Cultural and Nature Adventures in the Var: Hiking, History, and Landscapes

A masterpiece of 12th-century Cistercian architecture, Thoronet Abbey is renowned for its simplicity and exceptional acoustics. A peaceful and historically rich site, it is perfect for a cultural visit.

📍 Address: Route de l’Abbaye, 83340 Le Thoronet
🕒 Travel time: 20 min by car

The largest Gothic church in Provence, famous for housing the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene. A site of both spiritual and historical pilgrimage.

📍 Address: Place de L’Hôtel de Ville, 83470 Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
🕒 Travel time: 30 min

The Maures Forest is perfect for nature lovers. Explore its marked trails through cork oaks and pines, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean hills. This massif, located near Le Luc, offers numerous hikes through wooded landscapes, with stunning views of the sea and the hills.

📍 Address: Recommended departure from Collobrières
🕒 Travel time: 30 min

A hike through the last wild plain of the Var, at the heart of the Maures Plain Nature Reserve.

Short trail:

Distance: 7.6 km

Elevation gain: 55 m

Average time: 2h20

Long trail:

Distance: 13.9 km

Elevation gain: 110 m

Average time: 4h10

And for fishing enthusiasts, Escarcets Lake is a beautiful spot... This 11-hectare lake offers year-round fishing for species like pike, black bass, carp, and many others.

Note: A fishing permit is required, available at the Vidauban tourist office, Bar Tabac Lou Cannet in Cannet des Maures, or online at www.cartedepeche.fr.

📍 Departure: Ginestrier (D1)

A easy hike through the Mediterranean forest, an ideal circuit to combine nature and history. This very pleasant loop allows you to visit the menhirs of the Plateau de Lambert, dating back between 5000 and 7000 years. You will also find the stump of a majestic chestnut tree near the forest house. This almost-millennial chestnut stump is believed to have been frequented by Madame de Sévigné, who came to the Plateau Lambert farm to recharge and rest under the chestnut trees. Unfortunately, it was burned in the 1980s.

📍 Departure: Park at the Collobrières cemetery parking lot

A beautiful hike through the Maures Massif, with the ascent to Notre-Dame des Anges, located at the summit of the massif, offering breathtaking panoramas at 780 meters above sea level. The 360° view includes stunning vistas of the Hyères Islands, the Collobrières Valley, the Maures Plain, and the Sainte-Baume mountains.

📍 Starting point: In Pignan, do not enter the village, continue on the D97, then take a small road that leads to the summit of Notre-Dame des Anges. Pass under the highway and park shortly after on the right.

A hiking circuit located in the state forest, composed of typical Maures species: chestnut trees, cork oaks, holm oaks, and maritime pines. This trail runs between the Verne Reservoir and the Chartreuse de la Verne building.

A 20km loop in the heart of the Maures Forest, offering stunning views of the Chartreuse de la Verne and the Menhirs of the Plateau Lambert.

📍 Starting point: Parking at La Croix d'Anselme, located on the D14 road between the villages of Collobrières and Cogolin.

Rocher de Roquebrune is a remarkable natural site offering a variety of outdoor activities. You can hike to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the region, try rock climbing on routes suitable for all skill levels, or simply immerse yourself in nature while observing the local wildlife and flora. It offers a chance to explore typical Provençal landscapes, from pine forests to views of the Mediterranean. At the foot of the rock, the Argens River offers activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

📍 Address: 83520 Roquebrune-sur-Argens
🕒 Travel time: 30 min

Several stables offer horseback rides suitable for all levels, perfect for exploring the Var countryside. You’ll discover trails through vineyards, pine forests, and along the Argens River.

Stables:

Les écuries du Luc

Ecurie ANAÏS PRADEL

Les chevaux de Violette

Domaine équestre des Bertrands

📍 Address: ROUTE DES MAYONS - Le Luc
🕒 Travel time: 9 min

Located in Saint-Antonin-du-Var, Natur’Évasion offers a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family in a natural setting. Specializing in canoe-kayaking on the Argens River, this center also offers mountain biking trails, hikes, and paddleboarding. The region's lush and peaceful surroundings allow visitors to recharge while enjoying sports and recreational activities. Whether for a family outing or a day with friends, Natur’Évasion guarantees moments of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Var countryside.

🕒 Travel time: 25 min

Tree-climbing park and wildlife reserve offering several high-rope courses, a sensory garden, as well as spaces for discovering the local fauna and flora.

📍 Address: Parc des Cèdres, 83340 Flassans-sur-Issole
🕒 Travel time: 20 min by car

Ceps, morels, oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, hedgehog mushrooms, and much more... Doesn’t that make your mouth water? Explore the forests of the Maures Massif and be charmed by the richness of nature on a mushroom foraging adventure. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers, this activity immerses you in a preserved natural setting, in the heart of Provence. Enjoy the shaded underbrush, the scents of pine and oak, and embark on a journey to discover these hidden forest treasures. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced forager, let your passion for nature guide you, and return with a basket full of fresh finds, ready to be savored. An authentic adventure to reconnect with nature and share beautiful moments with family or friends.

📍 Address: Route de la Garde-Freinet, 83340 Le Cannet-des-Maures
🕒 Travel time: 10 min

The ZooParc of Le Cannet des Maures is a must-visit for families and animal lovers. Spread across 4 shaded hectares, you can get up close to exotic and domestic animals. The Petting Zoo delights the youngest visitors, while pony rides add a magical touch to the experience. This place, dedicated to species conservation, offers both a fun and educational day in the heart of the Var’s natural beauty.

📍 Address: 268 Chemin Sainte-Maïsses, Ancienne Route d’Italie, 83340 Le Cannet-des-Maures
🕒 Travel time: 10 minutes

The Turtle Village of Carnoules is a unique center dedicated to the conservation of turtles, home to over 1600 turtles of 50 different species spread across 2 hectares of nature. This sanctuary offers an immersive trail where visitors can observe local turtles, such as the Hermann's tortoise, as well as exotic species. Guided tours and educational activities are available to raise awareness about the conservation of these animals.

📍 Address: 1065 Route du Luc, 83660 Carnoules
🕒 Travel time: 15 minutes