Jan 19, 20233 min read

5 most beautiful villages of the Haut-Var

“Between Provence and the Côte d'Azur, the Var has magnificent villages that have remained authentic, typically Provençal. Whether they are clinging to the side of hills, perched on a rocky outcrop, huddled against a cliff or nestled in the heart of vineyards and olive trees, the Var villages have a lot of charm and breathe the sweetness of life. Let yourself be guided and discover the most beautiful of them!"

Cotignac: the art of living in Provence

Nestled at the foot of an impressive rock whose caves served as a refuge for the inhabitants, Cotignac is an authentic Provençal village very lively: arts and crafts, market, local products, and in summer a theater and cinema festival. .. This original and preserved village is classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".

After visiting the caves, which offer a beautiful panorama over the roofs of the village, stroll along the pretty Cours Gambetta, in the shade of century-old plane trees and fountains. It is pleasant to linger on this square by sitting down on the terraces of the cafes or restaurants, or to stroll in the old picturesque streets framed by tall ocher-colored houses.

Cotignac is marked by the 16th century apparitions of the Virgin Mary and the child Jesus on the one hand and Saint Joseph on the other. The Notre Dame de Grâces sanctuary was built to commemorate these apparitions. The sanctuary is also a place steeped in history. In 1660, Louis XIV came here with his mother, Anne of Austria, to give thanks for his birth. The king had an ex-voto in black marble still visible inside the chapel of the sanctuary.

The village of Cotignac is a 19-minute drive from Villa B

Aups: the stronghold of the black truffle

Capital of the black truffle The village is located at the foot of the Espiguières mountain, in a green setting where pines, holm oaks and olive trees mingle. From its past, this Character Village has preserved vestiges of fortifications, picturesque old streets punctuated with washhouses, fountains, sundials and a superb collegiate church. Located at the entrance to Haut-Var Verdon and its truffle fields, Aups is the Var capital of black truffles. Every Thursday in winter, the truffle market is held in the village square.

The village of Aups is a 13-minute drive from Villa B

Entrecasteaux: village of nobility

Settled peacefully in the heart of La Bresque, Entrecasteaux is surrounded by wooded hills. Some houses have their feet in the water. Its streets are dominated by the long narrow silhouette of the Renaissance castle. It once belonged to the greatest families of Provence and was frequented by Madame de Sévigné. Restored by its original owner, the visit reveals its secrets to you. Below the castle, in the heart of the village, extends an elegant French garden inspired by the creations of Le Nôtre. Entrecasteaux is a charming village, in which you will certainly like to stroll!

The castle is open from April to the end of September

Guided tours: departure at 4:30 p.m. and an additional visit in August at 11:30 a.m.

No reservation possible

Price: €10 per person

Payment by check and cash only

The village of Entrecasteaux is an 11-minute drive from Villa B

Villecroze: the caves

A Tuscan garden and caves for a castle! “Village of Character”, Villecroze has retained its medieval character with its arcades, narrow streets, fountains and church. To the north of the village stands a cliff from which flows a waterfall that waters the Tuscan garden at its feet. This cliff offers a whole maze of small caves which served as shelters for the inhabitants. In the 16th century, the Lord of Villecroze converted it into an impregnable lair and adorned it with a Renaissance-style façade.

The caves can be visited from April 1 to October 30

Price: €4 per person

Online booking and payment: https://www.grottes-villecroze.fr/

The village of Villecroze is an 8-minute drive from Villa B

Tourtour : "most beautiful villages in France"

A village in the sky of Provence, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". Perched on a promontory at an altitude of more than 600m, Tourtour dominates the pine forests that it overlooks. The village offers surprising panoramic views of the Massif des Maures, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume and Mont Ventoux. The charm of this village is also due to its streets lined with old houses. Nicely restored and decorated with flowers, they secretly retain the imprint of their past. Tourtour is a beautiful picturesque village.