A 5,000-square-metre chestnut grove with panoramic views of Collobrières makes a striking introduction to the town. The Châtaigneraie Communale combines the chestnut landscape with sweeping views across the town. Nearby, circular trails, historic sites and chestnut-related crafts offer a range of options to shape your trip.

Chestnuts and Local Traditions

The Fêtes de la Châtaigne take place every year in autumn during the chestnut harvest, over three festive Sundays. Local producers and craftspeople present their products and traditional skills, with tastings of regional specialities also on offer. This annual event brings together the harvest season, local crafts and regional cuisine.

The Musée de la fabrique du marron glacé explores the culture and production of products made from sweet chestnuts and marrons. Its collection includes historic tools and machinery used to turn chestnuts into confectionery over several decades. Both the products and the craft of making them take centre stage.

Trails and Views

The Sentier de découverte starts at the Stade car park and leads through Collobrières’ characteristic lanes to the ruins of the Church of Saint-Pons. The trail also passes a ruined mill with views of the Vallon de la Malière and the Gouffre du Desteou. The Boucle de Notre Dame des Anges also starts at the Stade car park, at the eastern entrance to the town, and follows the GR90 towards the Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges. This circular route is listed as 20.60 kilometres long, with 640 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of 360 minutes, or six hours. Along the way, there are views of the Presqu'île de Giens, the Îles d'Or and the rade de Toulon. These routes offer contrasting options: one winds through the town’s lanes to a mill, while the other is a circular hike with clearly specified distances and elevation gain.

The route information for the Boucle may be updated. Seasonal restrictions due to wildfire risk also apply to this trail and the footpath to the Menhirs du Plateau Lambert. Check the latest route and access information before setting out.

Churches and Menhirs

The Church of Saint-Pons was built in the 15th century on the site of a fortified chapel dating from the 12th century. Its ruins are listed in France’s supplementary historic monuments register. An orientation table on the grounds offers a panorama of Collobrières and the surrounding area.

The two Menhirs du Plateau Lambert are monolithic blocks made from locally sourced gneiss. They stand 3.15 and 2.82 metres high, respectively, and date from the period between the end of the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. Listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments, they are considered the two largest known megaliths of this type in Provence. They can be reached on foot from the village via the GR90; the seasonal wildfire restrictions mentioned above apply to access.

Chartreuse de la Verne and Crafts

The Chartreuse de la Verne was founded in 1170 on the ruins of an earlier priory. Part of the monastery is open to visitors; areas open for viewing include the gatehouse, bakery, a monk’s cell and the 12th-century Romanesque church. The narrow, winding Route de la Verne leads to the site. There is a free car park at the end of the road, followed by a level, approximately 700-metre dirt path to the grounds.

Traditional crafts also feature among the local experiences. The Atelier-boutique Ferme du Lambert has a creative space for workshops in felting, knitting, spinning and weaving, where visitors can learn about these crafts. Rando'laine takes place twice a year, once in autumn and once in spring. It is also available by reservation for groups of ten or more. As availability may change, it is advisable to check dates and participation in advance.

Discover more destinations: Esparron, Saint-Julien, Solliès-Pont, Châteauvert, Comps-Sur-Artuby, Le Val, Belgentier, Pourrières

For the broader travel overview: Var.