Carmelite Valley

On the hills above Barjols, this 30-hectare natural site, formerly occupied by religious orders and then by industrial activities, has been transformed into a walking area along the Fauvery river. Enjoy a stroll, historical discovery, and swimming.

History:
- In the 17th century, the Discalced Carmelite friars built a monastery, reusing natural caves carved into the tufa rock. The site was named "Vallon des Carmes" (Valley of the Carmelites). Religious occupation continued until 1790.
- In the 19th century, water was used for a succession of industrial activities: paper mill, flour mill, hydroelectric plant, flour mill, tannery, then micro-electric power plant.

The Fauvery & the waterfalls:
This valley was carved by the Fauvery river ("you have to see it" in Provençal), whose source is located on the slopes of Gros Bessillon. It tumbles down the tufa cliffs of Barjols, creating several waterfalls: the Carmes waterfall (approximately 25 m high) and, below, the Gouffre aux Épines waterfall.

A protected natural area:
The site is part of the Natura 2000 area "Springs and Tufas of the Upper Var," in order to preserve the tufa—a limestone rock formed from deposits on vegetation. This tufa gives the water its turquoise color. This fragile environment is home to numerous species: birds (wallcreeper), fish (southern barbel), freshwater turtle (European pond turtle), and bats (greater and lesser horseshoe bats, grey long-eared bat).
The Var Departmental Council acquired the site as part of its Sensitive Natural Areas policy and developed it in 2014 with walkways on stilts, viewpoints and marked trails in order to protect the banks.

Access:
- On foot only: Park in the "Crouchet" car park (free car park with 40 spaces, located on the Marseille road towards Saint-Maximin). Then walk for 1 km (approximately 15 minutes). From the car park, go up the stairs towards the town centre. At the top of the stairs, turn right. At the small roundabout, continue straight ahead on "Rue de la République". As you approach the collegiate church square, turn left onto "Rue du Réal" and follow the signs for "Vallon des Carmes" to reach the entrance to the natural site.
- Strongly discouraged for people with walking difficulties, people with reduced mobility and strollers (stairs, natural terrain and river crossings with fords)
- Bring walking shoes and water. Toilets & water point in the Rouguière car park.

Regulations:
- Swimming is unsupervised and at the users' own risk. Minor children are under the care and supervision of their parents or guardians.
- Pets allowed, but must be kept on a leash
- No smoking or lighting fires
- Take your waste home with you; littering is punishable by a fine of €135.
- Do not pick the vegetation.
Stay on the marked trails: steep cliffs, danger of falling
- Camping / bivouacking prohibited.
- Bicycles prohibited.