Bargème
Last update on
Oct 14, 2026
39 km. north of Draguignan and 9 km. from Comps sur Artuby. The highest village of Var.
Discover the charming village of Bargème in the Haut Var
Perched atop a rocky hill, this 12th-century medieval village offers a panoramic view of the valley; at an elevation of 1,097 meters, it is the highest village in the Var.
Where to stay
The site is a designated historic site, and the village is a member of the association “Les plus beaux villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France); it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to see what an old feudal village in Provence looked like.
The Château de Bargème
Bargème is dominated by its feudal castle, the Château Sabran de Pontevès, whose keep, round towers, and the ruins of its surrounding walls can be seen from afar.
The castle was destroyed during the Wars of Religion and remains largely in ruins today. As you stroll through the village, you’ll discover many well-preserved remnants of the past. Most are listed on the inventory of historic monuments, including ramparts, towers, and fortified gates (the Porte de Garde and the Porte du Levant).
Nature and historic chapels
Bargème is the ideal destination for lovers of historic architecture, narrow alleyways, and ancient chapels set against the typical landscape of the Haut-Var.
Surrounding the village, the natural landscape remains unspoiled, and there are beautiful rural chapels to explore: the Chapel of St. Petronilla to the south of the village, the Chapel of St. Lawrence to the north, and the Chapel of St. Anthony, one of the oldest in the Var. Don’t miss the Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas at the top of the village.
Finally, don’t forget that you’re less than 20 km from the Gorges du Verdon, with its breathtaking scenery and whitewater sports.
What to see
Castle Sabran de Ponteves
The village and its ramparts
St Nicolas church.
Things to do
Hiking.
Hotels
Discover hotels in this Provençal town and the surrounding area: prices, reviews, and availability. Whether you're looking for charming hotels or convenient options, compare and choose on Expedia.
Bed and breakfast
A family-owned country house that has been restored over the past twenty-five years, overlooking the village of Bargème in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park: mountain views, a seasonal pool, and a breakfast terrace facing the panoramic scenery.
A wide variety of accommodations—rooms, bungalows, a chalet, RVs, an apartment, and a house for twelve people—and a farm where guests of all ages can interact with the animals, along with yoga and meditation in the great outdoors, just a short distance from the Verdon Gorges.
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Your questions about Bargème
You've sent us several questions about this charming village in the Haut-Var. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Why visit Bargème?
Bargème offers a rare experience in the Var. The village sits at 1,097 meters (3,599 feet), making it the highest in the department. It is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
You come here for its medieval heritage, which has survived almost intact. Ramparts, fortified gates and castle ruins form a remarkably coherent setting. Tourism remains low-key, far from the bustle of the coast.
What is the history of Bargème?
The history of Bargème is tied to the Pontevès family, lords of the village since 1220. They built the castle in the 13th century. The medieval village grew up around this fortress.
During the Wars of Religion, the lord Jean-Baptiste de Pontevès was considered a tyrant by his subjects. In 1579, residents of Callas, helped by Huguenots, entered the castle and killed him. The Parliament of Provence later ordered them to build an expiatory chapel.
The castle was never rebuilt. Since 2008, this heritage site has belonged to the village.
What activities can you do in Bargème?
You explore the village on foot in one to two hours. The castle ruins are open to visitors in summer. Stay until evening to watch the sun set over the valley.
Several hiking trails start from the village. The Bargème mill trail leads down to the turquoise waters of the Artuby, a round trip of nearly 8 kilometers (5 miles). The Brouis mountain offers views of the Lachens, the Canjuers plateau and the Maures.
By bike, the Roof of the Var route links Comps-sur-Artuby to Bargème over 72 kilometers (45 miles). Bring a good guide or an IGN topographic map before setting out.
Where is Bargème located?
Bargème is located in the northern Var, halfway between Draguignan and Castellane. It belongs to the Verdon Regional Nature Park. This hilltop village of the Var overlooks the Artuby plateaus.
On clear days, the view reaches the foothills of the Alps. You are in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, yet the setting already feels like the mountains. Check our interactive map to locate the village and its hamlets.
What heritage sites can you see in Bargème?
The Saint-Nicolas parish church dates from the 12th century. It is built in the Romanesque style and listed as a historic monument. Its altarpieces were restored in the 1990s and 2000s.
At the western end of the castle esplanade stands the Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs chapel. Built in 1607, it recalls the massacre of the Pontevès family. Locals first called it Notre-Dame d'Espaïme, meaning "dread" in Provençal.
Around the village, you can also discover the Sainte-Pétronille, Saint-Laurent and Saint-Antoine chapels.
How do you get to Bargème?
Driving is the easiest way to reach Bargème. From Comps-sur-Artuby, take the D21 and cross the Artuby at the Souche bridge. At the Sainte-Pétronille chapel, turn left onto the D37, which climbs up to the village.
By public transportation, an on-demand bus links Draguignan to Comps-sur-Artuby. Comps, the nearest town, lies about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the Sainte-Pétronille chapel. You will need a car for the last part of the route.
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