VINEYARD & CRECHE EXHIBITION

Provençal tradictions and lifestyle are intertwined with the history of this vineyard that dates back over 400 years!

After learning about the history of the family during a stroll through the castle gardens, visit the cellars (3500 m2) and learn more the work of a winegrower: Taste the "Crus classés" wines and discover the crèche (nativity crib) museum and its 1800 "santons" (typical ornamental figurines of Provence) dating back for many of them to the 18yh century.

A day out in the countryside

Come and enjoy a day of country life and farming at Rocbaron. Winemakers will welcome you to their estates to taste their wines. You can then visit a goat farm and spend a little while experiencing farming life by feeding or milking the animals, before sampling some farmhouse cheese of course!

Tourist train excursion across the Haut Var

Hop on board a tourist train and travel across a number of districts of the Haut-Var, including Besse sur Issole, Sainte-Anastasie, Forcalqueiret, Camps la Source and La Celle. Upon your arrival in Brignoles, you will tour the town’s historic centre, its museum dedicated to Provence (paintings, traditional objects, historic objects, etc.), as well as the former Palace of the Counts of Provence.

Les Médiévales de Brignoles [Brignoles Mediaeval Festival] (August)

“Médiévales de Brignoles” [Brignoles Mediaeval Festival] has become a key annual event, with a rich and eclectic programme of street artists, actors, storytellers, jugglers, minstrels, musicians, fencers, dancers, animal tamers, clowns, stilt-walkers, magicians, lords and craftsmen. A cocktail of surprises and a real artistic and popular journey to the heart of the Middle Ages! An absolute “must”!!!

Festival of Chestnuts and Local Produce (October)

Following a visit to the historic centre of Brignoles, you will discover the Chestnut Festival in Camps la Source. You may enjoy the many events promoting chestnuts, wine and other local products, including music, drumming and numerous stands selling chestnuts, chestnuts jam, honey, nougat, olive oil, wine, etc. A delight for the eyes and the taste buds!

The garden of 1001 palms

If you like plants you’ll be thrilled to meet our world-renowned botanist specialising in palm trees. Enter a bubble of tropical delights on the Mediterranean in this private Garden of 1001 palms, and our botanist will reveal all the secrets of the magnificent palm tree. Then you’ll enjoy a Provencal aperitif in the garden itself and have the chance to chat with the expert gardener before dining in a charming restaurant where Provencal cuisine are the speciality.

Bravades de Saint-Tropez historic military parades

For this unique event the town of Saint-Tropez becomes a theatre at the heart of a traditional Provencal festival; you will see parades of full military dress, sailors and musketeers. You’ll be as excited as the locals to watch the ever-popular water jousting. A guide specialising in regional history and Provencal traditions will explain the history behind all these special events. After this tour of the heart of the old town, enjoy a Provencal aperitif on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting.

Pipes from Cogolin

Take a tour of the craftsman’s pipe workshop in Cogolin opened in 1802 by the Corrieu brothers. The trade has been handed down from father to son ever since, and the Corrieus still make their pipes out of the finest heather, sourced in the surrounding Var region and hand selected by the master pipe maker himself. You may combine this tour with a wine-tasting in a nearby vineyard (Domaine de la Roulière) and enjoy locally made wine and products.

The old town in Saint Tropez

Follow your guide as he leads you through the old town where you will discover picturesque squares and little streets with lovely architectural details, Place Garezzio, the Portalet tower, la Ponche, the Jarlier tower, Rue Gambetta and Place des Lices, all part of Saint Tropez’s heritage. You’ll learn about the town’s inhabitants, noteworthy seafarers, captains, sailors and others, all of whom made their living from the sea for centuries.

Pétanque beneath the Var sun (Place des Lices in Saint Tropez, or other locations)

Discover the joys of a traditional Provençal game: pétanque! With careful guidance from a professional, you will be introduced to the rules and subtleties of this sociable game. By the shade of the plantains, pit your wits against your opponents, then savour the taste of victory over a Provençal aperitif. Laughter and relaxation guaranteed!

Taste tour (honey, wine and chocolate)

After a guided tour of the mediaeval village of Roquebrune sur Argens and the Musée du Chocolat [Chocolate Museum], you will have the opportunity to taste some local produce, including honey, wine and chocolate. Enough to please any food lover! The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish, strolling through the narrow streets of this mediaeval village, falling under the spell of its charm and its authenticity.

Taste trip (local canned goods, honey and wine)

Food lovers will be pleased to discover the Carcès canning factory, as well as the Ruchers du Bessilon (honey production).A wine-tasting session at a winemaking estate in the heart of the vineyards is also planned. You will end the day with some free time in the charming village of Cotignac (cave dwellings).

Organic wine and produce visit

At the start of the day, you will enjoy wine-tasting in an organic vineyard and learn the secrets of organic winemaking. In the afternoon you may visit the picturesque village of Correns, the first “organic” village in France. Following this visit, you will easily understand why these producers have opted for organic farming, in complete harmony with the surrounding preserved countryside.

The charming and picturesque villages of the Var

The charming villages of the Var nestle on sun-drenched plains or hang from the sides of grassy and sweet-scented hills, built near the dry-stone walls (restanques) used to create terraces for growing the vines and olive trees that proudly cling to the hillsides. Here in the heart of secret, authentic Provence, you will discover these unique and privileged places where the history and identity of the Var has been forged, and where time appears to have stood still.

The secrets of a master French chef

The heart of a village perched along the cliffs is the stunning setting where our master French chef from a restaurant that has been awarded Michelin stars will help you choose your vegetables from the garden before creating famous dishes out of them.

After that, you’ll get to enjoy your culinary creations in this authentic setting where it really seems as if time has stood still.

Cooking classes at Le Mas des Candeliers

Wine tourism at its finest – first take a cooking class and then enjoy the fruits of your labour served with wine from the domain. In the company of Véronique Sibille, a chef who is truly in love with Provencal gastronomy, you’ll try your hand at and master pissaladière, pan bagnat, aïoli, bouillabaisse, pistou, daube and other regional delicacies. Olive trees and lavender, fine wine and haute cuisine are all blended together in Mas des Candeliers for a unique and memorable culinary voyage.

Cooking classes at the Château de Berne

In the heart of Provence lies the Château de Berne, some 600 hectares where authenticity and savoir-faire have been cultivated since 1750. Here, you’ll take a two hour cooking class, after which you can enjoy your delicious work served with award-winning wine from the domain, and in the company of the chef, no less.

Play golf!

After a quick introduction and the expert advice of a professional, you’ll feel just like Tiger Woods! After all that effort, relax and enjoy lunch in an idyllic, friendly setting by the green at the restaurant “le Z”. You may also choose to end the day with a wine tasting of Côtes de Provence wines from the Château Vaudois domain, wines that are served in the best restaurants of the region.

Guided gourmet Tour: "Flavours and discoveries"

In line with cultural and culinary traditions, Saint-Raphaël, like Provence, has over the years managed to perpetuate the authentic colours and flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. Tour the town's markets and try the Provence specialities that await you: tapenade, olive oil, piperade, etc.