La Valette-du-Var’s olive conservatory includes more than 52 varieties of olive. Together with gardens, a historic old town and paths in the hinterland, the area offers different focuses for a stay. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider whether plant diversity, historic sites, or scenery and hiking will shape your plans.
Gardens with a Variety of Plant Life
Jardin de Baudouvin brings together citrus groves, vegetable gardens, collections of medicinal and aromatic plants, an orchard and a vineyard. Its variety ranges from growing fruit and vegetables to plants notable for their uses or fragrance. The garden also takes part in the “Rendez-vous aux jardins” and “Journées européennes du patrimoine” events. Admission is free; check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.
The garden at Domaine d’Orvès offers a different botanical perspective: it combines native plants with plants from other parts of the world and has held the French Ministry of Culture’s “Jardin remarquable” label since 2006. Guided tours are available year-round except in August, by prior arrangement. So if you’d like to plan a guided tour, take both August and the required advance booking into account. The two gardens have different highlights: Baudouvin with its varied plantings, and Orvès with its blend of native and international plants.
Old Town, Fountains and Historic Traces
Picturesque lanes and colorful houses define the old town and reflect the area’s historic past. Individual buildings and fountains also tell stories of different periods. Église Saint-Jean à la Porte latine is partially listed as a “Monument historique.” The listing applies to the Porte latine and the apse, not to the entire church.
The historic fountains offer further specific points of interest: today’s Fontaine de La Révolution was built in 1859 and dedicated to the French Revolution in 1889. Fontaine de La Convention was rebuilt using stones from Tourris and was given a washhouse in 1858. Fontaine Le Samson dates from the 17th century. According to local tradition, Fontaine Jeanne was dug in 1345 on the orders of Queen Jeanne, Queen of Naples and Countess of Provence, during her brief stay in La Valette. This attribution remains a local tradition. Another older link to the area’s history is the five-century-old Pont Sainte-Cécile: water from the former course of Le Valat Vieux flows beneath its arch.
Paths Between Water, Peaks and Views
The walks and hikes also offer different kinds of scenery. In the hinterland, a walking path through Vallon de la Sorbière follows the water. Chemin des crêtes leads to the summit of Bigoye Hill. Hiking trails in the direction of Coudon offer views over Toulon Bay. You can choose according to the scenery you’d like to experience: water along the path, a summit destination, or a view across the bay.
Another option is Le Sentier au Fil de l’Eau. It runs from the town center to the higher-lying areas of Baudouvin and has seven possible stages along its route. The starting and finishing areas, along with the seven possible stages, can help you plan. Check in advance which route and length suit your day’s plans.
Planning a Market Visit and Finding Accommodation
A market brings the town center to life every Monday morning. If you’d like to visit, plan your trip around this regular event. Along with the gardens, historic sites and paths, it offers a choice of activities to suit different interests rather than a single prescribed sightseeing itinerary.
Then compare the options according to your personal preferences for location and schedule.
Discover more destinations: Toulon, Trans-En-Provence, Cuers, Bandol, Auribeau-Sur-Siagne, Solliès-Ville, Seillons-Source-D’argens, Saint-Julien
For the broader travel overview: Var.
