Have you heard of slow tourism? Nearly 20 million French people are now fully committed to it. It's a gentle way to discover enchanting landscapes, taking the time to fully immerse yourself in them. It is also the art of meeting the actors of a region (craftsmen, farmers, artists...) without neglecting the pleasures of the table. Seduced by this neo-tourism, we can't recommend the Heart of the Var enough. A land of contrasts located in the geographical centre of one of the three most wooded departments in France, less than an hour from the Mediterranean and the Verdon, but also from Aix-en-Provence and Nice. Nature, walks and local products on the agenda!
A choice spot for hiking
Only 40,000 inhabitants are concentrated in 11 communes (Besse-sur-Issole, Cabasse, Le Cannet des Maures, Carnoules, Flassans-sur-Issole, Gonfaron, Le Luc, Les Mayons, Pignans, Puget-Ville and Le Thoronet), leaving plenty of room for hiking paths and trails. Here, the landscapes will surprise you by their diversity and the richness of the panoramas to discover. A salutary atmosphere for the practice of hiking, outdoor activity par excellence, with many assets. Free of charge, it allows you to relax, to disconnect from everyday life, to awaken your 5 senses, to share privileged moments with your family (even with a baby), without the need for large equipment.
To meet all the landscapes of Provence
Lovers of wide open spaces will be seduced by the heart of the Var, a jewel case of preserved nature, with multiple facets that rival in beauty: to the south, the Maures massif with its steep slopes culminates at an altitude of nearly 780 metres. In the centre, the Maures plain, classified as a French nature reserve, lies between the Maures foothills and the limestone hills. Between these hills, to the north, are the valleys of the Issole and Argens rivers. Everything is possible on the 150 kilometres of marked trails to satisfy your thirst for nature and the pleasure of hiking at your own pace, whether you are a simple walker, a rider or a mountain biker.
And the fauna in all this?
Savannah and scrubland, rivers and streams, vineyards and olive groves... The heart of the Var is all of this at once! Ecosystems that are home to many insects and animal species. The limestone Provence, a remnant of an ocean that has now disappeared, the Tethys, is the kingdom of the largest grasshopper in Europe, the serrated magpie. The birds of prey, some of which are protected, nest in the crystalline Provence of the Maures massif, cut by deep valleys where chestnut trees, cork oaks and maritime pines reign. The heather maquis, which intertwines with the vineyards, is the habitat of Hermann's tortoise. Our favourite is the reed beds of the Escarcets and Aurèdes lakes in the Maures plain, nesting places for birds. Choose a visit at sunset to enjoy a unique landscape in France, reminiscent of the African savannah.
Beyond the trails
From path to path, you will discover some of the most popular tourist sites in the Var department, such as the Thoronet Abbey, a symbol of the prosperity and influence of the Church between the 11th and 12th centuries. A grandiose monument, itself linked to the village of Le Thoronet by a path. The route of the perched chapels offers incredible views, sometimes unsuspected. The village of turtles, in Carnoules, is a must-see with more than 1,000 specimens from all over the world (China, Brazil, Africa, Madagascar, Australia...). To reward everyone for their efforts, parents can make an epicurean stop in one of the many vineyards of the Côtes de Provence, with tastings of all kinds (wines, olive oil, honey, chestnut cream...) and visits to cellars. As for the children, head for the Aoubré park (Flassans-sur-Issole) for an afternoon of adventure and sensations in a prime spot for accrobranche. The other way to discover the riches of the Heart of the Var is by tourist train! A trip of about 2h30, starting from Carnoules. The 79 km long line ran to Gardanne when it was inaugurated in 1880. The enthusiasts of the association of the tourist train of the Centre Var have decided to revive this historic railway, which winds between the hills of the Issole valley. All the useful information as well as the topos can be found at the Coeur du Var Tourist Office in Le Luc-en-Provence.
Useful information
When to go? Choose a stay during the school holidays, in spring or autumn, even if the Mediterranean climate guarantees sunshine all year round.
How to get there. By plane, train, bus or car, everything is possible.
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How long does it take? For a weekend or a week, to enjoy the charm of bed and breakfast, the freedom of camping, stay in a gite, be surprised by an unusual accommodation or choose the tradition of the hotel.
Public. A family getaway with trails accessible to all, without great difficulty, even for budding hikers. Charming guest houses and nice restaurants also allow the organisation of stays for two.
The pluses. Mild temperatures, incredible light, varied colours and landscapes.
Some beautiful cities in the vicinity for a more urban aside (Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Nice).
Minus. Very popular destination, the hinterland of Var, like the Mediterranean coast, can be slightly saturated, especially in summer.
Beware also of the sometimes violent storms.
Useful information. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
OFFICE DE TOURISME CŒUR DU VAR - More information on the website
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