© _SeeStTropez
© _SeeStTropez
© _SeeStTropez
© _SeeStTropez
© _SeeStTropez
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.
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.
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.
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.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
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.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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!
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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.
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
Villa 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.
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.
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
Holiday rental with swimming pool in Grimaud - Villa Kalista
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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