred-year-old plane trees, Le Cours is the social centre of the village. Bustling in both winter and summer, there is a weekly market, flea markets, bistros and restaurants open all year round where you can cool off in the shade of the trees in summer and enjoy the sunshine in winter. Apart from the guaranteed activity on Le Cours, the picturesque little streets are the perfect setting for a wide range of shops and art galleries.

SAINT MARTIN DE PALLIÈRES

From the top of its hill, the village spreads out like a fan around the chateau. The commanding view over the vast plain of the Durance up to the Canjuers plateau is superb. Walking through the narrow streets bordered by the high walls of the stone houses takes you to more airy places in the shade of the plane trees. Here, life passes gently, following the rhythm of the seasons.

The imposing chateau, still privately owned, was the holiday residence of the seigniorial families of Provence and the Aix magistracy. Today, in the summertime, the chateau can be visited as can what is known as the underground cathedral - formerly the chateau's water cistern, for a few years it was used to water the park.

Discover the "Villages de Caractère"

Website: www.villagesdecaractereduvar.fr/

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