The castles of Le Var
The Var is home to a multitude of châteaux, inviting us to discover a heritage steeped in grandeur and elegance. At the turn of each stone, a story is written, captivating our imagination and revealing the secrets of bygone eras.
Remarkable châteaux in the Var
Château d'Entrecasteaux is the quintessential castle, flanked by a rocky outcrop and overlooking a small French garden. An 11th-century fortress, it was extensively remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries. Entirely refurbished with period objects, the visit is a real immersion in the past of its illustrious owners. A must-see!
Overlooking the village, perched on its rocky outcrop and almost balanced, the Château de Trigance takes you back to the heart of the Middle Ages. Now transformed into a *** hotel-restaurant, it offers visitors an authentic immersion in an enchanting setting.
The Château de Saint-Martin de Pallières dates back to the 13th century, and has been extensively transformed since then. A true family home bearing witness to successive eras, it is open to visitors and offers a gîte and guest rooms. The nearby underground cathedral was the largest cistern in Europe in the 18th century.
Castles in the countryside
Château de Vins in Vins-sur-Caramy embodies the harmonious blend of defensive architecture and Renaissance refinement, with its main courtyard and double loggias. It stands in the heart of a verdant setting with tall cypress trees and overlooks the nearby river. Events are held regularly at the château, which also offers bed and breakfast accommodation.
At La Martre, nestling in a green setting, a sublime 18th-century residence is entirely dedicated to peace and relaxation: Le Château de Taulane. Now a hotel **** and SPA, the château also boasts an 18-hole golf course recognised as one of the best in France.
Private and not accessible, the Château d'Aiguines can be discovered by takinga walk on the heights of the village. The view over Lac de Sainte-Croix is magnificent, and the castle's glazed-tile pepperbox towers are well worth a visit.
Wine châteaux
The Var is a region that has been renowned for its wine-growing activities for thousands of years. As a result, it boasts many majestic châteaux steeped in history. Château de Sainte Roseline is one of the most representative. This historic wine estate, located in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, offers a unique experience for lovers of wine and culture, thanks in particular to the contemporary art sculptures in the vast garden and the stunning Sainte Roseline chapel.
Another charming wine estate is Château de Saint Martin in Taradeau. The château has been handed down almost exclusively from mother to daughter for eleven generations.
Château d'Astros in Vidauban, which served as the setting for some of the scenes in Marcel Pagnol's film "Le Château de ma mère" (My Mother's Castle ) and was freely inspired by Tuscan palaces, was built in 1860. In the 13th century, the estate was home to a Templar farm, which was transformed into a commandery in the 17th century. Remains bear witness to these successive eras.
Castles in ruins
Discover the ruined castles of the Var, a real adventure for enthusiasts and children alike! Soak up the mysterious atmosphere and let your imagination wander among the remains steeped in history.
The ramparts and remains of the Château d'Hyères, built in the 11th century by the Lords of Fos, is a fortified site perched on a rocky promontory, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Bay of Hyères.
At La Garde-Freinet, the medieval site of Fort Freinet and the remains of the castle walls take visitors back in time from the 12th to the 16th century. The path to reach the site is steep but the reward is at the end of the road: the view is sublime and the site is highly instructive on the building methods of that era.
Finally, the Château de Pontevès, in Bargème, invites you to enjoy an immersive experience at the heart of its military history. Perched on a rocky promontory, it offers an uninterrupted view of the majestic surrounding mountains and seems to watch over this beautiful Village de Caractère in the Var.
Castles in music
The Var and its châteaux offer a host of special venues where music blends harmoniously with the history and beauty of the area. Discover the châteaux and exceptional buildings that transform into stages for unique musical events:
- Les Nuits du Château de la Moutte - Saint-Tropez
- The Castle Festival - Château de Solliès-Pont
- Les Musicales dans les Vignes Festival - Mediterranean Porte des Maures
Les Musicales dans les Vignes gives you the chance to enjoy wine and music evenings in some of Provence's most prestigious vineyards. Venues such as Château Tour St Honoré in La Londe-les-Maures, Château la Gordonne in Pierrefeu-du-Var and Château de l'Aumérade open their doors to enchanting melodies.
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