On the trail of Europe's ancient civilisations, these breathtaking hilly landscapes set in the heart of traditional Provence positively brim with prestigious vineyards, beautiful Medieval villages, monasteries and craft workshops.

The vast "Côtes de Provence" terroir stretches from the Mediterranean coast to the inland hills. This area has its very own inimitable personality, born of good wines, delicious food and sumptuous landscapes. The Wine Route leads you on an informative tour of some of the Var region's loveliest villages and vineyards and is an ideal opportunity to learn all about local wine-growing techniques and wine appreciation. The "Maison des Vins de Provence" Wine Institute provides an excellent and professional introduction - including day courses - to "Côtes de Provence" wine growing and tasting.

Don't miss a visit to the adjacent medieval village of LES ARCS, with its superbly-restored Medieval quarter and beautiful 16th century chapel exhibiting works by Bazaine, Ubac, Giacometti and Chagall.

An absolute must is the 12th century "ABBAYE DU THORONET" Cistercian Abbey (45 mins. from Toulon) - a remarkable example of Provençal Romanesque architecture set amid chestnut groves in the heart of a beautiful dale.

Heritage sightseeing possibilities abound: COTIGNAC (1 hr. from Toulon), with its cliff-face Troglodyte dwellings and honey-makers, ENTRECASTEAUX with its magnificent 17th century castle, LE VAL, home to a traditional "Santon" clay statuette museum and nougat-makers and BRIGNOLES - the ancient fief of the Counts of Provence . Known as the "Tivoli of Provence", BARJOLS is built around a beautiful collegiate church at the crossroads of 3 rivers. Featuring an amazing 30 fountains and 12 stone washtubs, the village came to fame thanks to a thriving leather industry; the old 19th-century tanneries can still be seen today. SALERNES is internationally famed for its traditional hand-painted floor and wall tiles, sold throughout the world .

A little further East, the "Medieval Road" is a string of beautifully-preserved fortified villages. CALLAS, BARGEMON, SEILLANS, FAYENCE, TOURRETTES, CALLIAN and MONTAUROUX are all fine examples of Middle Age architecture.
DRAGUIGNAN's vast Folk Museum provides a fascinating insight into daily life in Provence during the pre-industrial era.