10 guided unusual visits in South region

In the footsteps of the first Christians in the Var Region

The Massif de la Sainte-Baume is flanked to the north by a « relic forest » which has been protected and venerated since the dawn of time. The Celts, the Greeks and the Romans imagined here a refuge for Godesses. Later on according to legend and tradition Marie Magdalene lived in th Ste-Baume’s cave. The Gothic Basilica of St. Maximin is dedicated to her. With the help of your guide you will be able to live the epoch of the great builders of this setting of stone, which has been shaped over the centuries by Kings, Queens, Artists and Pilgrims.

Contact

caroline.rocca@hotmail.fr

Troglodyte Accommodations in the  Haut-Var

To discover the caves of Cotignac and Villecroze, you have to leave behind the coastal Var Region. Since prehistoric ages these rocky ravines were developed by man, inhabited till the 19th century and some are still occupied nowadays. These accommodations are the witness of local History and geology. Little lanes and vaulted passages…..Your guide will accompany you to explore the two villages . Both of them are labeled: “Villages de caractère”.

Contact

camilledulong@hotmail.fr 06.70.81.26.65

François-Joseph Fournier

The man who « fell in love » with Porquerolles

Many legends tell about the tumultuous history of the Island of Porquerolles which is the largest and most westerly of the three Golden Islands of Hyères. In the beginning of the 20th century, François-Joseph Fournier gave a unique brilliance to this epoch. The rich Belgian adventurer bought the Island in 1912 at a sale by adjudication. He devoted his life and fortune to the Island. He developed and protected Porquerolles. Your guide will lead you in the footsteps of François-Joseph Fournier.

Discover

• The Island of Provence
• Toulon and Hyères

Contact 

tinevigneron@hotmail.fr 06.87.37.39.10

The Landing in Provence during the Second World War

August 1944, the Allies reach the Mediterranean shores. Less known but not less critical than the  amphibious military manœuvres in Normandy the military operation known as “Anvil Dragoon” is a key episode of the Liberation of Europe, in which the idyllic beaches of the Var have played a major role. With your tour starting at Valmer Cross in Draguignan, with the help of your guide, go back in time :  live the adventures of soldiers, of the resistance fighters, and feel the joy of the civilians of Toulon and Marseille during these events.

Contact

« Pomponette and the Baker’s Wife »

At Le Castellet

Strolling through this beautiful medieval village to the rhythm of a well-known film. And what a movie!  « La Femme du boulager (the Baker’s Wife)» became a milestone of french comedy. During the visit, we point out all filming locations (the bakery, the castle, the village café, the school square and the church door). With your guide, learn more about the tense relationship between the artistic masters Giono (author) and Pagnol (film director), the break-up of which was caused by this one adaptation, and learn more of the life and work of the actors of this film, for instance the marvelous Raimu.

Discover

• Jean Giono’s Provence

Contact

info@provence-insolite.org