Villecroze
At the intersection of routes D557 and D51 roads between Draguignan (21km.) and Aups (8km.).
Article updated in March 2025 following our last visit to the village.
Discover the charming medieval village of Villecroze in the Var
Set against the foothills of the Alpes de Provence in the Haut-Var, close to the Gorges du Verdon, Villecroze is a charming medieval village that attracts many visitors. Set against a magnificent backdrop of pine and holm oak mountains, Villecroze has many sites to discover.
History of Villecroze: the Commanderie des Templiers du Ruou
The Commanderie des Templiers du Ruou (Ruou Knights Templar Commandery) was founded around 1150 and extended from the Verdon valley to the Mediterranean. This very well-preserved site will take you back to the time of the Knights Templar.
Caves and waterfalls in the Villecroze park
Take a stroll through the park, with its rare tree species, troglodytic caves, waterfalls and beautiful rose gardens. The caves, which were formed 700,000 years ago in the tufa cliffs and served as a refuge for the Benedictine monks of Saint-Victor Abbey in the 16th century, can be visited by prior arrangement from April to October.
Concerts in the chapel of Saint Victor
In summer, Villecroze organises concerts in the 12th and 13th century chapel of Saint Victor, given by the Académie Internationale de Musique (Grunner-Schlumberger Foundation), which brings together great virtuosos from all over the world.
The seven fountains of Villecroze
Like many Provencal villages, Villecroze is rich in fountains. You can explore the village in search of these pretty fountains, some of which are very old. Be sure to check that the water is drinkable before drinking or filling your water bottles.
A renowned vineyard like Domaine Saint Jean de Villecroze
Villecroze is also famous for its wines. Domaine Saint-Jean de Villecroze is an exceptional Provencal estate offering a number of interesting wines. A hiking trail leads through the heart of the vineyards, past a stream with a Roman aqueduct and the Saint-Jean chapel, allowing you to admire this pretty vineyard.
The Villecroze market
The Villecroze market takes place every Thursday morning in the Place du Général de Gaulle (see map). It's a great opportunity to stock up on local produce and discover the medieval village of Villecroze.
Our map of Villecroze (postcode 83690)
To find your way around Villecroze, you can use our interactive map on this page. You'll find the various points of interest in the village (town hall, tourist office, park, etc.) as well as our accommodation recommendations. This will help you locate them before you book your holiday in Villecroze.
What to see
The medieval village: narrow streets, arcades,
the clock court, the old dungeon attached to the castle.
Leisure activities
Marked hiking trails. Horseback riding.
Swimming in the river. Tennis.
Cultural activities all year round (exhibitions, theatre, concerts of classical music).
Cyclo-tourism.
Hotels
This country hotel is located 3.5 km from the village of Villecroze, in the heart of Provence. It's a quiet little corner of paradise, with a lovely outdoor swimming pool, a spa with a whirlpool bath and rooms with a private terrace. We just love it!
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Gites and vacation rentals.
Campsites.
Your questions about Villecroze.
You have sent us several questions about the charming village of Villecroze in the Var. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions so that all our readers can find out more. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions about Villecroze, we'll do our best to help.
Where is Villecroze?
The village of Villecroze is in the Var department in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur (PACA) region, about 20 km from Draguignan and 8 km from Aups. The nearest neighbouring villages are Sakernes and Tourtour, which are also well worth a visit.
Where to eat in Villecroze?
If you're looking for a good restaurant in Villecroze, we recommend the following establishments. ‘Au Bien Être’ is a hotel restaurant (see description above) with great food and an idyllic countryside setting. We also like ‘Les Sources de Villecroze’, which serves fine Provençal cuisine. Enjoy your meal!
