Pontevès

Discover the charming village of Pontevès in the Var

Pontevès is a hilltop village in the Green Provence region, located in the Var, a few kilometers east of Barjols.

Imagine a rocky outcrop at the foot of the Petit Bessillon. Perched atop it is a village overlooking a plain of vineyards, with mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see. This is Pontevès. It was once the stronghold of the Marquises of Pontevès. The houses cluster around the ruins of their castle. Its round towers still watch over the rooftops.

Here, time slows down. You can relax in the shade of the plane trees or chat by the fountain. Far from the crowds along the coast, this small village in the Var region retains its rustic charm.

When it comes to accommodations, the village and its surroundings offer bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, and campgrounds, often nestled within a vineyard or a country estate.

And you’re less than an hour away from major attractions: the Verdon Gorge, Lake Sainte-Croix, or neighboring villages like Cotignac. Explore “Green Provence” at your own pace, surrounded by nature and cultural heritage.

How long does it take to visit Pontevès

You can walk through the heart of the village in just under an hour. It’s a compact area, clustered around its town square and castle. Surrounding the village, the forest, vineyards, and hills invite you to stay longer.

Plan on half a day to combine a visit to the historic center with a stroll. Allow a full day if you hike up to the Bessillons or venture out to the neighboring villages.

The best option is to stay right here. By choosing Pontevès as your base, you can easily explore all of Green Provence. Barjols, Cotignac, and Carcès are less than twenty minutes away.

Have more time? The Verdon Gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix are both less than an hour’s drive away. That’s enough to plan a complete getaway, combining history and nature.

What to see and visit in Pontevès

Pontevès’s historic sites are concentrated in a very small area, but each one is worth a visit.

Start with the Church of Saint-Gervais. The building, with medieval origins, was rebuilt beginning in 1666 based on plans by the Aix-en-Provence painter Jean Daret. Inside, you’ll discover six altarpieces and two paintings dedicated to Saints Gervais and Protais, both designated as historic monuments.

Continue on to the 17th-century octagonal tower. It serves as a reminder of the town’s rich feudal past.

Don’t miss the olive oil mill, located on the central square shaded by plane trees. An exhibition traces the journey of the olive, from harvesting to pressing. A former miller shares his expertise and anecdotes there.

Above the village, the castle dominates the landscape. Sold in 1650 to Pierre Maurel, a financier from Aix-en-Provence nicknamed the “Croesus of Provence,” it was once sumptuous before falling into ruin. Today, its round towers and entrance gate still bear witness to its former grandeur.

Finally, take the time to stroll around. The narrow streets, the fountain, and the beautiful washhouse below round out the walk. A signposted route guides you on your own through the historic center.

Nature around the village

Pontevès isn’t just about old stones. The real spectacle here is nature.

The village is framed by two iconic hills: the Gros and the Petit Bessillon. The locals call them “the big one” and “the little hunchback.” These two peaks watch over the entire Green Provence.

The trail up Petit Bessillon starts diagonally, right in front of the church. At the top, at over 660 meters, two orientation tables await you. The view opens up onto the plain, the forests, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Cyclists aren’t left out either. Cycling route No. 11 connects Pontevès to Carcès, passing through the historic villages of the Var hinterland for nearly 90 kilometers.

Surrounding the area, hiking trails wind through a preserved forest. Be careful in the summer, though: fire risk may sometimes lead to access restrictions in the mountain ranges. Check with the tourist office before setting out. The village was, in fact, surrounded by flames during the great fire of July 2026.

Our map of Pontevès

To locate the village, its points of interest, and the surrounding area, you can use our interactive map of Pontevès. We’ve also marked our favorite spots in the region on it.