Hostellerie des Gorges de Pennafort: Explore Callas' Charms

Blavet is a tributary, of the Argens River. The river begins its journey in Bagnols-en-Forêt and flows into the Argens. Carved into red volcanic rocks made from rhyolite , the Gorges du Blavet offers some beautiful geological features such as cave Muréron., a one of the major rock climbing sites in the Var.

Discovering a varied natural heritage ranging from white oak forests with beautiful beech forests that host a remarkable biodiversity. 1 - From the car park located off of Comps-sur-Artuby, take the alley of St. Bayon that rises in front of the town hall. This street, paved at first, gives way to a forest road that goes into the woods of Combasq. Follow the light green markings. 2 - Leave the Combasq track to take the path that goes straight to the Gorges of Verjon. 3 - At the "Gorges de Verjon" sign-post, take direction of "fayet 1". 4 - At the "Chemin de Fayet" sign-post, take the path on the right towards Comps-sur-Artuby through Verjon. 5 - After crossing the road, follow the direction of Comps-sur-Artuby by the descending trail. 6 - At the "Verjon" sign-post, continue towards Comps-sur-Artuby by the trail and then by road. 7 - At the crossing ("Chapelle Saint-Didier" sign-post), regain your parking location by taking the direction of Bargème.

A remarkable architectural heritage protected under the Historic Monuments, with a classified building: the Saint André Chapel. From the town hall, take the Rue de la Bourgade in the direction of the chapels of the tour. Pass the Fountain, go along the village school and church and go up to the chapels through the Rue des Templiers. 1 - At the intersection, take the left lane going up to the Saint André chapel overlooking the village. 2 - 80m up the hill, just above the imposing chapel, we can enjoy a panoramic view of 360° on Comps-sur-Artuby, the village of Bargème and its castle, the hamlet of La Souche and the summits of the Verdon. Then continue on the route. Pass the Saint-André chapel and continue on the heritage trail towards the second chapel: Saint Jean. Access to the chapel, isolated on the hill, is in the middle of the medieval village's remains. The return to the starting point is by the paved path from below.

Conquering the highest peak in the Var the Lachens mountain With its ruined Castrum of Sainte-Madeleine and panoramas of endless views. From the church square, go up the lane "Chemin de l'Aire" by following the markings of the GR49 (white and red marking). To the top of the village, at the end of the paved section, at 300m. 1 - Leave the GR and follow the path going left towards the top of Mount Lachens. Walk on the shaded path (light blue marking of the local RP), along the stone walls to the clearing. Leave it on the right and continue up the main road on the left towards the Ste-Madeleine rock (steep climb!). Quickly take the well-marked trail under the pine trees and exit the woods a little before the rock. Walk again under the pine trees and at a crossroads, reach the route leading to the top of Mount Lachens. 2 - Do not take the trail leading to the ruins of the castle (300m round trip) on the left and continue on the route marked in blue on the right. The winding trail rises above the plain of the Bruyère then rapidly goes into the woods, among boxwood, brooms (plants) and scots pines, until reaching a track (some steep sections!). Continue on this track 500m after passing a collar and just before a corner, take the poorly outlined path marked in blue, going up on the right. Reach further up the path leading to the peak of Mount Lachens 3 - Follow the road (white and red markings). Pass over a picnic area in front of a tank and take the path cutting the corner. Cross the road and continue up the path. Near the forest, continue the route on the ridge of Mount Lachens amid pastures and limestone pavements. Follow the ridge to the viewpoint. 4 - The tour ends at the top located at 1 685m, just opposite the peak of Mount Lachens (1 715m). The same route is used for the return.

A path open to all, in a typical landscape of the high Grasse area. This route crosses vast wooded limestone plateaus. From Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, go up the road of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey for 1.5 km to the bus shelter " des redonnets ". 1- Take a right on the small paved road for 100 m and turn left to reach another small road. Continue on a wide stony path marked 27. 2- Go down slightly to the left on another track and continue on the marked stony path (PR) to go back on a grassland area. 3- fork to the right and get to the beacon 28. Then deviate slightly on the right via the beacon 29. Go back down a pebble road and join the small village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne through small paved roads.

From the viewpoint, admire the flight of the vultures in the Gorges du Verdon, their favourite stomping ground. From the car park at the entrance of Trigance, go up to the village by the Rue du Four. Go through the village taking the Rue de l'Horloge and reach to the Henry Giraud square. Go past the grocery store, the heritage museum and continue along the small road towards the Gorges du Verdon (Rue du St-Esprit). Leave the road accessing the castle to the left (cannot be visited). 1 - At the next turn (Combaou de Breis), go straight and take the path towards the Carajuan and Sautet bridges (purple markings). When coming out of the pines and spruces, leave the road coming from the right and continue for 500m until the crossing with the Granges de Breis route. 2 – Turn right down the track towards the Carajuan bridge. 3 – At 500m at the signpost les Merlatieres make a detour (700m there and back) taking the Sautet the bridge and resume by taking the path leading towards the Carajuan bridge at 2km. 4 – At the Carajuan bridge, take the path just before, to the left and go up 1.1km to the Belvédère des Vautours (250m of elevation) 5 – Turn around and return to the starting point by the same route.

In the heart of the Gorges du Verdon, the Blanc-Martel trail is the best-known hike in the Canyon, and the only one that allows you to walk along the river at the bottom of the Gorges. It takes its name from Alfred-Edouard Martel and Isidore Blanc. The Blanc-Martel trail is a one-way trip between Chalet de la Maline in La Palud-sur-Verdon and Point Sublime in Rougon. During the season, shuttles depart from La Palud-sur-Verdon (dep. 8:30-9:30-10:30 depending on the season), dropping you off at Chalet de la Maline in the morning and picking you up at Point Sublime at the end of the afternoon (15:30-16:30-17:30 depending on the season) and taking you back to La Palud-sur-Verdon. Online reservations only: navette.parcduverdon.fr . A cab service is also available (06 68 18 13 13 and 06 20 32 87 47), also bookable in advance. A few precautions should be taken before embarking on this 16 km hike in the heart of the Gorges: 2 liters of water minimum per person, good walking shoes, protective gear depending on the weather, and a flashlight. Allow around 5h30 for the walk, without breaks. From the Chalet de la Maline, follow the GR®4 (white and red markings)d down to the bottom of the gorge (many twists and turns, so stay on the path!). Take the stairs to the pas d'Issane (tricky climb!). Reach the intersection. 1 - At the intersection, at the foot of the switchbacks, turn left towards Point Sublime (sign). Follow the Verdon as far as the Guègue steps (descend with care!). Continue on the path that rises above the Verdon, opposite Baume aux Bœufs, to reach a second intersection. 2 - At the intersection, turn left towards the Point Sublime and continue to the Brèche Imbert (difficult climb!). If you turn right at this intersection, you'll see the confluence of the Verdon and Artuby rivers (1 km round trip, marked in yellow). 3 - The Imbert gap marks the halfway point. Before starting the descent, you can access the belvedere by carefully climbing the rock on the right (tricky climb with handrail!). Descend the steep, narrow metal staircase to the Brèche Imbert (for those prone to vertigo, this is a tricky passage!), which can be quite impressive (take care when crossing!). Descend a few hairpin bends to the edge of the Verdon, level with the Baume aux Chiens (technical passages!). From this point, keep walking until you reach the first tunnel (110 m), then a second, much longer one (668 m). The exit from the last tunnel joins one of the narrowest sections of the gorge, the Samson couloir. Descend to river level, then cross the torrent du Bau by a small bridge and climb back up to the Samson belvedere (turnaround area for a dead-end road). 4 - Cross the turnaround to the left. Continue along the path above the road, skirting the foot of the cliff (150 m ascent!). You come out onto the main road. From here, turn left towards Point Sublime.

At the heart of the Great Gorges du Verdon, the trail of Blanc Martel takes you to a spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. From the chalet de la Maline, follow the GR 4 (Red and white marking!) and then the road below. Go down to the bottom of the gorges (Many curves, stay on the trail!). Take the stairs of the Pas d'Issane (Tricky passage!). Regain the intersection. 1 - At the intersection, at the foot of the winding paths, go left towards the Point sublime (Sign). Walk along the Verdon until the stairs of Guègue (Go down carefully!). Continue on the trail that rises above the Verdon, in front of the cave "Baume aux Boeufs"and reach a second intersection. 2 - At the intersection, turn left towards the Point Sublime and continue until the brèche Imbert (difficult climb!). Turn right at this intersection to reach the confluence between the Verdon and the Artuby rivers (1km round trip marked in yellow). 3 - Reaching the brèche Imbert means you have reached midway through. Before starting the descent, access to the gazebo is possible by climbing cautiously the rock on the right (delicate passage with handrail!) Go down the steep and narrow metal staircase of the brèche Imbert, (For those prone to vertigo, this is a delicate passage!) which can be daunting (Be careful when crossing others!). Get off at the edge of the Verdon after a few winding paths, at the Baume aux Chiens (Tricky passages!). From this point, continue walking to reach the first tunnel (110m) and a second, much longer (610m). The exit of the last tunnel connects with one of the narrowest areas of the gorges, the Couloir Samson. Go back down near the river and cross the torrent of Bau by going over a small bridge. Then, go up towards the Samson belvedere (turning area of a dead end road). 4 - Cross the turning area through the left. Continue on the path above the road and walk along the bottom of the cliff (150m of ascending elevation!). Reach the main road. From there, take a left towards the Point Sublime.

A mountain bike ride to share with family in a wild nature on the Briasq trail that will take you to a lookout post with an exceptional view. Back to the car park, turn right on a small paved road, cross the village of Escragnolles before joining the Colette car park 750 m further. 1- Take the Briasq Forest Trail in a southerly direction to Beacon 85 (PR). 2- Turn right on a stony track. Continue for 250 m. 3- Leave it to take a left at a barrier D.F.C.I. and continue for 1.5 km to the forked intersection Turn left and go to the point of view of Baou Mourine where is watchtower established. 4- Make the return by the same route.

Southern Bastion of the Pre-Alps, the Montagne de l'Audibergue presents itself as an interminable east-west rampart. From the Parc de la Moulière climb up to the end of the chairlift by the green slope of the Marcassin. 1- Bypass a slope on the right and join the orientation table on the nearby ridge. 2- Cross the ridge on the trail (PR marking), to the top of the Audibergue (1,642m) 3- Go north, under the ski lifts to find the beacon 173. 4- Take the trail (PR marking) towards Parc de la Moulière and easily reach the parking lot via the 174 beacon.

Municipal service area / camping cars Near parking lot and swimming pool Open all year round

Charming hotel in a former oil mill nestled in a large wooded park 10 minutes from the village.

Family hotel with outdoor pool and large terrace, at the foot of the village. This establishment has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and welcomes cycling tourists. The rooms (16 m²) with private bathrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is served on the poolside terrace or in the dining room. Private parking is also available. The bar at Hôtel Les Oliviers welcomes you for a relaxing moment by the pool. This establishment is certified Accueil Vélo, offering a warm welcome to cycling tourists. Hôtel Les Oliviers has been awarded Gold in the Éco-Défis program. This initiative supports participants in reducing their environmental impact. It helps to highlight partner businesses, strengthen team cohesion, control costs, and become active players in the ecological transition.

Spacious and quiet room overlooking a provençal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and an eco-bel. spacious and quiet room overlooking a provencal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and environmental practices rewarded rewarded by an eco-bel.

Go rock-climbing in a natural and preserved environment in the Siagne Gorges! GO ROCK-CLIMBING IN A NATURAL AND PRESERVED ENVIRONMENT IN THE SIAGNE GORGES! Known for the untamed environment, the Siagne Gorges are made up of cliffs that are ideal for rock-climbing. Whether you are an advanced rock-climber or a beginner, your experienced monitor will give you all the necessary advice and information for a successful rock-climbing session. You will be accompanied throughout the stages of your ascent so you can climb in complete safety. Enjoy the adrenaline-filled climb and enjoy the panoramic views as you scale the cliffs. A sporty and pleasant experience connecting with nature awaits!

Discover the natural and preserved territory of the Siagne de la Pare on a thrilling day of canyoning! DISCOVER THE NATURAL AND PRESERVED TERRITORY OF THE SIAGNE DE LA PARE ON A THRILLING DAY OF CANYONING! Known for its wild landscape and translucent water, the Siagne de la Pare is a canyon bringing together aesthetic appeal and fun. With your monitor, discover the secrets of this stunning site. Swim in the clear-water ponds and combine the ingredients necessary for a successful canyoning session: waterfalls, natural slides, hikes and rappeling! Make the most of this adrenaline-filled outdoor activity bringing together nature and discovery!

Follow your guide and learn more about one of the biggest French civil disasters of the 20th century! FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST FRENCH CIVIL DISASTERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY! In the Reyran Valley, discover the tragic story of the Malpasset Dam. Built in 1954, the dam broke under water pressure in 1959 after heavy rain in the area. Its breakage caused the release of around fifty million square metres cubed of water and killed 423 people.  Today the remains of the dam that were witness to the violent event are still visible. Accompanied by your guide, discover the story of this dramatic event and the consequences it had on the Reyran Valley area in Esterel.

Discover Fréjus from a new angle! Ready with your camera or smartphone follow your guide to the heart of Fréjus and make new discoveries! DISCOVER FRÉJUS FROM A NEW ANGLE! READY WITH YOUR CAMERA OR SMARTPHONE, FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE TO THE HEART OF FRÉJUS AND MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES! Stroll along the small streets in the historic centre of the town and discover the ideal spots for some great photos! Your guide will take you to some potential sites so you can try your hand at some photography. This photo rally will test your skills of observation and reflexion! You will also discover “Land Art”, a modern art movement which uses nature’s setting and materials to create authentic works of art! Capture these creations forever and see Fréjus through the eyes of an artist! 

Discover the town of Fréjus’s origins during this guided tour where you will learn all about the city’s Roman history! Originally named Forum Iulii by Julius Caesar, Fréjus is teaming with remains from its rich past!    DISCOVER THE TOWN OF FRÉJUS’S ORIGINS DURING THIS GUIDED TOUR WHERE YOU WILL LEARN ALL ABOUT THE CITY’S ROMAN HISTORY! Originally named Forum Iulii by Julius Caesar, Fréjus is teaming with remains from its rich past!    The Roman colony under Emperor Augustus developed due to its important port and the creation of several monumental buildings. Today it is one of the towns in France with the most Roman monuments. For two hours, follow your guide who will tell you all about this time in the history of Fréjus and the sites belonging to it: * The theatre  * The fortifications * La Porte de Rome  * The aqueduct * The Porte des Gaules  * The Amphitheatre * The Roman port   “Veni, vidi, vici”! Travel back into the past to the time of the Roman Empire!

Discover the historic heritage of Fréjus with this guided tour of the town! For two hours, visit the main sites and listen to the commentary and stories from your guide. DISCOVER THE HISTORIC HERITAGE OF FRÉJUS WITH THIS GUIDED TOUR OF THE TOWN! An important port during the time of the Roman Empire and an episcopal see since late antiquity, Fréjus is now an economic, culural and tourist centre of Var de l’Est and is the site with the biggest concentration of ancient French ruins after Arles. Your guide will tell you about the town’s 2000 year old history and take you to look at the iconic historical monuments: * The Cathedral of Saint-Léonce * The Chapelle Saint-François de Paule * The Amphitheatre * The Porte des Gaules  Choose this cultural tour and discover Fréjus through the centuries!

The Notre Dame des Cyprés chapel is a gem of Romanesque art. It was probably Fayence's first parish church. Dedicated, as its name suggests, to the Virgin Mary, it is celebrated on September 8.

In this former 16th-century communal oven, fully restored by the Association des Amis du Four du Mitan, you'll discover : - the reconstruction of a bread oven scene in 1897 (shovels, bread tables, kneading trough, dough knives, flour scales, ...

The clock tower and its campanile dominate the village from the top. It offers a 360° panoramic view of the valley and the village rooftops. Orientation table ...

This church is one of the three largest in the Var. An 18th-century Baroque building dedicated to St. Jean Baptiste, Saint Precursor.

Housed in an old village house renovated by the town council, the Musée d'Art et d'Essais de Tourrettes invites you to discover the original works of Fayençois coppersmith Paul-Maurice Perrier-Morillon and local craftsmen.

The Tourist Information Office is open from Tuesday to Saturday in July and August. Our team can advise you on all the Pays de Fayence hilltop villages and the Lac de Saint Cassien. The Maison du Lac is open all year round.

The Saint-Jean chapel was built outside the medieval village. Built into the rock, simple and low-built, this chapel was constructed by the Order of the Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, later called the Order of Malta. Since the 12th century, the choir of the churches is oriented east and more precisely where the sun rises on the day of the feast of their patron saint.

The Saint-André church probably dates back the early 13th century. The height of the building was raised after; we can see the marks of this change at the top of the walls. The bell tower was added in the 15th century. The covering, restored in 1996, shows different types of materials that mark these three steps: flagstones on the original chevet (apse), round tiles on the elevated part of the nave and glazed tiles on the bell tower.

This church was erected on the site of a penitents' chapel built in the 16th century and dedicated to Notre-Dame. In 1855, the bishop asked that the masses continue to be celebrated in the ruined chapel. In 1885, a new decision is taken to build this church. Construction will end in 1893. This church belonged to the Knights Templar of the Commandery of Ruou-Lorgues, then became the headquarters of an Order of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem.

White oak that gradually penetrates the beech forest here (perhaps a consequence of global warming) is one of the two most common natural essences of Haute-Provence. Not so famous as lumber because it is difficult to work in carpentry, it however makes a good firewood. It has long been used to make an excellent charcoal. Traces of charcoal kilns are pervasive, still visible such as circular areas on black floors.

Port Grimaud, one of the most famous lakeside towns in the world, and all this after only fifty years of existence. A colourful port, nicknamed ‘Little Venice of Provence’ and awarded the ‘Heritage of the 20th Century’ label, that never ceases to amaze. Port Grimaud came to life on the Côte d'Azur, and its canals will no doubt remind you of the City of the Doges... But it's a project designed to take root in Provence that the architect, François Spoerry, has led.

A charming Mediterranean port of call, the Marines de Cogolin marina is ideally located just a stone's throw from Saint-Tropez and the Gulf's major hotspots. It's a strategic place to stay and explore the beauty of the French Riviera. For yachtsmen, the teams are dedicated to providing a quality service, covering every aspect from welcome to mooring, from security to harbour maintenance. Sensitive to the need to preserve our region's underwater treasures, the port is certified as a ‘clean port’ and ‘blue flag’, limiting the impact of its activities on the environment. Come and discover the treasures of the Côte d'Azur in this haven of peace for yachtsmen and biodiversity.

Located on the village square with a terrace in the sun or in the shade, this small restaurant offers tasty and generous cuisine. A traditional and local menu, daily specials, a nice selection of meats. Customers appreciate: “Good value for money / succulent pasta and meats / excellent and fast service / heated covered terrace”

The Lou'Bar wine/dining bar has expanded its walls to offer market cuisine with a southern accent. Refined dishes, an à l'ardoise menu and gourmet menus...

Organic and natural wine cellar / dining cellar: Pierre, our village sommelier, offers almost 400 references of wines, beers and ciders - Sale of local produce - Dishes on the slate - Charcuterie / cheese plancha. To take away or enjoy on site.

In this authentic village inn, the gourmet cuisine of the chef, a disciple of Escoffier, is based on local and seasonal produce. An address for gourmets to savour. Dishes and desserts changed daily.

Overlooking the sea, exotic atmosphere "side sea", on the menu: genuine French cuisine, with fish lines and wild, market cuisine with fresh morning produce and high-end meat. Various tapas and cocktails.

Santa Lucia offers Mediterranean cuisine. An elaborate menu of Italian specialities prepared with fresh and quality products: pizzas, pastas, risottos, grills, but also seafood platters. Occasional theme evenings.

Villa Marina is the Italian touch on the Port Marina Croisette with its dolce vita atmosphere. On the terrace or in the dining room, Mediterranean and seafood specialities are served: fish, shellfish, fresh pasta, risottos and pizzas.

A Maître Restaurateur restaurant located on the Croisette in Port Marina Baie des Anges and awarded a star in the Michelin Guide. "Refined cuisine with subtle flavours / Pleasant, efficient service and attentive staff / A superb experience, an exceptional moment".

Nice room in a green garden

Municipal service area / camping cars Near parking lot and swimming pool Open all year round

Charming hotel in a former oil mill nestled in a large wooded park 10 minutes from the village.

Family hotel with outdoor pool and large terrace, at the foot of the village. This establishment has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and welcomes cycling tourists. The rooms (16 m²) with private bathrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is served on the poolside terrace or in the dining room. Private parking is also available. The bar at Hôtel Les Oliviers welcomes you for a relaxing moment by the pool. This establishment is certified Accueil Vélo, offering a warm welcome to cycling tourists. Hôtel Les Oliviers has been awarded Gold in the Éco-Défis program. This initiative supports participants in reducing their environmental impact. It helps to highlight partner businesses, strengthen team cohesion, control costs, and become active players in the ecological transition.

Municipal service area for camping cars 2 pitches, quiet, close to shops Bottom of the village Near tennis courts and swimming pool

Located in a beautiful property, Chantal and Daniel offer you 4 houses in the south: the red cicada : 2 to 4 pers- the cicada blue and the yellow: 2 to 6 pers and welcome you with pleasure in their little Provence, located in the Pays de Fayence

Gîte La Cigale Jaune in the heart of Provence, ideally located between sea and mountains, near Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez, in the Pays de Fayence. Sleeps 4 people.

Spacious and quiet room overlooking a provençal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and an eco-bel. spacious and quiet room overlooking a provencal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and environmental practices rewarded rewarded by an eco-bel.

Refuge of the C.A.F (French club promoting mountain sports) - this cottage is located on one of the most open viewpoints on the Verdon Gorges. This is a unique accommodation on the Route des Crêtes with a typical Provençal charm. An exceptional location on the Grand Canyon, starting from the famous Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails, a stage of the GR4, at the core of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, for your hiking, climbing, mountain biking and white water trips. Jean Faure, the new guard will welcome you as of March 26, 2016

Opening 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 At the entrance of the largest canyon in Europe, the Huttopia Gorges du Verdon campsite welcomes you on a unique site on the banks of the Verdon with a beautiful swimming pool and private access to the beach…