2009 Holiday cottage in Provence

Around and about in the Var

The Var department is part of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur ('PACA') region of France. It is one of the largest departments, but one with the least density of population. Most people live on the coastal strip, leaving the interior inhabited by more wild boar than people, or so they say!

Below are brief descriptions of the places we think you would like to know about. If there are any particular things that interest you, please let us know. For instance, if you want to go white water rafting you may need to make reservations during the summer months.

St Antonin du Var

One of the smallest communes in the Var, and one of the newest - it was created in 1963. The countryside around is undulating with forest on the high ground and vines and olive trees on the lower slopes and valleys. There are some great views and the area is ideal for walking, hiking and bicycling.

Lorgues, our nearest town

About 10 minutes drive from us. There is a good selection of shops and facilities, and many restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. Lorgues Market on Tuesday mornings is a 'must'. Chateau de Berne has a fine visitor centre for its winery, plus a brasserie and a 5 star restaurant. They also have a childrens' play area with swings etc.

Other villages nearby

Entrecasteaux has a famous chateau, an olive mill and a Roman bridge over the River Bresque. You can fish at the nearby trout lake.

Cotignac is generally accepted to be one of the most attractive villages in the Var, and is classed as a site of national importance.

Tourtour is know as the village in the sky with truly spectacular views over the Var countryside to the sea 40 kms away. There are several good restaurants and some lovely walks.

L'Abbaye du Thoronet is one of the finest sites dating from the 11th century. It was a stronghold of the Knights Templar and is now fully restored. Concerts are held in the church which has exceptionally good acoustics.

Further afield

All the following well known towns are within an hour's drive of St Antonin. Nice, Grasse, Cannes, Antibes, St Raphael, St Maxime,, Toulon, and Aix en Provence,. They are fascinating and lively places, steeped in history and full of interest of every sort. We can brief you about them so that you make the most of your visit.

Sports and activities

Tennis, golf, cricket, horseriding and canoeing take place near St Antonin. Further away in St Maxime there is a water park voted the tops by some of our younger guests. The Lac St Croix and the Gorge du Verdon have spectacular scenery. Sail on the lake or take a pedalo up the Gorge. How about whitewater rafting, bungy jumping and hang gliding too? In the summer musical events of every kind take place, particularly jazz Some of the wine chateaux stage them in their vineyards, with suitable refreshments. Internationally known artistes take part. Art exhibitions take place in most towns and villages.

Finally.....

We could go on, but there really is a lot to do. Whatever you want, vigorous exercise or total relaxation, then Les Castellans is the place for you. Don't forget that the wing is available all the year round and that there is plenty of sunshine, even in mid-winter.

We hope you have enjoyed our website and look forward to welcoming you for your holiday in Provence very soon.

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