Collobrières, Var
Traditional market town famous for its chestnut trees and cork industry
Collobrières is a pretty medieval village in the hills of the Massif des Maures.
There is a pretty river running right through the town spanned by a 12th century stone bridge, and a wide, shady boulevard with a big town square. Along with chestnut flavoured everything (from ice cream to soup), the town also has a thriving cork industry, harvested from the cork oak trees that grow in the surrounding hills. This is a very pleasant town far away from the crowds and heat of the Riviera.
Its main street is lined by Plane trees, shading the cobbled streets. Along them you'll find a couple of touristy shops and some attractive restaurants. In the square before the town hall resides a funky fountain, topped with a bronze cherub. In his arms he holds a fish that spouts water down to the basin. Every year, in August, Collobrières celebrates the construction of this fountain, when on that day its water changes into wine...
It's not the changing of water into wine, that gives the village its notoriety. It's the abundance of chestnut trees and their fruit. With La Garde-Freinet, Collobrières vies for the chestnut capital of the region. Both villages have their chestnut festivals in October. When the one village extended the festival to a second weekend, the other one followed toute de suite.
If you like chestnuts, in whatever form, the Maison des Marrons has a small museum next to it, where you can explore the makings of such sweet delicacies as marrons glacés. In the shop they sell chestnuts in every form: preserves, paste, and above all (recommended) ice cream.
Collobrières has some nice restaurants and shady pavement cafés, mostly specialising in Provençal food.
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Sights & Attractions in Collobrieres
The gothic church at gothic Notre Dame des Victoires is worth seeing, as well as the Pont Raoul Calvi, a 12th century stone bridge spanning the Real Collobrière River. There are several pretty fountains including the 'boy with fish' fountain in the square.
The medieval monastery, Chartreuse de la Verne is worth a visit or just wander about and admire the ancient chestnut trees, the stunning views and be amazed that some 900 years ago, monks would establish themselves here. Today, it's such an isolated location, imagine what it must have been like in their times.
Events in Collobrieres
Events in Collobrieres
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Things to do in Collobrieres
Outside the village, you find a wonder of nature trails. For lovers of hiking this is a paradise. Even by car, you will be impressed by the wild, and for the most part uninhabited Massif des Maures, the mountainous forest range around Collobrières.
This is wonderful hiking and cycling country, the forested hills of the Maures are riddled with tracks for hiking, mountain biking, hunting and horse riding, whilst the winding road is very popular with road-cyclists. Collobrières is the perfect jumping off point into the forests of the Maures. Three popular long hikes are to the Notre Dame des Anges, the Plateau Lambert and the Chartreuse de la Verne, while Collobrières also connects with long-range hiking trails GR90 adn GR51 nearby.
Cycling in Collobrieres
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Aix-en-Provence to Aqueduc de Roquefavour
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
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La Veloroute du Calavon
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
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Cycling the Ochre Region from Roussillon
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
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Le Plateau de Sault, Mont Ventoux
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
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Les Gorges de la Nesque
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
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From Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
Hiking in Collobrieres
Walking Routes in Provence
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Troglodyte Hikes & Walks
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
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The l'Imbut Trail, Gorges du Verdon
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
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GR4
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
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Montagne Sainte Victoire
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
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Terrain des Peintres
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
Yachts & Sailing in Collobrieres
Watersports in Collobrieres
Watersports in Provence
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Lac de Saint Cassien Watersports, Fayence
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
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Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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Verdon Canoe, Gorges du Verdon
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
Families in Collobrieres
Villas in Collobrieres
Villas in Provence
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Mahé Villa, La Mole
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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La Ruine Villa, Grimaud
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
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Ella Villa, Grimaud
27 Sep 20257 Nights1-12 peopleSelf-cateredVilla for rent on the French Riviera, close to Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime and a few steps from the beaches, this high standing property enjoys a beautiful 4,800m² land planted with trees with an infinity pool and a basin.
Price: €7,180
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Serena Villa, Sainte-Maxime
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
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Lou Villa, Grimaud
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
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Kalista Villa, Grimaud
Holiday rental with swimming pool in Grimaud - Villa Kalista
Campsites in Collobrieres
How to get to Collobrieres
Collobrières is a lovely medieval town deep in the thickly forested hills of the Massif des Maures. It's not well connected by public transport, so those without a car will have to rely on the very infrequent buses running from Toulon.
The easiest access to the village is from the west, from Pierrefeu. But then you would miss the best of the region, so instead take the D14 road from the east, from Grimaud. A dramatic road, with just enough space for cars to pass and some steep ravines on your left.
This road gives you an overwhelming view of the Maures. Some 10 miles before the village, you may catch a glimpse - high up - of the medieval monastery, Chartreuse de la Verne. If time permits, take the road up to the monastery. The buildings themselves are still under reconstruction. Through the ages, the monastery was burnt down, pilfered, abandoned and (in the 1950's) reinhabited by the nuns order of Bethléem.
Transfers for Provence
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
