Bagnols en Forêt

Last update on May 18, 2026

Between Frejus (18 km) and Fayence (12 km), 20km from Saint Raphael and 25km from Draguignan.

Discover the hilltop village of Bagnols en Forêt in the Var

Bagnols en Forêt is a small hilltop village nestled in the foothills of the Estérel, perched on a hill overlooking the Argens Valley—it truly captures the essence of Provence!

Its location in the heart of nature between the Haut Var and the coast makes it an ideal destination for combining the pleasures of the sea with mountain activities, all while enjoying the charm and tranquility of a small, typically Provençal village. Here, you can experience the tranquility of an authentic Provençal village without sacrificing proximity to the coast.

Tour of the village

In the village, you’ll discover its narrow little streets arranged around the central square, its bistro and plane trees, as well as the church square shaded by magnificent chestnut trees.

You can visit the archaeological museum located on the first floor of the tourist office. It showcases the village’s crafts, cork and olive cultivation, and also displays artifacts from excavations conducted in the town.

Forest and small chapels

As you stroll around the village, you’ll realize that Bagnols en Forêt truly lives up to its name, with over 4,000 hectares of forest. You’ll discover small, ancient chapels in the surrounding area (St. Denis Chapel, Notre Dame de la Pitié Chapel).

The Blavet Gorges

The Blavet Gorges are the town’s premier natural attraction. This small, wooded canyon is lined with red cliffs reaching 80 meters in height.

The red color is due to rhyolite, a volcanic rock found in abundance in the Estérel Massif, a remnant of volcanic activity dating back 270 million years. The site attracts hikers and climbers alike. Avoid the Blavet Gorges in rainy weather: the trail includes two river crossings, and the rocks become slippery.

As you can tell, we really love the little town of Bagnols-en-Forêt!

What to see

The Church of Saint Antonin.
Saint Antoine Chapel.
Sainte Anne Chapel.
The Siagnole fountain.

Things to do

Hiking : canyons of Blavet, Gourbachin waterfall,
Vallon de la Vauloube, the cliff Colle Rousse.

Hotels

Au Relais Provençal

Bagnols en Forêt

A small, very pleasant hotel in Bagnols-en-Forêt. Spacious, comfortable rooms, a beautiful pool with a view of the hills, and very friendly staff. Ideal for a stay in the area.

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Campsites

Camping Le Parc ★★★★

Saint Paul en Forêt (Fayence - Draguignan)

Camping 4 * in the heart of a wooded area of 3.5 ha with mobile home rentals 2/6 pers, chalets and pitches with wifi. Pool, spa, tennis, mini golf, entertainment, restaurant, kids club. 15mn from lake and 35mn from beach

100 / 63

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Accommodation

Hotels.
Bed and breakfasts.
Vacation rentals.

Your Questions About Bagnols en Forêt

We’ve received several questions from you about this small town in the Var department. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What activities are there to do in Bagnols-en-Forêt?

Visiting Bagnols-en-Forêt is above all about enjoying the great outdoors in an exceptional natural setting. The Blavet Gorges are the region’s must-see attraction: hiking, rock climbing on over 300 routes, and zip-lining.

The Gourbachin Waterfall offers a shaded walk perfect for families. Nature tourism is a given here, with activities for all skill levels starting from the hilltop village. The CAREX, a free open-air archaeological museum, offers a unique way to discover the local heritage. The Pays de Fayence and Lake Saint-Cassien round out the nearby attractions.

How do I get to Bagnols-en-Forêt?

The town is accessible via the D4 departmental road from Fréjus, or via the D47 from La Bouverie and La Motte. From the A8 highway, take exit 38. The distance from Saint-Raphaël is about 20 kilometers. The nearest TGV station is Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, approximately 21 km away. By public transit, ZOU bus line 837 runs between Fréjus and Bagnols-en-Forêt five times a day, with a travel time of about 28 minutes. Check the map and plan your route in advance: the roads of the Estérel can sometimes hold surprises.

What historic sites are worth visiting?

The heritage of the hilltop village of Bagnols-en-Forêt is best explored on foot. The Church of Saint-Antonin, built in 1707, is the town’s central landmark. The Chapel of Sainte-Anne and the Chapel of Saint-Antoine round out this ancient religious heritage, scattered throughout and around the historic site. The CAREX is a free outdoor archaeological trail, open year-round. Guided tours are organized in July and August to explore the area’s historical and prehistoric remains. The old millstone quarries, accessible via a hike from the Col de la Pierre du Coucou, bear witness to a craft tradition dating back to the Iron Age.

Where is Bagnols-en-Forêt located?

Bagnols-en-Forêt is a commune in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Perched at an altitude of 300 meters in the foothills of the Estérel Mountains, it is located 18 km from Fréjus and 49 km from Cannes. Its location is ideal: the French Riviera is just a short drive away, and the town’s natural surroundings feature 4,290 hectares of forest. On the map, Bagnols-en-Forêt appears as a balcony between the sea and the Provençal hinterland, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast yet still very accessible.

What are the local specialties?

Local cuisine is best experienced at the market on Boulevard du Rayol, every Wednesday and Saturday morning: artisanal cheeses, seasonal produce, and charcuterie. The highlight is the Marché d’Antan, a major spring gathering for food and crafts featuring over 60 vendors showcasing local gourmet products: honey, olive oil, jams, saffron, and tapenades.

Provençal tradition is very much alive here, with demonstrations of traditional crafts and local cuisine to discover on site. Local crafts round out an offering that highlights short supply chains and the expertise of the Pays de Fayence.

Where to stay on vacation in Bagnols-en-Forêt?

Accommodation options cater to all types of vacationers. The town offers a municipal guesthouse on Boulevard du Rayol, featuring three bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen: a comfortable, budget-friendly option for exploring the village. Bed-and-breakfasts provide a warm welcome, often with a terrace and private pool in a Provençal setting. Vacation rentals and Gîtes de France-certified lodgings round out the options for family stays. Campgrounds are available nearby for outdoor recreation. For information on services and availability, contact the Pays de Fayence Intercommunal Tourist Office.