The hilltop villages
When it get to hot to handle down on the coast, just a short drive away find the cooler, calmer inland countryside. One hour from Esterel Caravaning the hilltop villages around Draguignan evoke the history of Provence. You’ll find villages like eagle’s nests, houses clinging to the cliffs, little back streets and fountains. A visit to the hilltop villages in Provence unveils all the secrets of Provence.
Bargemon
The football player David Beckham chose well when he bought his property in the Bargemon countryside. A pearl imbedded in greenery, surrounded by mountains. Bargemon village is built like a spiral around its castle and Place du Tertre. Within the castle walls dating from the 12th and 16th century you’ll find the stone streets, fountains, a bread oven, art galleries and grafts. Push open one of the shop doors and discover a potter working! Bargemon is one of very few villages in the region that stays active throughout the year thanks to its small shops. Discover Bargemon’s history at the Honoré Camos Museum in the ancient Saint Etienne Chapel (14th century and admirably restored), discover too the Fossil and Mineral Museum which displays around 300 pieces including a fossilised ammonite of a baby dinosaur.
Not to miss: A walk on the road Couchoire a pathway that leads to a cascade with a beautiful view down over the village.
For more information:
The Dracénie Tourist information office Draguignan, Tel 04 98 10 51 05. www.dracenie.com
Var Tourism Tourist Development Agency in the Var, Tel 04 94 18 59 60. www.visitvar.fr
