Vidauban
Protected by the Ste Brigitte chapel built on top of a 180 meters high rocky outcrop and former volcano Vidauban spreads out into the eastern part of the Maures plain and into the middle valley of the River Argens..
The contrast between these two environments gives a special charm to this wine making town. To the south it's a landscape of parasol pine trees, broom and pink sandstone; to the north Alep pines, green oaks and the little picturesque cliffs in the gorges of the River Argens.
Yves Robert was not wrong when he decided to shoot "Le chateau de ma mere". in Vidauban.
On the Lorgues road, just after a stretch of centenary plane trees you'll see an immense gateway from which you can make out a beautiful XIXth century italian style residence and some bronze lions guarding the entrance.
Do you remember? It's here that Jean Carmet refused to let Marcel Pagnol's family pass.
What to see
There are a number of beautiful XVIth century relics in the village (bread oven, Saint Pons chapel and the Chaumes hamlet),
Sainte Brigitte chapel, Astros chateau, the Aille waterfalls (magnificent pink sandstone).
Walking, canoe, kayak, fishing.
Swimming pool.
St Brigitte chapel: This small XIXth century chapel built with stone from the Maures plain at the summit of a 180m rocky outcrop, jealously guards over the village and it's residents. A nature trail takes you up to the summit where there are beautiful views over Vidauban and towards the Maures plain.
Leisure activities
A trip down the River Argens by canoe or kayak. You can gain access to the river from the municipal river base located next to the stadium, (follow the arrows from the station). In summer (July/August), you can hire material and take to the river under the watchful eye of monitors. The 6 km stretch between Entraigues and the base is sublime and borders the immense verdant grounds of the chateau d'Astros.
2 lovely car trips around the limestone countryside and the siliceous part of Vidauban. Leave in the direction of Le Thoronet by the Argens valley. On the way, take a detour up to the Chaumes hamlet and then back to the road. This is a superb trip and you won't fail to find a wonderful picnic spot on the banks of the River Argens. Say picnic and you think of the Aille waterfalls in the Maures plain. In the village take the road for Plan de la Tour. Having passed some beautiful farms you'll reach an iron bridge and disused saw mill and mill Picnic on a nice flat sandstone rock. The trip continues as far as Plan de la Tour, and from the village you can take the Garde-Freinet direction. At the Vignon pass return to Vidauban by the Mourre hamlet. Parasol Pines, maritime pines and the Maures range make this a splendid day out.