Tour 3: Once upon a time there were Trees, Plants and People

  • Cultural
  • Tourist routes
83250 La Londe-les-Maures
This tour offers you the opportunity to discover a heritage of remarkable trees, exotic gardens and local plants. Travel through the fascinating and discreet world of plants and discover some facets of the complex relationship between plants and man.
At a time when everything is going very fast, let us remember that another temporality exists. That of slowness, of the seasons, of patience and of respect for the environment in the name of serene growth.
This is the time of trees and plants.

Whether they are there by natural enchantment, or thanks to the hand of man, these living beings delight the eyes and awaken the hearts as a major element of the local culture.

While cherishing this resource, generations have known how to tame it, exploit it, and evolve their know-how.
In the heart of France's largest forest department, the communes of the Mediterranean Porte des Maures abound in plant species such as the olive tree, fig tree, mimosa, cypress, pine or chestnut tree, and in plant species that are each more vibrant than the last. As a precious resource that is sometimes overlooked, a magical instrument for depollution and the shelter of rich ecosystems, everyone now recognises the importance of preserving them.
To better appreciate and protect these species, it is necessary to recognize them. Remarkable trees, exotic gardens, local plants, know-how and traditions, and built heritage are all elements to be approached.
Located at the western gateway to the Maures crystalline massif and the limestone massifs, and home to four Natural Zones of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest, Cuers has always been influenced by this plant environment. A strong link exists between its inhabitants, its relief and this very varied vegetation. Already during Antiquity, the Ligurians installed their oppidum on the hills to protect themselves. Since then, the inhabitants have continued to live together. Nature is conducive to certain crops (cereals, tobacco, potatoes, hemp, flax, vines and olives) and to gentle farming methods (bees, silkworms).
Collobrières


Embedded like a pearl in the heart of the Maures crystalline massif, the territory of the commune of Collobrières benefits from the mildness of the Mediterranean climate, marked in particular by the presence of maquis, cork oaks, hundred-year-old chestnut trees, arbutus trees and cades. The nearby surroundings of the village offer remarkable walking areas and already reveal the richness of a biodiversity that will delight lovers of preserved nature, protected by a village that holds 3 flowers of the "Villes et Villages Fleuris" label and that of "Village Nature 2 libellules - Territoire engagé pour la Nature".


Pierrefeu-du-Var
Pierrefeu du Var, due to its geographical situation, benefits from a green setting favourable to hiking and to the discovery of the flora and its waterways.
Built on the first foothills of the Massif des Maures, it overlooks a vast and renowned wine-growing plain and wooded areas where the vegetation is typically Mediterranean with maquis, originally represented by the white oak and the cork oak.
For many years, the link between nature and man has been an essential element in the economic development of the region, and this has been maintained to this day.



> La Londe les Maures
The Maures in the territory of Hyères were described as "forêts gastes" in the 17th century. The Norman origin of the name La Londe, "lund", means clearing, cleared forest. In order to exploit its resources and cultivate this land suitable for agriculture, man had to develop it. The first representatives of the commune, which was born in 1901, felt that "les Maures" deserved to be named after it, as it gained in value during the 19th century. It is emblematic of the importance of the forest, which covers 75% of the territory, with wooded areas right up to the seashore.


> Bormes les Mimosas
The name suggests the important place that trees have always held in the minds of the village and its inhabitants. Bormes is associated with an emblematic tree, the Mimosa, but its plant palette also includes remarkable trees and exotic species.
In exchange for their maintenance and respect, this forest and these trees have provided a living for entire families. In Bormes les Mimosas, man has realised that a close relationship would bring him fulfilment, peace of mind, fruitful exchanges and pleasures of the senses.



> Le Lavandou
One flower, then two, then three... The Lavandou, through passion and attentive care lavished on its environment and green spaces, has striven to compose a bouquet of a thousand colours and a thousand scents... until this 4th flower... so coveted, which honours the city of dolphins with this exceptional label in the list of "Cities and Villages in bloom in France".
But, in addition to following the "Circuit des espaces fleuris" in the town centre, a visit to Le Lavandou also means going for a walk in the natural site of the Saint-Clair restanques and discovering the many species of the tourist resort.

Let us guide you through our surprising vegetation sites.
At a time when everything is going very fast, let us remember that another temporality exists. That of slowness, of the seasons, of patience and of respect for the environment in the name of serene growth.
This is the time of trees and plants.

Whether they are there by natural enchantment, or thanks to the hand of man, these living beings delight the eyes and awaken the hearts as a major element of the local culture.

While cherishing this resource, generations have known how to tame...

Openings

All year 2025 - Open everyday

Location

Tour 3: Once upon a time there were Trees, Plants and People
83250 La Londe-les-Maures
Spoken languages
  • French
    Updated on 26 February 2025 at 09:47
    by Office de tourisme intercommunal La Londe les Maures, Cuers, Collobrières, Pierrefeu du Var
    (Offer identifier : 5525679)