Draguignan and Lorgues: truffles, lavender, Côtes de Provence

Less than an hour's drive from the sea, but miles away from the glitz and glamour of the coast. You are no longer in the French Riviera now, but in the heart of Provence, with its rustic and rural character.

The Provence: undulating hills and vineyards

This area is surrounded by mountains like Gorges du Verdon, Massif des Maures, Sainte-Victorie and Massif de la Sainte Baume. Between these mountains you will find a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, forests and picturesque old villages full of charm.

Famous vineyards

The well-known vineyards 'Côtes de Provence' are located around the Provencal town of Draguignan. This area has been Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) certified since 1977 and is of great importance for the French wine production. The world-famous light rosé comes from this area and these wines pair particularly well with the Provencal cuisine.

A visit to the vineyards in the Provence

For wine tasting, we recommend Château Sainte-Roseline in les Arcs-sur-Argens and Chateau la Martnetten in Lorgues. In these Chateaux you may taste fine French wines, without being obliged to buy. In addition to the rosé, the red and white wines are definitely recommended as well. Two insider tips: go to Chateau de Berne in Lorgues for a culinary treat. When interested in local French wines: go to Les Vignerons de Taradeau in Taradeau.

Local products from the Var

At the inland of the Var, you will find an abundance of local products (du Terroir) like truffles, fruit, vegetables, flowers, honey, thyme, olive oil and many more. It is not without reason that you will find many excellent restaurants in Provence. The local markets are also definitely worth a visit.

The medieval Lorgues

Lorgues is pretty popular among Dutch and Belgian tourists. Lorgues is a typical Provencal market town with a medieval centre and it is surrounded with a beautiful landscape with oak trees, olive trees and vineyards. We recommend you to visit the local markets or Restaurant Bruno for delicious truffles.

Charming villages in the Provence

Close by, you will find many picturesque, medieval villages such as Carcès, Taradeau, Vidauban, St Antonin du Var, Les-Arcs-Sur-Argens and the charming village of Flayosc. In the hinterland of the Var, you can discover the cultural heritage of Provence, like medieval churches, mills, fountains and lovely small villages. Two insider tips: L’Oustaou and La Salle a Manger are good restaurants near Flayosc.

In Le Thoronet, you will find the famous Abbaye du Thoronet, beautifully tucked away in the green, wooded hills of Provence. This impressive Cistercian abbey was largely built in the 12th century and, together with the abbeys of Sénanque and Silvacane, is one of the famous ‘Three Sisters of Provence’. Its austere Romanesque architecture, harmonious cloister and, above all, remarkable acoustics make the abbey well worth a visit. You can explore the monument at your own pace or join a guided tour. A beautiful place where architecture, history and the tranquillity of the Provençal landscape come together.

Hiking, biking or horseback riding in the Provence

The region of Draguignan is perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding, for example in La Motte, around the waterfall Saut de Capelan, and of course De Gorges Du Verdon, which is really fantastic for hiking and climbing. For fishing and canoeing you can go to Le Muy and Vidauban. For more information and other trails please go to the local Bureau de Tourisme.