Cuers brings together sweeping views and a rich architectural history. From the Chapelle Notre Dame de Santé, the view stretches across Cuers, the Barres de Cuers and the Massif des Maures. Churches, chapels and rural heritage offer other concrete themes to help you plan your trip.
Views and Architectural History
In August 2023, the Barres de Cuers were recognised as a “site remarquable” under France’s classification of landscapes and remarkable sites. The viewpoint at the Chapelle Notre Dame de Santé offers a direct connection to this landscape. For a cultural visit, it is also worth seeing the church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption: it was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries on the site of an earlier chapel dedicated to Saint Peter.
Inside the church, you will find several pieces of furnishings with clearly documented dates. The reliquary arm of Saint Peter dates from 1526 and contains a relic from the saint’s arm. The wrought-iron bell tower was created in 1626. The organ, built by Charles Royer between 1668 and 1670, is listed as a historic monument; the polychrome marble high altar dates from 1772. These dates give the church its own distinct layers of history, separate from the period when the building itself was constructed.
The Chapelle Notre Dame de Santé also has a striking history: during the cholera epidemic, the residents made a vow in 1865. Later, between 1876 and 1878, the chapel was built on the ruins of Cuers’ feudal castle. At this site, a vow, castle ruins and a 19th-century building come together in a specific historical sequence.
Chapels and Rural Heritage
The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste is documented as dating from the second half of the 13th century. It lies on the Circuit découverte du Cuers historique and is free to visit. As access conditions can change, check them before your visit. The historic Chapelle Saint-Louis is also located in the hamlet of Valcros. It was built in 1723–1724 and can only be viewed from the outside. A few metres away stands a mulberry fig tree planted in 1848, known as the Arbre de la Liberté.
Another rural structure is the Mur Ă abeilles on the Piste des Basses Sambalettes. This 18th-century dry-stone bee wall has niches for up to 25 beehives. The Moulin des cinq ponts preserves historic parts of its olive-mill equipment: screw presses, millstones and a waterwheel. It has operated as an olive cooperative since 1920, producing AOC olive oil from pitted olives grown in olive groves in Cuers and the surrounding area.
Hikes and Guided Tours
For a shorter time commitment, the Visite commentée du Cuers historique is an alternative to a long hike: the guided tour covers 2 km on foot and lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. It is free and must be booked no later than the day before through one of the listed tourist offices. Routes and booking conditions may change, so check the latest information before planning.
The La barre de Cuers hiking route starting from Cuers is rated difficult, is 15.83 km long and is listed as taking 6 hours and 10 minutes. This makes it easy to distinguish its time commitment from that of the shorter guided tour. Route details may change, so check them again before setting out.
The seasonal Randonnée à la journée avec mules et muletiers combines hiking, nature and regional specialities. Professional muleteers accompany participants with their mules; the route varies from 7 to 15 km depending on the group. Before planning, check whether this seasonal activity is being offered. That way, you can match the stated distance to the time you have available without confusing it with the fixed distance of the La barre de Cuers route.
Local Produce and Traditions
The Cuers tourist office offers a free guided tour of the Cuers region and its local produce. The focus is on local craftsmanship and winemaking expertise; the programme may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information. The traditional Saint-Louis festival includes a procession, an Aïoli meal, a pétanque competition and musical performances. The specific programme may vary.
Discover more destinations: Le Pradet, Les Arcs Sur Argens, Saint-Zacharie, Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, Trigance, Tanneron, Solliès-Ville, Camps-La-Source.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
