In La Mole, historical sites meet practical trails through the surrounding area. The small Eglise Sainte Magdeleine dates from 1872 and has a colorful façade. Above its entrance is a sundial bearing the motto “Souviens-toi de vivre” (“Remember to live”). The former medieval village of Castrum de Sainte Magdeleine is also part of the area’s history: it was built in the 14th century from local basalt, a volcanic rock.
A church, an estate, and a Provençal festival
Another historical landmark is the estate, located one kilometer from La Mole in the direction of Cogolin. It was first mentioned in 1008. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry spent holidays there with his grandparents during his childhood. The estate is privately owned and visible from the road. This distinction can help with planning: it is a historical site you can see from the outside, not a place open to visitors.
The Fête de la Sainte Magdeleine is part of local tradition. The three-day festival has been held for more than 20 years and includes a Sunday Mass, a procession, and the danse de la Souche. Musicians and dancers in traditional Provençal costumes are part of the program. Exact festival dates and the program may vary; if the festival is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.
Know the difference between hikes and walks
The Sentier de La Sainte Magdeleine leads from the church along the Route des Guiols, then along the Chemin Sainte Magdeleine to the chapel. The starting point is 2.5 kilometers along the Route des Guiols from the church. From there, the route continues for 150 meters, followed by a 500-meter path through oak trees. The Piste du Laïré is described as the return route to the town center. Trail conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning.
The route to the Barrage de La Verne also involves a specific stretch of trail: after parking near the water treatment plant, a 2.5-kilometer dirt road continues on foot. Paths along the Barrage are used for walks. The two 2.5-kilometer distances refer to different stretches: for the Sentier, it is the distance along the Route des Guiols from the church to the starting point; at the Barrage, it is the length of the dirt road after parking. This makes it easier to judge which route description suits your plans without confusing the two distances.
At the Base nature on the Verne, there is a fitness trail with various exercise stations, a roller-skating and skateboarding track, a children’s playground, and a picnic area. Several different facilities are available: exercise stations, a track for roller-skating and skateboarding, a playground, and a place to have a picnic. Which of these options matters most during your stay depends on what you want to do while you’re there.
Plan your arrival, too
The AĂ©roport international du Golfe de Saint-Tropez accommodates and handles aircraft and helicopters for private or commercial flights throughout the year. The route descriptions provide different guidance for activities in La Mole: the Sentier de La Sainte Magdeleine is described in several named sections leading to the chapel; the route to the Barrage de La Verne includes a dirt road to be walked after parking. If trails are an important part of your trip planning, you can consider these details alongside the historical sites and facilities on the Verne as separate factors in your decision.
Discover more destinations: Le Castellet, Saint-Cyr-Sur-Mer, Roquebrune-Sur-Argens, Draguignan, Belgentier, Sainte-Maxime, Neoules, Les Mayons.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
