05/04/2022
Destination
There’s an abundance of small Provençal villages around Rayol Canadel in the Var. Surrounded by countryside and the sea just beyond the mythical village of Saint-Tropez, you can enjoy some fine visits on a day trip. Set off on a warm, sunny day in the direction of Provence Verte: what a wonderful idea! There is no shortage of villages full of character.
Villages such as Aups, with its picturesque old streets full of charm and dotted with washhouses and fountains, and home to a beautiful collegiate church: Saint Pancrace was built in the 15th century in Provençal Gothic style. The gateway to the Verdon, Aups is also the capital of black truffles… so, prepare your taste buds for a treat! The Maison de la Truffe will immerse you in a world of unique experiences where you’ll learn to discover and taste truffles through your five senses.
You’ll fall in love with the village of Cotignac: located under an imposing cliff made of tuff that rises to 400 meters above sea level, the village is delightful to explore, with its old stone houses, flower-lined squares and fountains. Don’t hesitate to visit the Notre Dame de Grâces Sanctuary, which also attracts many pilgrims. King Louis XIV himself came to meditate here to thank the Virgin Mary for the gift of his birth. Elsewhere, crafts and agriculture are all around, especially beekeeping, with a huge variety of honeys and by-products on sale in the village shop Les Ruchers du Bessillon. And don’t deprive yourself of a culinary stopover at the Jardin Secret, where you’re guaranteed a veritable Provençal taste experience!
Bormes-les-Mimosas is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Var. The upper part of the village, with its outstanding views of the sea and the Iles d’Or, is very popular for its walks through the small, narrow, flower-lined streets, squares and vaulted passages. Take the time to stop off at the Saint-François de Paule chapel, a Romanesque building, or even the Château des Seigneurs de Fos, a historic monument built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Last of all, a small climb will take you to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Constance perched on high at 324 meters.
