Centre Var
The Centre Var offers you an authentic break in the heart of Provence, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Only an hour from the sea, this green territory reveals unspoiled villages such as Cotignac, Correns and Carcès, nestled between the hills of the Massif des Maures and the Gorges du Verdon.
Here, every village square tells a different story. The bustling markets of Brignoles, the organic vineyards of the Caramy valley, and the hiking trails along the Argens await you. This guide will help you organize your vacation in this region where life still follows the rhythm of the seasons.
The unmissable villages of Central Var
The Brignoles region is full of typical villages where Provençal life passes peacefully. Each one has its own unique character and deserves to be lingered over. Here are our suggestions so you don't miss any of these gems in the center of the Var. Happy exploring, everyone!
Correns
The first organic village in France, Correns shows that ecology and tradition go hand in hand. The village winegrowers produce biodynamic wines, while the market gardeners supply the restaurants with seasonal vegetables. Le Caramy offers natural bathing areas that are very popular in summer. On Sunday mornings, the organic market brings together producers and artisans under the centuries-old plane trees.
Tourism: The Fort de Correns, the banks of the Caramy, the church of Saint-Sauveur, the organic wine estates.
Cotignac
It is impossible to remain indifferent to the majesty of the tufa cliffs overlooking Cotignac. These 80-meter walls are home to troglodyte dwellings carved out over the centuries. The main square, lined with café terraces, comes alive on Tuesdays for the Provençal market. Don't miss the Vallon Gai waterfall, accessible via an easy trail from the center.
To discover: Le Rocher and its troglodytic dwellings, the chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâces, the 16th-century fountains.
Châteauvert
The small village of Châteauvert on the banks of the Caramy has a surprising contemporary art center, housed in a former cooperative winery. The exhibitions are in harmony with the local heritage. Hikers will enjoy the paths along the river, while climbers will appreciate the natural climbing routes.
To discover: the Contemporary Art Center, the climbing sites, the old wash house, the banks of the Caramy.
Carcès
At the confluence of the Caramy and the Argens, Carcès reveals a remarkable medieval heritage. Its artificial lake, created in 1938, has become a popular spot for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. The narrow streets of the old town tell the story of the Knights Templar who once occupied these places.
To discover: the lake of Carcès, the Clock Tower, Bramadou square, the remains of the ramparts.
Entrecasteaux
Dominated by its 17th-century castle, Entrecasteaux charms visitors with its well-preserved architecture. The French gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, offer a breathtaking view of the village and the valley. Shady little squares are the setting for games of pétanque in the late afternoon, the ideal time to sample the Provençal way of life.
To discover: the château and its gardens, the chapel of Saint-Sauveur, the oil mill, the Place des Fours.
La Celle
Nestled up against its 12th-century Benedictine abbey, La Celle cultivates serenity. The village is now home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a charming hotel in the former abbey. The vineyards surrounding the village produce renowned wines of the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation.
To discover: La Celle Abbey, the wine estates, the historical trail in the village.
The historical treasures of the Var Center
The Var Center is home to a rich heritage that spans the ages. From the first inhabitants of prehistory to the builders of the Middle Ages, each period has left its mark in stone.
Thoronet Abbey
The 12th-century Cistercian abbey of Thoronet transports you to the world of the monk-builders. The exceptional acoustics of the church mean that concerts of medieval music can still be held there today. Visit early in the morning, when the first rays of the sun illuminate the blonde stone through the narrow windows.
In the footsteps of Gaspard de Besse
A legendary figure in the Var region, Gaspard de Besse left his mark on the 18th century with his exploits. This Provençal Robin Hood robbed rich travelers in the Sainte-Baume massif to redistribute the money to the poor. You can follow in his footsteps in several places: the Brigands cave near Tourves, the underground passages of the castle of Vins-sur-Caramy where he hid, and the village of Besse-sur-Issole, which gave him his name.
The Castle of Vins-sur-Caramy
Perched on its rocky spur, this medieval castle dominates the Caramy valley. The inhabitants still tell the stories of Gaspard de Besse, who found refuge there in the underground passages. The fortress retains its defensive character with its ramparts and 13th-century keep.
The prehistoric caves of the Val
The first Var inhabitants left their traces in these rock shelters. Archaeologists have discovered tools and paintings dating back more than 20,000 years. A guided tour will give you an insight into the daily life of these distant ancestors.
Where to sleep in Central Var?
We have selected the best accommodation in Central Var for you. We update this selection every year to offer you the best options:
Flavors and culinary traditions of Central Var
To discover the authenticity of the local cuisine, start by strolling through the weekly markets of the Var. The market of Brignoles, set up on Place Caramy since the Middle Ages, brings together the producers every Saturday morning. The large plane trees offer their shade to the colorful stalls of the market gardeners.
Iconic products
The sun-dried Brignoles plum was once sent as far as the court of the kings of France. Today, a few producers continue this tradition. In spring, the stalls are adorned with wild asparagus, picked from the terraces. Enthusiasts get up early to unearth these treasures that the old-timers call “poor man's asparagus”.
Olive oil from the Var Center
The mills of Correns and Entrecasteaux still press olives using traditional methods. In December, families gather to pick olives. Each mill has its regulars who swear that their oil is the best in the department. A good-natured rivalry that has lasted for generations.
Local wines
The winegrowers of the Brignoles region produce structured rosés and full-bodied reds. In Correns, the first organic village in France, the estates practice biodynamics. The cellars organize tastings where the winegrowers share their passion and explain how the mistral influences the character of their wines.
In the kitchens of the Var
Provençal daube is still simmering in family restaurants, served with homemade gnocchi. Cooks continue to make stuffed vegetables, vegetables stuffed with meat and stale bread. At Le Petit Saint-Jean, in La Celle, the Michelin-starred chef gives these classics a modern twist.
Local sweets
Bakers continue the tradition of navettes, biscuits flavored with orange blossom. At Christmas, the thirteen desserts are a must on the table. The nougats of Brignoles, made by hand with honey from the Sainte-Baume, are among the favorite gourmet gifts of the locals.
Activities not to be missed
The Var Center is full of activities for all tastes. From contemplative hiking to white water sports, each season brings its share of discoveries.
Hikes and nature walks
The Caramy Springs Trail takes you through unspoiled landscapes. Allow 3 hours for this easy loop that starts from Tourves. In spring, wild orchids line the path. A local guide offers dawn tours to observe chamois in the Sainte-Baume massif.
On the rails of Green Provence
The Centre Var tourist train winds its way between Carnoules and Brignoles. The one-hour journey takes in centuries-old viaducts and tunnels. The enthusiastic volunteers who drive the train share anecdotes about the construction of this line in 1880.
Along the water
The lakes of Carcès and Sainte-Suzanne welcome fishermen from dawn. Kayakers descend the Argens between Châteauvert and Correns, where the cliffs create spectacular passages. In summer, families gather at the Tombereau waterfalls for picnics in the shade of the oak trees.
In the air
The Châteauvert paragliding site attracts fliers from all over Europe. The local school offers tandem flights for beginners to discover the Brignoles region from the sky. The thermals rising from the cliffs allow flights of several hours in the spring.
Nature accommodation
The Sources campsite in Correns has adopted an environmentally friendly approach. The pitches, spaced out under the oak trees, offer real privacy. In Châteauvert, an old sheep barn converted into a gîte welcomes climbers who come to enjoy the equipped routes on the nearby cliffs.
Local experiences
A family of beekeepers in Mazaugues will introduce you to the life of bees in their apiary school. In Bras, a potter continues the tradition of glazed earthenware in his workshop, which is open to visitors. His introductory courses are fully booked during the school holidays.