Castles of Western Haut-Var - Route 02

Explore this route through a rural and verdant setting. Discover a rich architectural and historical heritage through the numerous castles in the villages of the Haut-Var.

In Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume: from Place Malherbe (market on Wednesdays; you can park around the square or in the car parks of the cherry trees or the fairground) head west on Avenue Albert 1er.

Follow the signs for "Les châteaux de l'Ouest Haut-Var - n°2" and immediately take the service road on the right that runs alongside the N 7. At the roundabout that crosses the D 560, take the second exit towards Ollières on the D 3. A road with an ochre stripe leads you through the fields to Ollières. <4 km>.

Continue on the D3 (caution: busy road) towards Rians. In the middle of the estates and vineyards, climb towards the Col des Selves (510 m).

Surrounded by a beautiful forest of oaks and pines, continue along a long straight road and, at the end, turn right onto a small road towards the village of Artigues. Pass the oratory and begin a good, winding climb through the forest.

At the Hautes Vernes crossroads, turn left onto the D 65. Cross the Artigues mountain at the Col de la Croix d'Artigues (531 m) (on the left, remains of the primitive village of old Artigues buried in greenery), descend and turn right onto the D 561.

Pass the Notre-Dame-du-Revest chapel and arrive at Esparron-de-Pallières. <28.5 km>.

Turn left immediately onto the D 65. Cycle across a large plain along a small country road, then climb to the pass after crossing the old railway line. Take the D 470 and arrive at the Château de Notre-Dame (tower, keep surrounded by a large park, private).

Continue straight ahead on the D30, lined with oak trees, and arrive at La Verdière with views of the village facades and the castle. At the roundabout, turn right towards Varages and drive through La Verdière. <40 km>.

Take the D 554 to Varages <45 km> (built on curious tufa cliffs, stronghold of the Templars, rare remains of the castle). At the entrance to the village, take the D 35 to the right, then at the bottom of the descent, turn right onto the D 561.

Continue along this shaded road to the bottom of Saint-Martin-de-Pallières <54 km>. (Picturesque village, very beautiful 13th century castle transformed in the 17th century).

Immediately after reaching the wine cooperative, turn left onto the D 470. Pass the Font d'Astier spring and its covered basin, climb up to the village and continue across a large wooded plateau (D 70). Cycle along a long straight stretch followed by winding bends through the hills and reach Seillons-Source-d'Argens. <69 km>.

Still on the D70, cross the Ollières plain with its lovely view of the Sainte-Baume massif and the imposing basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. At the roundabout, turn right, then follow signs for the town center and you will arrive in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.