Bargème is listed in the official directory of the communes of the Parc naturel régional du Verdon. A stone-built Village de Caractère, it is defined by a Romanesque church and the ruins of a feudal castle. The village brings together medieval fortifications, Romanesque architecture and a striking mountain landscape. Two specific interests may guide your travel decision: historic buildings and scenery.
Village setting, views and military history
The medieval enclosure was pierced by two fortified gates in the 14th century. The Église Saint-Nicolas is a 12th-century Romanesque church at the summit of Bargème. It houses the listed Saint-Sébastien altarpiece, carved in 1525. Several centuries separate the church’s construction from the artwork, making it possible to distinguish the religious architecture from a later work of art. The Château de Pontevès stands on a rocky promontory and offers an immersive experience exploring military history. It also provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. From Bargème, you can also see the Plateau de Canjuers, the Massif des Maures and the foothills of the Alps. The views differ in scope: from the village, all three of these landscapes are visible; at the Château, the perspective is defined by uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains.
Churches, chapels and traditions
The Église Saint-Laurent was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 3 November 1987. It is distinct from the Chapelle Saint-Laurent, which lies 2 km northwest of Bargème and overlooks the village. The Chapelle Sainte Pétronille is a 17th-century religious heritage site. Bread and salt are still blessed in Bargème every 31 May; Sainte-Pétronille is celebrated in the chapel dedicated to her. Thus, 31 May is the specific date to bear in mind if this tradition is important to your travel plans. The Chapelle Saint Antoine is a votive chapel and is considered one of the oldest chapels in the département. The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs was completed in 1608 as an expiatory chapel following murders. The chapels also differ in their purpose: Saint Antoine is a votive chapel, Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs was completed as an expiatory chapel, while Sainte-Pétronille is associated with a celebration in the chapel dedicated to her.
Routes and practical information
The Tour de Bargème starts in the village and mostly follows balcony-style trails offering beautiful views of Bargème. The Tour de l’Artuby passes through Bargème on its final stage; check trail conditions before setting out. The two routes can be distinguished by Bargème’s role in each: it is the starting point for the Tour de Bargème and lies on the final section of the Tour de l’Artuby. A short path leads to the ruins of the Bargème mill on the Artuby River. Parking in Bargème is free year-round; verify this information locally. The Église Saint-Nicolas is open daily throughout 2026, free of charge; check access arrangements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Villecroze, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var, Regusse, Flayosc, Collobrieres, Saint-Julien, Pourrières, Le Luc
For an overview of the wider region: Var.
