What to visit in Haut-Var? 10 places to discover around Tourtour
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Hilltop villages, troglodyte cliffs, waterfalls and lavender fields: the Haut-Var is one of the most beautiful regions of Provence. Far from the bustle of the coast, it reveals unspoilt nature, hills cloaked in oak and olive trees, a heritage spanning a thousand years and traditions that are still very much alive. Every village here has its own character: a square shaded by plane trees, a babbling fountain, narrow streets climbing towards a castle or a Romanesque church. From Tourtour, most of these sites lie less than half an hour's drive away. Here is our selection to help you decide what to visit in the Haut-Var and plan your days of discovery, season after season.
The Landscapes of Provence: Nature and Panoramas of the Haut-Var
The Haut-Var is, above all, a land of landscapes. Between farmed plateaus, rivers that carve the rock and vast turquoise lakes, nature changes its face at every bend in the road.
The Valensole Plateau
At the gateway to the Haut-Var, just across the Verdon, the Valensole plateau is undoubtedly the most iconic landscape in Provence. Fields of lavender and golden wheat stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with almond trees and isolated farmhouses. In early summer, the blooms offer a spectacle worthy of an Impressionist canvas, and the air is heady with the scent of lavender. It was this very setting that designer Simon Porte Jacquemus chose for his Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show. An unmissable sight for nature lovers and photographers alike. Our tip: come early in the morning or late in the day, when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner. And please keep to the paths, as the fields are working farmland.
Valensole Plateau Parade Valensole Plateau Valensole Plateau
The Waterfall at Sillans-la-Cascade
Some ten kilometers from Tourtour, Sillans-la-Cascade is home to the highest waterfall in the Var: the waters of the Bresque plunge around 42 meters into an emerald-green pool. From the village, a shaded path of about fifteen minutes leads to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. Please note that swimming in the waterfall's pool is forbidden, both for safety reasons and to protect the site. Spring is the ideal season, when the water flows generously and the vegetation is at its greenest. Before or after your walk, take time to wander the lanes of the old village, perched above the river.
Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge
No guide to the Haut-Var would be complete without Lake Sainte-Croix and its turquoise waters, the gateway to the Verdon Gorge. Water activities abound : swimming, pedalos, canoeing or simply unwinding on the beaches of Bauduen, it is the perfect summer escape. The more adventurous can paddle up the gorge by canoe or kayak, between towering cliffs and crystal-clear water. Find our tips in Top 3 things to do in Tourtour this summer.
The troglodyte villages of the Haut-Var: History and Heritage
Tufa, a soft stone formed by ancient waterfalls, has shaped several villages of the Haut-Var. Over the centuries, their inhabitants carved shelters, cellars and refuges into the rock, some of which can still be visited today.
The caves of Villecroze
Tourtour's immediate neighbour, Villecroze, listed as a Village de Caractère, is renowned for its caves hollowed out of a tufa cliff. Inhabited since prehistoric times, they belonged first to Benedictine monks, then to the local lord, who fortified them. The tour unfolds over five levels, revealing mullioned windows, arrow slits and even a passage behind the waterfall. At the foot of the caves, the municipal park, free to enter, is perfect for a cool break. The village itself is well worth a detour, with its medieval lanes, vaulted passageways and church square, just a stone's throw from the park.
The rock of Cotignac
In Cotignac, the village grew up at the foot of an imposing tufa cliff, 400 meters long and 80 meters high. Here you can explore former cave dwellings and, at the summit, two watchtowers known as the "Saracen" towers. The viewpoint indicator offers a lovely view over the village rooftops and the surrounding hills. Back down below, take time to linger along the shaded cours and its café terraces: Cotignac is one of the Var's Villages de Caractère, and it is easy to see why.
Medieval Castles and Abbey: Heritage worth the visit
Châteaux d'Entrecasteaux
In the Bresque valley, the village of Entrecasteaux is dominated by the long silhouette of its castle. Set on a rocky promontory, this former stronghold, whose origins date back to the 11th century, has been reworked many times over the centuries. It owes its grand bastide appearance to François de Grignan, son-in-law of Madame de Sévigné. The castle was also the birthplace of Admiral Bruny d'Entrecasteaux, explorer of the South Seas. Below it lies a formal French garden inspired by the designs of Le Nôtre, complete with a boxwood maze. The garden belongs to the village and is free to visit, while the castle, privately owned, can be discovered on a guided tour.
Bargème, the highest village in the Var
On the edge of the Haut-Var, bordering the Canjuers plateau, Bargème sits at an altitude of 1,097 meters: it is the highest village in the Var. A member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, this medieval village is crowned by the ruins of the Château Sabran-de-Pontevès, first mentioned in 1225 and partly destroyed during the Wars of Religion. You enter through the Porte de Garde or the Porte du Levant, two fortified 14th-century gateways, before wandering the narrow lanes up to the Romanesque church of Saint-Nicolas, built in the 12th century. From the heights, the panorama sweeps across the Canjuers plateau, the Massif des Maures and the foothills of the Alps. Our tip: stay until late afternoon to watch the sun set from the castle ruins.
Le Thoronet Abbey
Further south, Le Thoronet Abbey is a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture. Built in the 12th century by monks of the Cistercian order, it is one of the three great Cistercian abbeys of Provence. Pure lines, austere simplicity and harmonious proportions: everything here invites calm and contemplation. The play of light on the bare stone makes it truly unique, and it is best visited in the morning. An essential stop for anyone interested in history and Romanesque architecture.
Thoronet Abbey Interior of Thoronet Abbey Interior of Thoronet Abbey
Food, Markets and Crafts: A Taste of Provence
Aups, capital of the Black Truffle
Just a few minutes from Tourtour, Aups is the Var's capital of the black truffle, the famous "black diamond." In season, from late November to March, the truffle market is held every Thursday morning. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the growers and taste the star of the Provençal winter. In January, the truffle festival adds truffle-hunting demonstrations and festivities. The rest of the year, Aups charms visitors with its shaded squares, fountains and lively lanes, ideal for a gourmet pause.
Salernes, home of the Tomette
Salernes owes its reputation to its red clay and its celebrated tomettes, the hexagonal terracotta tiles that grace the floors of Provençal farmhouses. Housed in a former tile factory, the Terra Rossa Ceramics Museum traces this craft and displays a collection of some 2,000 decorated tiles, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The village's potters' and ceramicsts' workshops round off the visit: the perfect chance to take home a locally made souvenir.
When to visit the Haut-Var: The best time to travel
In spring, the waterfalls are at their finest, the hills turn green again and the sites reopen their doors. At Easter, don't miss the Egg Festival in Tourtour.
In summer, lavender blooms on the Valensole plateau and Lake Sainte-Croix becomes a playground for families. Visit the villages in the morning or late in the day, when the heat subsides.
In autumn, the light turns golden, the vineyards change colour and the sites are quieter. It is our favorite season for walks and villages visits.
In winter, the Haut-Var moves to the rhythm of the truffle in Aups and of olive oil, still pressed the traditional way at Tourtour's communal mill in December and January.
FAQ: What to Visit in the Haut-Var?
What to visit in the Haut-Var in one day?
For a first discovery, combine the Sillans-la-Cascade waterfall, the caves of Villecroze and the village of Tourtour. These three sites lie just a few kilometers apart and capture the essence of the Haut-Var: nature, heritage and hilltop villages.
What is the most beautiful village in the Haut-Var?
There is no official ranking, and everyone has a favorite. Two villages in the Haut-Var are members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: Tourtour, often praised for its panoramic views and medieval lanes, and Bargème, perched above the Canjuers plateau. Cotignac, Entrecasteaux and Villecroze, all listes as Villages de Caractère, are also firm favourites with connoisseurs.
Where can you swin in the Haut-Var?
Lake Sainte-Croix is the Haut-Var's main swimming spot, with several beaches, including Bauduen. Swimming is, however, forbidden in the pool beneath the Sillans waterfall.
When is the Aups truffle market held?
The Aups truffle market takes place every Thursday morning, from late November to March.
The Haut-Var is best savoured slowly, in step with the seasons. To make the most of it, book your stay at Villa du Saignadou and set off to discover the treasures of Provence.
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