The area
Exploring the old village of Carcès, with its narrow streets and houses with glazed tile facades, is a great way to immerse yourself in the typical atmosphere of Provence Verte.
The area around Carcès is full of charm and attractions to discover. Not to be missed are the Cistercian abbey of Le Thoronet, the village of Cotignac, the basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin, the “village in the sky” of Tourtour, the Gorges du Verdon, Aix-en-Provence, and the seaside (Saint-Tropez, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Grimaud, Hyères, etc.) not forgetting the many hiking trails.
The region is full of vineyards, from Côteaux-Varois-en-Provence to Côtes de Provence. Near Les Apiers, you can walk as far as the Chutes du Caramy and enjoy a wide range of sporting activities (cycling, canoeing, fishing, go-karting).
The area
Exploring the old village of Carcès, with its narrow streets and houses with glazed tile facades, is a great way to immerse yourself in the typical atmosphere of Provence Verte.
The area around Carcès is full of charm and attractions to discover. Not to be missed are the Cistercian abbey of Le Thoronet, the village of Cotignac, the basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin, the “village in the sky” of Tourtour, the Gorges du Verdon, Aix-en-Provence, and the seaside (Saint-Tropez, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Grimaud, Hyères, etc.) not forgetting the many hiking trails.
The region is full of vineyards, from Côteaux-Varois-en-Provence to Côtes de Provence.
Near Les Apiers, you can walk as far as the Chutes du Caramy and enjoy a wide range of sporting activities (cycling, canoeing, fishing, go-karting).
Thoronet Abbey
It is one of the “three sisters of Provence”, along with the abbeys of Sénanque and Silvacane. Built at the end of the 12th century, it is a jewel of Cistercian art.
Caramy waterfalls
Just a 20-minute walk away, they are a natural treasure to be explored. Nestling in the heart of an unspoilt environment, these waterfalls offer an impressive spectacle, with water tumbling down the rocks in a picturesque setting. Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of itineraries such as the one proposed on Visorando, offering an immersive experience in the heart of nature and leading to the magnificent Caramy waterfalls.
Discover the authentic beauty of Cotignac
A jewel nestling in the heart of Provence Verte, Cotignac is recognised as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, and visitors are seduced by its timeless charm.
Entrecasteaux castle
Originally a fortified castle, it was transformed into a château d’agrément in the 16th century.
The French-style garden adjoining the château was laid out according to designs inspired by Le Nôtre.
The "village in the sky", Tourtour
A pretty panoramic road will take you to this artists’ haven, with its Renaissance-style houses and elaborate facades. It was in Tourtour that Bernard Buffet died in 1999.
The Sourn Valley
In the heart of the Sourn valley, where the Argens river meanders, this short loop hike takes you through the Défens forest near Les Bessillon, via the Vallon des Baumes and the Val Obscur.
Average time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
