Cotignac walks

The medieval village of Cotignac is one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and was voted "France's Favourite Village" in 2022. The impressive Tuf Rock and its troglodyte dwellings, the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Grâces, the old 16th and 17th century houses lining the narrow streets, the Cours Gambetta with its beautiful façades and plane trees, the 17th century Church of Notre Dame de l'Annonciation, the Grand-Rue, the Town Hall Square, the 17 fountains and the two 14th-century towers are the main attractions in Cotignac. The route crosses the Cours Gambetta, climbs up to the Chapel of Notre-Dame des Grâces, continues along the Chemin de Notre Dame, descends towards the village through the Les Verdares and Le Derroc districts, then passes through the Ville-Haute and the Rocher cliff.

This circular loop will take you past the Chapelle Saint-Laurent chapel, then through the undergrowth to the banks of the Bresque river with its water pools, along the right bank of the waterfall, then to the viewpoint on the left bank and the village of Sillans.

This hike will visit the village of Carcés, Carcés Lake and the splendid Caramy Falls. Best in the spring when the water flow is stronger. You also will take a part of the path of Saint Jacques de Compostela.

This cycle route will take you on a journey through the green heart of Provence, past its lakes and castles. It will guide you through the Provençal countryside, taking in charming traditional villages, lakes, vineyards and olive groves, along quiet roads and paths suitable for hybrid bikes. You’ll be free to stop off, for as long as you like, at your own pace, in the small villages to explore them.

This is an ideal short route to aid digestion and discover the diversity of the Montfort-sur-Argens area: vineyards, olive trees, terraces, huts, heath and forest, stone paths and red earth tracks. I love the diversity of this route, not to mention the views of the village, the Petit and Gros Bessillon hills. The start and finish of the route allow you to explore the picturesque streets of the old village. No particular difficulty.

A lovely little walk along a path that runs alongside a small canal and leads to the magnificent Caramy Waterfalls.

Tour of Carcès via the lake, passing by the Notre-Dame de Caramy chapel, the waterfalls, the lake, the heights of Brauch and back through the village. Route modified. Moderator's addition on 14/06/2021: Please note! Crossing the village of Lac is prohibited (private property). See alternative in the description (and notice dated 14/06/2021)

"Pass through the gate and enter the woods, kingdom of the Little People. At your side, Aguia the mischievous guide will lead you to the four Communities. Help him find the lost treasure... Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, "Randonner Autrement" aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, outlying built heritage, landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

A short walk in Correns to discover its canal, the inclined plane on the right bank of the Argens, its apié and its lime kiln. It bears witness to the traces left by our ancestors with the practice of trades that have now disappeared.

The village of Entrecasteaux developed around a beautiful medieval castle in the Bresque Valley. The hike begins in front of the beautiful garden attributed to Le Nôtre at the foot of the medieval castle. After reaching the top of the village, it follows beautiful tracks and paths towards Saint-Antonin-sur-Var. It then climbs towards the ridge north of Entrecasteaux to reach the Défens de Valpaironne viewpoint.

In the heart of the Vallon Sourn, where the Argens river winds its way, this short circular walk will take you through the Défens forest near Les Bessillon, via the Vallon des Baumes and the Val Obscur. At the end of the walk, a refreshing dip in the Argens will do you good.

A lovely, challenging hike along forest tracks with beautiful views from the ridges.

Circular trail that allows you to discover ancient dwellings on the plateau and a megalithic tomb. Please note! The access road to the car park is closed until further notice due to a landslide.

From the lake, the forest track and then steep steps lead us to the Rocher de Brauch, whose ridge overlooks the expanse of water of Lake Sainte-Suzanne, commonly known as Lake Carcès. This panorama offers a peaceful setting in the heart of Provence Verte. A long forest path and then a trail take us back to the lake shore. The Visorando app may be useful on one section.

A circular loop of less than two hours in the Défens woods, above the Valcolombe wine estate.

The Bessillons twins are battered witnesses to history. Occupied during the Iron Age, they saw Pontevès develop during the Middle Ages and served as a refuge for the Resistance during theSecond World War.Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the Randonner Autrement project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution, as well as views of the villages. (!) VISITOR ALERT:Due to a fire on 18 August 2025, access is strongly discouraged for your safety (unsafe path, risk of falling trees and landslides)

A walk on the eastern heights of Vins-sur-Caramy, pleasant in summer as it is often shaded by trees. It also allows you to visit the Grotte des Résistants, a key location for the local resistance during theSecond World War.

A family walk around the Old Castle of Vins-sur-Caramy.

A lovely little family hike that takes you to Notre-Dame de Paracol. Beautiful views of all the surrounding hills.

This route offers views of most of the peaks of Provence with the Alps in the background.

Starting from Le Val, this circular route north of the village passes by the Saint-Cyriaque Chapel and then takes a detour to the magnificent 360° viewpoint from the Notre-Dame de Paracol Chapel. The return journey is via the Vallon des Flammes valley and then the vineyards.

This route takes you from the Cistercian Abbey of Thoronet to Lac de Carcès via trails through a typical Var forest with holm oaks, kermes oaks and rosemary. Along the way, you can see the red bauxite soil and enjoy views overlooking Lac de Carcès and the vineyards. There is an alternative route down to the lake where you can take a break at the open-air café.

A circular starting from Thoronet Abbey, allowing you to visit it. Through vineyards, forests and pretty, peaceful hamlets on tracks, paths and small country roads.

Easy hike to Lac de Carnier. Moderator’s note: route amended on 23/06/23 – starting point is now the Source des Treize Rais rather than the Le Val equestrian centre.