Pays de Fayence

This artifical lake was filled in 1965. It covers 1160 acres and contains 60 millions cubic metres of water. It supplies a hydro-electric power plant. Lined with trees, this site has a wild aspect and is particularly appreciaetd by migratory birds. An aquatic paradise, Lac de St Cassien is coveted by bathers and fishermen.

The Fondurane bird refuge was created in 1988 on the western side of the lake, covering 106 acres and managed by the Conservatoire des Etudes et des Ecosystèmes de Provence.

This beautiful listed monument is sheltered by a wide porch added to the original building to welcome and protect pilgrims. The architecture of the four-sided bell tower is admirable.

The chapel harbours a splendid polychrome wood altar piece from the 16th century – a genuine masterpiece. The central panel, sculpted from a single tree trunk, represents the Virgin's family tree, the left-hand panel portrays the Assumption and the right-hand panel the Adoration of the Three Kings.

A small Gallo-Roman funeral stele is situated to the left of the entrance door, engraved with a tribute to the dead.

Chapelle Notre Dame de L'Ormeau was entirely restored in 1983 and 1993.

Le Lachens is the rooftop of the Var, and comprises the first foothill of the Alps. Its two summits stand at 1685 metres (orientation table at the summit) and 1,714 metres.

This site offers fabulous panoramic views over the Var, stretching from the Massif de la Sainte-Baume to Mont Faron in the south-west, the Mediterranean Sea to the South, the summits of Corsica to the south-east in fine weather and the mountains of the Massif du Mercantour and Massif de l'Argentera to the north-east.

A Saint-Raphaël, dans l'Estérel et le Pays de Fayence.
Envie de vous amuser en famille ou entre amis ? Le territoire Estérel – Côte d’Azur vous propose des jeux permanents et gratuits, à faire toute l’année ! Jouez, trouvez des trésors et gagnez des séjours !

Les carnets de route sont disponibles gratuitement dans les Offices de Tourisme, auprès des hébergeurs du territoire. Téléchargez les carnets de routes et postez vos commentaires ou photos. more +

Rising to a height of 1,715 metres, Mont Lachens is the Var's highest mountain. Its summit offers magnificent views over 5 French administrative departments, the Italian Alps and Corsica when the weather is fine.

It is home to an exceptionally rich blend of Mediterranean and Alpine flora and fauna. more +

Linking the Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions, this crystalline hill chain is almost completely covered with mimosa and eucalyptus forests. The Massif du Tanneron and village of Tanneron have been victim to several major forest fires, in particular that of July 31st, 1985, which took the life of 5 firemen and devastated 3,700 acres of forest. A memorial of 2.2 metres in height, representing two hands reaching upwards, was subsequently erected in their memory.

The way to the Memorial is signposted from the locality of "Les Insignières". more +

Une invitation à découvrir sans modération l’histoire et le patrimoine varois, avec plus de 29 sites culturels qui vous ouvrent leurs portes à tarifs préférentiels. Des jardins, des musées, des lieux d'exposition, des chapelles et des abbayes... le Var, est une terre de richesses, de couleurs et d'émotions que nous voulons vous faire partager !

Le Pass-sites est un concept départemental "Rendez-vous Découvertes". more +

Featuring over 70 lithographies by Max Ernst and Dorothea Tanning, plus many photos, this museum retraces the famous couple's stay in Seillans from 1964 to 1976. One of the foremost representatives of the Surrealist movement, Max Ernst finished his life and work in this beautiful hilltop. You can still see his famous bronze statue entitled "Le Génie de la Bastille" on Place de la République.

This museum is part of the "Pass Sites" network more +

- Eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste: built in the first half of the 18th century, this church's size, unity and beautiful facade resemble those of the finest Baroque Jesuit churches. The apse is adorned with frescos painted in the 19th century.

- Chapelle Notre Dame des Cyprès: a pretty Romanesque building with surprising proportions and an impressive aspect, reinforced by the addition of a massive square bell tower and porch in the 17th century. It is the venue for a solemn fife and drum procession on September 8th every year in celebration of the village's patron saint. more +

The "Bambouseraie de l'Hubac" is one of France's finest bamboo plantations. Situated adjacent to a flour mill, it features around 60 varieties of bamboo, plus a natural spring winding through the trees. Further on, water from the canal used to supply the mill has been channelled into a waterfall. The property is bordered by the sometimes-tumultuous Siagne river. A not-to-be-missed exotic voyage! more +

Teetering between sky and land, at an altitude of 814 metres, Mons is a little corner of paradise tucked away in terraced landscapes laden with olive trees. more +

Au coeur de l'automne, depuis plus de 20 ans, le Festival international de quatuors à cordes s'installe dans le Pays de Fayence et son chapelet de villages perchés. Les plus grands quatuors à cordes se retrouvent chaque année dans ce coin de paradis pour des concerts souvent uniques. En parallèle du Festival se déroule une Classe de Maîtres à l'école de Musique de Saint-Raphaël. more +

This beautiful chapel was built in the 17th century on the ruins of a Romanesque chapel, built in turn on the ruins of a Gallo-Roman dwelling. Its magnificent bell tower is adorned with blind arcades and columns. more +