Pop.: 5.515 h Surface area.: 5.426 ha

Var Department

6 photos

If today Les Arcs is a modern village, pass through the Clock tower gateway and you will discover a medieval environment with its mixture of steep streets and old buildings.

The area between the "sarrasine" tower (XIth century dungeon) and Paul Simon square, called the "Parage", is the oldest in the medieval town. (XIth/XIIIth century). Jean HUGUES, the tourist office guide will be happy to bring this period back to life for you."

Take a trip round Les Arcs

Worth a visit :

The Parage Medieval area:
Leave your car in the Town Hall square and walk. Just wander round the narrow streets. From the highest points looking over the village roof tops you can see the Maures and the Roquebrune rock.

You'll find the Parage tower, XIth century dungeon, remains of the ancient Arcubus Castrum and the St Pierre chapel from the XIIIth - XVth centuries, with its two naves and side chapels (exhibition spaces in summer).
There is a useful pamphlet available at the tourist office which, by prior arrangement also offers guided tours for groups.

Don't miss :

The St Roseline chapel :
Located outside of the village on the (D91), nestling at the foot of a hill among the vines of the St Roseline vineyard this classified monument dates from the XIIth century and holds the shrine and relics of St Roseline.

On the initiative of Marguerite Maeght, modern works of art have been added to the altar and cross which date from 1635 and the XIVth century Nativity retable. (A Chagall mosaic, a bronze lectern by Giacometti and stained glass by Ubac and Bazaine)
Next to the chapel we can find the cloister of the Celle-Roubaud abbey (private).

Open every afternoon 1/03 to 31/05 from 14h to 18h, from 1/06 to 30/09 from 15h to 19h and from 1/10 to 28/02 from 14h to 17h. Closed on Mondays. By prior arrangement, the tourist office offers guided tours for groups.

Take a walk around :

On the confluence between the R. Aille and R.Argens, this built bridge is unique in France because it crosses the same river Aille twice. In the background appreciate the sober colours of the Maures forest.

From the bridge over the R.Argens (RN7), go in the direction of Muy. After around 1 km follow the lane on the right. You'll find two bridges, one after the other : the iron Tournavelle bridge and a bit further on the Aille bridge.

Mountain bikers can take the same route from the village, and at the first bridge take the DFCI way to Tournavelle (E251) which will take you along the Aille valley through the Apiès forest. This route is really worth it. At the end of the route pass under the motorway then take a right to take you back to Les Arcs.