Châteauvert brings nature and contemporary art together in a single travel itinerary, while offering two distinct kinds of experience. Vallon Sourn is known for its plateaus, gorges and meadows, as well as exceptionally remarkable wildlife and plant life. Alongside it, the Jardin de Sculptures and the Centre d’Art Contemporain offer different ways to experience art: outdoor sculptures on the one hand, and changing exhibitions, conferences and panel discussions on the other. So when choosing what to focus on, consider whether you’d prefer the landscape, outdoor art or the art centre’s programme.

Vallon Sourn and a cycling route to art

Vallon Sourn encompasses plateaus, gorges and meadows and is home to exceptionally remarkable wildlife and plant life. The “Des vignes à l’Art à vélo” cycling route adds a specific ride to this nature experience. A there-and-back route, it runs between Carcès and Châteauvert, through vineyards and Vallon Sourn to the Centre d’Art Contemporain. It thus connects the landscape with an artistic destination. Unlike the Jardin de Sculptures, where artworks are displayed outdoors, this route also makes cycling through vineyards and Vallon Sourn part of the experience.

Exhibitions and visits requiring reservations

The Centre d’Art Contemporain de Châteauvert hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and panel discussions. As exhibitions change, check which theme will be on display during your stay before you travel if you want to plan your visit around a particular show. Visits and workshops are available by reservation. They are intended for children and all audiences associated with the relevant exhibition. Reserve these activities in advance and choose according to the specific exhibition theme. The changing events programme and exhibition-related activities requiring reservations are therefore offered side by side.

Outdoor sculptures

The Jardin de Sculptures displays around twenty monumental contemporary sculptures in the open air and covers nine hectares. The garden is open daily; check the current opening arrangements before travelling. Unlike the Centre, which focuses on temporary exhibitions, conferences and panel discussions, the garden’s defining artistic feature is its outdoor sculptures. When deciding what to visit, you can therefore choose between an outdoor art venue and the Centre’s changing programme.

Churches and history

Church history offers two points of interest. The church of the castrum was part of a priory dependent on Montmajour Abbey. Seigneur Raynaud transferred this priory to the abbey in 1004. The present-day church of Châteauvert is a separate point of interest: it stands opposite the bridge over the Argens. These details relate to different aspects of the town’s history: the first describes an ecclesiastical connection and its transfer, while the second gives the location of the present-day church. For a cultural exploration, this historical connection complements the focus on contemporary art with an older institutional context.

Discover more destinations: Ollières, Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Le Castellet, Trigance, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Le Pradet, La Garde, Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume

For the regional travel overview: Var.