Tour 3: Once upon a time there were Trees, Plants and People

Hamlet located 3km from the town centre. Founded around 758 by the people of Cuers to escape the Saracens. You can see the Saint Louis chapel, the bread oven, 2 fountains and the symbolic "Tree of Liberty" planted in 1848.Founded by the inhabitants of Cuers in the middle of the 7th century (around the year 758) who fled from the Saracens and took refuge in the woods. The chapel dedicated to Saint Louis was built in 1723 and completed in 1724 thanks to the generosity of the Valcrosians, as this place of worship meant that they did not have to go to the village. Two washbasins adorn the hamlet. The symbolic hackberry tree "Tree of Liberty" was planted in the hamlet square in 1848 by Paulin Teisseire and Désiré Ruy.

On the way to a 10km walk from the cemetery, there are some surprising niches in a well-preserved dry stone wall.Surrounding the ruins and terraces are some surprising niches built into a well-preserved dry stone wall. This 18th-century "apié" could contain 25 hives made of wood or cork bark. These stone edifices protected the bees from temperature variations, bad weather and predators. Like most apiès, it faces south so that the hives are protected from the Mistral wind and exposed to light for longer. This architectural heritage bears witness to skills that have been skilfully studied and perfected over time. A Provençal farmer's manual published in Toulon by Henri Laure in 1837 contains advice for beekeepers of yesteryear. He recommended placing these buildings in an orchard or on the edge of a wood, near which he advised planting rosemary for better taste results. Olive trees, on the other hand, seemed to repel bees, while arbutus and heather gave a bitter taste that was not appreciated.

Moulin des cinq pons" olive-growing cooperativeThe Moulin des Cinq Ponts, the last remaining mill in Cuers dating back to the 18th century, is an olive-growing cooperative located between the plain and the hills. A joint venture created in 1920 by a group of olive growers, it has survived thanks to the determination of its members. The mill produces a sweet, fruity oil from pitted olives grown in the olive groves of Cuers and the surrounding villages. A shop awaits you at the mill, offering: - Black, green and ripe fruity olive oils - Olive tapenades and pastes - Candied olives New: 100% olive oil soaps from the mill, made by Le Petit Toulonnais. Guided tours free of charge - duration 1 hour: Every Thursday from 9am to 12pm, all year round and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm in July and August. Booking required. The mill is also present at the Cuers farmers' market on Friday evenings throughout the summer.

Come and discover woodworking in a totally traditional way in Cuers...Smells of wood, chips... When you enter his workshop, you will meet a craftsman who works with wood in the traditional way. His creations: furniture, doors and escargot (ladders used to harvest fruit).

Built around the middle of the 16th century on top of a hill overlooking the villages of Cuers and Solliès-Pont.It has a remarkable entrance portal in blond stone, very elaborate and decorated with moulded shells in stucco. It is separated by the width of a bend (about 60 to 80cm) from another chapel, also dedicated to Saint Christine but situated in the commune of Solliès-Pont! The tarmac path leading to these two chapels is lined with oratories. The main altar is dated 1817 (at the bottom of the tomb); it has been restored by the association "Les amis de Ste Christine".

The Terre Rousse park is located above the car park of the same name.This 1.5-hectare terraced park plays host to Collobrières' major festivities: Trail des Maures, Course de la Châtaigne and summer events. It is planted with monumental cedars (Cedrus), hundred-year-old plane trees (Platanus occidentalis), cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens) and lime trees (Tilia cordata), Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and a remarkable magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) over 80 years old overlooking an orchard of fruit trees, created and tended by the children as part of extra-curricular workshops. The spring that rises here feeds the Pont Vieux fountain. An old waterwheel, a pond and a well bear witness to the market gardening past of this wooded area in the heart of the village.

The arboretum is located on chemin Godissard, on the right behind the Church of Notre Dame des VictoiresAn agricultural engineer with a passion for botany, the former owner of this 2,000 m² plot of land brought back seeds from his many travels, which he scattered around this beautiful, flat piece of land on the banks of the river. The foliage of a large sycamore maple (Aceraceae), pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), Caucasian walnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia Spatch), pinion (Pinus pinea L.), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), American red oak (Quercus rubra L.), holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), willow oak (Quercus phellos L.), yew-leaf sequoia (Sequioa sempervirens), etc., offer a setting conducive to strolling and daydreaming. The site is listed as a forest bath where introductory courses in this tree-based health practice are organised.

The Saint Roch park is located above the orientation table and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.A remarkable diversity of trees adorn this former chestnut grove of 1.5 ha overlooking the village: eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), blue cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana alumni), cork oaks (Quercus suber), lime trees and a hundred-year-old cedar, converted into a restanque to accommodate the municipal campsite in the 1960s. Today it has been transformed into a park and is the starting point for the hiking trails on the GR 90. A relaxation area, located above the orientation table, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

The communal chestnut grove is located on the heights, offering a panoramic view of the village of Collobrières.A panoramic view over the village sublimates this 5000 m² chestnut orchard (Castanea), emblematic of the Maures tree, as the commune's territory includes 900 ha of chestnut groves. This plot was used as a test, from 2008, for the first severe pruning and selection of shoots as well as for various grafting training campaigns. It is bordered by the botanical trail that leads to the ruins of an old mill in the wind, passing two oratories dedicated to St Pilon and St Pons.

The garden at the chapel of Notre-Dame de pitié et des sept douleurs features a variety of medicinal and aromatic plants.A remarkable diversity of trees adorn this former chestnut grove of 1.5 ha overlooking the village: eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), blue cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana alumni), cork oaks (Quercus suber), lime trees and a hundred-year-old cedar, converted into a restanque to accommodate the municipal campsite in the 1960s. Today it has been transformed into a park and is the starting point for the hiking trails on the GR 90. A relaxation area, located above the orientation table, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

Museum of the marron glacé factory in the heart of the famous marron glacé factory.Proud of its heritage, La Confiserie Azuréenne has created a genuine museum dedicated to the cultivation and manufacture of chestnut products. This museum brings together a collection of tools and machines from the past which, for decades, made it possible to transform the fruit of the chestnut tree into a delicious confectionery.

The André Luglia area includes an arboretum with over 300 species of trees, a picnic area, a botanical trail, lakes and a sports trail.This leisure area, created in the 1990s by the local council, offers a wide range of recreational and sporting activities in the rich and varied environment of the Maures forest. Over an area of 12,000 m2, you will discover more than 300 species of ornamental, forest and fruit trees and shrubs, including a collection of conifers. A place to study the adaptation of certain species to a Mediterranean environment with acid soil and no human intervention (no pruning or watering). It also includes two water reservoirs equipped with a pontoon suitable for people with reduced mobility, giving access to a fishing trail, and a botanical trail where you can use a QRcode to discover the species of the Mediterranean marquis and observe plant and animal biodiversity. You'll be able to spot kinglets, tree finches, robins, green woodpeckers, warblers, a multitude of insects such as dragonflies, as well as protected species such as Hermann's tortoise, a rich species in the Massif des Maures. You'll also find a rest and picnic area with drinking water, shaded by tall Aleppo pines and cork oaks, and an 800-metre sports trail with various apparatus for sporting activities. From 21 June to 20 September, the footpaths are subject to the rules governing access to the Var's forested areas in order to comply with the fire risk prevention plan. Before visiting the site during this period, call the Pierrefeu-du-Var tourist office or consult the Var prefecture website www.var.gouv.fr/ or the daily press (Var Matin).

L'aire des platanes is located at the confluence of the Réals Martin and Collobrier, in the commune of Pierrefeu-du-Var.Located at the confluence of the Réals Martin and Collobrier, a water reserve thanks to the dam makes angling possible. The course offers slow, medium-depth areas, perfect for spearfishing. There are a few currents along the way, where you can fish for blageon, small Mediterranean white fish. A fishing competition for the young public is organised in July.

The site of the former cork factory is located in the heart of the village of Pierrefeu-du-Var.In the 19th century, the cork and stopper industry was flourishing in the Var. In Pierrefeu du Var, several cork factories existed from the beginning of the 19th century and reached their peak around 1860. The largest factory, in the Barri district, was transferred at the beginning of the 20th century to the Avenue des Poilus. About a hundred employees produced 60 to 80 million corks per year. Iberian threats were felt at the end of the 19th century and foreign competition in the 1940s/1950s affected these factories. The Pierrefeu du Var factory closed in 1971. It is now an exhibition centre.

To the west of Miramar beach in La Londe les Maures, the Bastidon pine forest extends over 19 hectares of maritime pines. An exceptionally fragile preserved area, on the seafront under the protection of the Conservatoire du Littoral.Upstream from the coastal path and downstream from agricultural land, this 19-hectare natural area, mainly made up of pinion pines, is an exceptional preserved site between the Pansard campsite and the Baie des Isles residences. Its name testifies to the fact that it was once attached to the Bastidon wine estate, which belonged to Henry Potez, a great pioneer of the aeronautics industry. Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, classified and protected since 1990, it is managed and maintained by the commune. Since 2017, thinning by cutting pine trees has allowed young oaks to grow and the herbaceous and shrub layer to recover. Regeneration is also ensured by the installation of ganivelles. From September to June, the site is maintained through eco-pasturing by donkeys, which encourages the diversification of the vegetation by eliminating certain invasive grasses and contributes to the natural fertilisation of the soil. Next to the pine forest, a reed bed and wet meadows complete the range of habitats and enrich the landscape diversity of this site.

In La Londe les Maures, this park is located in the town centre Dry garden, fountain, relaxation area, games for children... A friendly place to discover with the family.Owned by the Var department and made available to the town since 1984, this 1.24-hectare Sensitive Natural Area owes its name to the presence of olive trees that are 4 to 5 centuries old, originating from a former orchard. The remains of a Gallo-Roman olive press and a restored 18th-century oil mill bear witness to the importance of olive growing in the area. The garden is home to a variety of species (oleander, magnolia, arbutus, lavender, rosemary, iris, agapanthus, agave, yucca, aloe vera, cactus, etc.) making up a rich botanical trail. There are play areas for children to enjoy, and a fountain adds to the relaxing atmosphere. In July and August, free open-air concerts are held every Tuesday: jazz, variety, classical and folk music...

An 18th century oil mill and the remains of a Gallo-Roman press can be discovered thanks to two interpretation panels in the heart of the Olive Garden.At the foot of olive trees 4 to 5 times centenary, discover an oil mill restored in 2021 as well as two archaeological remains of olive growing thanks to interpretation panels. These are a counterweight and a sandstone base block, elements of a lever press dated between the 1st and 2nd centuries. This technique of obtaining oil is presented along with other elements of oil mills discovered in the commune, testifying to this production from Antiquity. The blood mill, dated 1787, with its hydraulic origin, also allows us to evoke these more modern extraction processes and to talk about the importance of olive growing on our territory.

Stone hut once home to forestry craftsmen and shepherdsThe plant diversity of the Massif des Maures fostered a mosaic of silvo-pastoral activities until the middle of the 19th century, providing a livelihood for many forestry craftsmen. These activities generated a small heritage of buildings and equipment linked to the processing of these resources. Numerous shepherd's huts, such as the one at La Cigale, used as daily shelters or even temporary housing for shepherds and "bouscatiers", are a reminder of the seasonal but cyclical nature of these activities. Evidence of this can be seen 50 m before the cabin, where the remains of a cork transport cart and the marks of cork harvesting on several cork oaks for local cork factories can be seen. Similarly, 500 m ahead on the right, an ancient area marked by a tin oven is evidence of charcoal production. The surrounding place names also reveal the importance of pastoralism in the past in these hills: Les Vanades (fold, sheepfold), Signau de clau (enclosure) de Barrau and Comtadou, a rocky peak to the north, used as a corridor for counting ewes. Built of local stone masonry, the La Cigale hut is made up of two areas with separate entrances, which were probably the living area and a shelter for tools or livestock. Restored in 2006 by the ALPHA association and the ONF, it now provides shelter for walkers and hunters.

Get away from it all. Come and visit the zoological and botanical park, home to over 250 animals from all over the world! A biological conservatory with more than 5 hectares of forests and gardens planted with exotic species, home to a collection of rare birds and primates.Come and meet the park's animals: lemurs, squirrel monkeys, African tortoises, meerkats, mini-farm... Allow just over an hour for your visit, with a 1,300-metre walk through the paths of one of the most beautiful arboretums in south-east France. Classified as an outstanding garden, the park is involved in the reproduction and conservation of endangered species. - Our activities all year round: At certain times, watch the animals being fed by their caretakers. A treasure hunt, with different themes throughout the year, for children to discover. Organisation of birthdays, contact us. - Half-day immersion course with an animal caretaker, from 16 years old, by reservation. - Picnic area / play area. Visit smart with unlimited adult and child season tickets (12 consecutive months). Online ticketing! To ensure your safety and the comfort of our animals, the Tropical Zoological Garden is not open on bad weather days (intense cold, strong wind, rain).

In La Londe les Maures, facing the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros Located at the tip of the rocky spur of the Argentière and Pellegrin beaches, in a totally protected area.The coastal underwater world can be discovered on the surface, with fins, mask and snorkel by anyone who can swim. By following the numbered buoys equipped with handrails you will discover the underwater panels presenting the ecosystem. At depths ranging from 0 to 4 metres, there is a wide variety of underwater landscapes (posidonia meadow, cymodocae, rocks, sand, scree...), inhabited by numerous species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, starfish... The posidonia meadow: this is not a seaweed but a plant with marine flowers. Posidonia plays a very important role in fixing the sandy bottom, thanks to its roots which form a sort of barrier called the "matte" when they mix with the sediments. A real "lung" of the Mediterranean, this plant has been protected since 1988. The underwater trail can be explored on your own from June to September, following the numbered buoys. An Aquaguide for identifying the species is available at the Tourist Office. Equipment required, not supplied: mask, snorkel, fins.

A relaxing and fun nature area for the whole family in La Londe les Maures!The Espace Naturel Sensible de La Brûlade covers 6 hectares at the confluence of the Pansard and Maravenne rivers. The Promenade des Annamites crosses the nature area, making it easy to reach on foot or by bike from the town centre or the seafront. This veritable green lung, open all year round, is a meeting point for nature, sport and the family. L'Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) de la Brûlade offers a range of environmentally-friendly facilities, including : - games for children (double pyramid for climbing, a fortress-type game, a 30-metre zip line), - ball games area, - boules games, - picnic area, - discovery and walking trail, - health trail, - relaxation area. A skate park has also been set up next to the ball games area.

We're opening up our forest estate to let you enjoy the flora and fauna that surrounds us, with 4 different signposted routes.Fancy a walk in the forest? We're opening up our forest estate for you to enjoy the flora and fauna that surrounds us. Discover our 4 different signposted trails with an explanatory booklet and a quiz. Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours' walking, depending on the route. Various levels: easy, medium and difficult. Self-guided activity, booking required. Present yourself at reception before your walk to pick up the route guide (orientation, information on flora and fauna, quiz).

Former property of the Jacob Family, this park became a public park owned by the municipality in 1979.Located in the heart of the village, stroll through its alleys lined with eucalyptus, centenarian cedar, palm trees ... Arranged with pergolas, benches and playgrounds for children, this park, of almost one hectare , is a space of relaxation and leisure very appreciated. You will discover a wonderful view of the sea and the Golden Islands. Access by boulevard du Soleil or rue Jean Aicard.

Cette chapelle de style roman a été érigée en 1560 en hommage à Saint François de Paule qui délivra la ville de la peste en 1481. Depuis il est devenu le Saint patron de la ville.Cette chapelle de style roman a été érigée en 1560 en hommage à Saint François de Paule qui délivra la ville de la peste en 1481. Depuis il est devenu le Saint patron de la ville. Les messes: Le lundi à 18h Le samedi à 8h30 (sauf le 1er samedi du mois, la messe est donnée à la Chapelle Notre Dame de Constance sauf en cas d'intempérie) Le dimanche à 8h en juillet et août: messe basse en latin, selon la forme extraordinaire du rite romain.

This small botanical garden with an area of ​​2400 m² is located at the entrance of the village (facing the Cigalou Park). It gives pride to the southern plants: mimosa, acacia, banksia, eucalyptus, grevillea, hakea, melaleuca, eremophilia ...The Gonzalez Park was labeled "Remarkable Garden" in 2015: this distinction marks the recognition of the work done for several decades by the city of mimosa. This unique park in Europe, a real gem in the heart of the village, is composed of more than 500 species of Australian plants. It was born thanks to the generosity of Vivianne Grimminger and Carmen Martinez who offered this plot of 3000 m2 to seal their story and that of the Gonzalez family in the city, so dear to Roberta Gonzalez, daughter of the sculptor Julio Gonzalez. A generous gesture that made it possible, in 2002, to the Gonzalez Park, to be realized thanks to Gilles Augias, in charge of the Service Espaces Vert and Gérard Cavatore, the mimosa specialist.

En été, la miellerie de Bormes les Mimosas vous ouvre ses portes. Vous déambulez dans notre atelier pour découvrir la vie des abeilles et la fabrication du miel. Au fil d’un parcours ludique et tactile, les abeilles n’auront plus de secrets pour vous.Accueil à la Miellerie : Visite – Dégustation – Achat de miel Pour les grands et les petits, en visite libre ou guidée. • La ruche vitrée • Des ateliers sensoriels • Les abeilles à la loupe • Expo photo grand format • Le matériel de l’apiculteur en démonstration • Des jeux et animations pour les enfants • Audioguide français, anglais, allemand • Et bien d’autres découvertes ! EN JUIN ET SEPTEMBRE • Mercredi de 9h à 12h – Visite guidée à 10h • Jeudi de 15h à 18h – Visite guidée à 16h • Vendredi de 9h à 12h EN JUILLET ET AOUT • Mercredi de 9h à 12h et de 15h à 18h – Visites guidées à 10h et à 16h • Jeudi de 9h à 12h et de 15h à 18h – Visite guidée à 16h uniquement • Vendredi de 9h à 12h et de 15h à 18h – Visites guidées à 10h et à 16h GRATUIT ET SANS RESERVATION

Les murs en pierres sèches appelés terrasses ou restanques en Provence font partie intégrante de l’histoire du Lavandou.À la fin du XIXe siècle, des terrassiers piémontais ont construit les restanques de Saint-Clair pour les cultures de primeurs et fleursGrâce aux possibilités d’acheminement offertes par le train, qui à l’époque traversait Le Lavandou, les agriculteurs ont développé cette technique et ont connu des années prospères. Dans son livre, Le Lavandou, Francis Marmier décrit précisément le processus de construction des restanques. « Les plus grandes restanques sont soutenues par des murs de trois mètres de haut, dépassant parfois cent mètres de long, dont les bases pouvant atteindre un mètre d’épaisseur reposent directement sur la roche en place. Les pierres sont posées et croisées sans mortier et autre souci que celui de la plus grande stabilité, le fini extérieur est en dernier lieu amélioré par d’innombrables écailles de pierres, enfoncées en force à la massette dans les joints. Pour accroître leur solidité, les murs sont bâtis avec un fruit important, c’est-à-dire inclinés vers l’arrière, et renforcés vers l’intérieur par une épaisseur de blocage qui favorise le drainage. Travail énorme, technique accomplie, esthétique admirable (…) Non loin de la mer, sur les coteaux les mieux exposés et abrités du vent, ces murs de pierres sèches retiennent la chaleur et créent un microclimat propice aux cultures hâtives. » L’ÉPOQUE AGRICOLE Les restanques de Saint-Clair ont vu de nombreuses variétés de fleurs – giroflées, arums, ixias, montbretias, freesias, marguerites, chamelaucium, soucis, statices, etc. - et de légumes – fèves, petits pois, pommes de terres, etc. - pousser sur leurs terres. Dans son ouvrage, Francis Marmier raconte qu’en 1952, Marius Dorie, maire du Lavandou et conseiller général fut surpris par l’importance de la production agricole du Lavandou : « 900 tonnes de légumes et 80 000 paniers de fleurs ». Après cette époque déterminante pour l’économie de la région, les cultures ont peu à peu été abandonnées et bon nombre de terrains agricoles ont laissé place aux constructions qui ont poussésur tout le littoral varois.

Hundreds of different species and plant varieties coexist harmoniously for the greatest pleasure of your sences. Realm of biodiversity, Le Lavandou is a "garden city" where each street, each isolated corner, each avenue has its own plant identity and leads you to unique spaces. Willing to discover them ? Then the green tour is made for you.Hundreds of different species and plant varieties coexist harmoniously for the greatest pleasure of your sences. Realm of biodiversity, Le Lavandou is a "garden city" where each street, each isolated corner, each avenue has its own plant identity and leads you to unique spaces. Willing to discover them ? Then the green tour is made for you.

The Villa Theo, house of neo-impressionnist painter Théo Van Rysselberghe, which truly forms part of cultural and historical heritage of Le Lavandou dates back to 1910.

Nichée au cœur des vignes et des collines ensoleillées de Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Butinerie est bien plus qu’une simple miellerie : c’est une véritable immersion dans le monde fascinant des abeilles.Lors d’une visite sensorielle et ludique, vous découvrez la vie des abeilles, le métier de l’apiculteur, et dégustez des miels aux saveurs uniques. La Butinerie est une miellerie artisanale, fondée par Rémi et Laura Boulet, apiculteurs professionnels de père en fils depuis 1987. Le couple assure toutes les étapes de la production, de l'extraction à la mise en pot, garantissant la traçabilité et la qualité de leur miel. Les miels et autres gourmandises Au fil des saisons et des floraisons, vous pourrez déguster des miels gourmands et multimédaillés au Concours Général Agricole de Paris. Lavande, garrigue, maquis, coriandre, acacia, sarrasin… Les produits de La Butinerie sont disponibles à la miellerie, sur les marchés locaux et dans diverses boutiques partenaires. Les visites de la miellerie Les visites sont conçues comme une véritable aventure sensorielle au cœur du monde des abeilles. Vous découvrirez le rôle essentiel des abeilles et les étapes de fabrication du miel. L’expérience inclut l’observation des abeilles en toute sécurité, la découverte des outils de l’apiculteur, et bien sûr, une dégustation gourmande. Visites libres et visites guidées L'entrée est gratuite et sans réservation, même pour les visites guidées. Visites guidées : Mercredi à 10h et Jeudi à 16h. Durée 45min. Pour qui ? Adaptées à tous les âges, les visites sont à la fois pédagogiques et ludiques, idéales pour les familles, ou les curieux en quête de nature et d’authenticité. Des audioguides en français, anglais et allemand sont disponibles pour enrichir l'expérience.