Provence Journal & Experience Guide
Ideally located between the Gorges du Verdon and the Mediterranean coast, Les Bastides du Jas Blanc is the premier starting point for exploring authentic Provence. Perched medieval villages, crystal-clear river pools, world-renowned vineyards and farmers’ markets: discover the finest escapes in our region.
Chapter 01
The Haut-Var and Pays de Fayence region are home to some of France’s most picturesque villages with cobblestone alleys, ancient fountains and shaded café terraces.
Your host village. Stroll through charming paved alleys, ancient stone arches, fresh water fountains, the ruins of the Pontevès castle and the traditional historic olive oil mill.
Worth a detour
Walk up to Saint-Auxile chapel on its rocky promontory to watch the sunset over the valley.
Known as the "Pearl of the Haut-Var", this medieval village charms with its 12th-century ramparts, ancient plane trees, art galleries and lovely shaded café terraces facing the hills.
Worth a detour
Perfect for lunch on the terrace under the giant plane trees of the main square.
Officially ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Steep cobbled alleys lined with bougainvillea, medieval stone gateways and squares that captivated painter Max Ernst.
Worth a detour
Do not miss Place du Thouron with its fountain and the Notre-Dame de l’Ormeau chapel.
Perched at 635 metres altitude, Tourtour offers a 360-degree panoramic view stretching as far as Sainte-Victoire mountain and the Maures massif. 16th-century castle, art galleries and acclaimed restaurants.
Worth a detour
On clear days you can see the sea. Wonderful for a refreshing evening stroll.
Cotignac sits beneath a massive cliff pierced with ancient cave dwellings, with its lively café strip. In Villecroze, explore the landscaped park and cave network.
Worth a detour
Cotignac is vibrant on Sunday mornings for an aperitif after browsing the market.
Chapter 02
Far from crowded beaches, the Haut-Var offers turquoise fresh water pools, wild waterfalls and Europe’s deepest river canyon.
A secret natural canyon at the foot of Callas: volcanic red rock walls, waterfall, crystal-clear river swimming holes and shaded trails under the pine trees.
Worth a detour
The perfect place for a refreshing dip and a quiet riverside picnic.
A 420-hectare pristine lake: paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boats with water slides, supervised swimming beaches and bird reserve at Fondurane. Motor boats are prohibited.
Worth a detour
Rent a paddle board or kayak in the morning on the west shore to explore secluded coves.
Europe’s greatest canyon. Breathtaking limestone cliffs plunging into emerald-green waters. Route des Crêtes scenic drive and the famous Blanc-Martel hiking trail.
Worth a detour
Rent a canoe or pedal boat at the Galetas bridge early in the morning to paddle up the canyon before the crowds arrive.
A vast inland lake with warm 24°C water in summer. Swimming beaches, sailing, windsurfing with stunning views of the Verdon canyon mouth and nearby lavender fields.
Worth a detour
Combine swimming at the lake with a visit to the pottery village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Fancy the Mediterranean? The secluded coves of Agay, Le Dramont and Anthéor offer crystal-clear sea water perfect for snorkeling, beneath the dramatic red volcanic rocks of the Estérel massif.
Worth a detour
Anthéor cove and Crique des Anglais allow you to enjoy the sea without coastal traffic jams.
Chapter 03
Award-winning AOP olive oil, prestigious Côtes de Provence rosés, black truffles and lively farmers’ markets: taste the authentic Provence.
A renowned olive mill recognized across France. Tour the traditional stone mill, discover ancient pressing methods and taste award-winning AOP Provence olive oils and tapenades.
Worth a detour
Bring back a few bottles of freshly pressed olive oil for your aperitifs at the farmhouse.
The Esclans valley surrounding Callas is home to world-renowned wine estates: Château d’Esclans (home of Whispering Angel and Garrus), Château des Demoiselles in La Motte, and Château de Berne in Flayosc.
Worth a detour
We can recommend charming family-run estates for intimate, private tastings.
Immerse yourself in Provençal life: farm goat cheeses, sun-ripened vegetables, aromatic herbs, lavender honey, artisanal fabrics and soaps. Callas on Tuesdays and Saturdays; big Draguignan market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Worth a detour
Draguignan’s market is ideal for stocking up on fresh produce before a barbecue on the terrace.
Aups is the regional capital of black truffles (Tuber melanosporum). In winter (November to March), its Thursday morning market attracts top French chefs.
Worth a detour
Enjoy a fresh truffle omelette or risotto in one of the authentic village bistros.
Chapter 04
An outdoor paradise for hiking enthusiasts, international golf players, mountain bikers and nature lovers.
Walk scenic trails through olive groves, pine woods and limestone ridges. The Saint-Auxile chapel trail and estate terraces offer sweeping views over the Maures hills and the village.
Worth a detour
Detailed hiking trail maps are available in your accommodation.
Terre Blanche Resort (Tourrettes) features two 18-hole championship courses ranked among the best in continental Europe. Saint-Endréol Golf Resort (La Motte) offers a spectacular 18-hole course along the Endre river.
Worth a detour
Ideal for an afternoon round followed by lunch on the clubhouse terrace.
A dramatic red volcanic rock canyon in the Estérel. Shaded walk along the stream, prehistoric cave of Muréron and famous rock climbing crags.
Worth a detour
A very easy, shaded and scenic hike, perfect for families with children.
A rare location
Set just below the hilltop village of Callas, the estate lets you range across the whole Var without ever sitting in coastal traffic. After a day in the Verdon canyon or the medieval villages, you come back to the quiet of the infinity pool and dinner under the olive trees.
The estate is an hour from the Verdon, forty-five minutes from the sea and ten minutes from the Pennafort gorges. Send us your dates and we will come back with a firm price, with no obligation.
Journey times are indicative, by car and outside the summer rush. Times to Callas, the Pennafort gorges, the Verdon, the lakes and the coast are those given by your hosts.
Photo credits
Photographs of the estate are the property of Les Bastides du Jas Blanc. Views of the region’s natural sites come from Wikimedia Commons: