Those who choose La Verdiere for its history will find a remarkable range of sights: from the former medieval fortification and a church at the top of the village to the Château with its rich art collection. At the La Rabelle site, by contrast, the focus is on nature, agricultural land and biodiversity. This gives you two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: cultural history and nature.
Lanes, fountains and panoramic views
The shady lanes of La Verdiere lead past old stone houses; washhouses and fountains offer walkers a refreshing break. La Verdiere also offers an exceptional, far-reaching panorama. So, as well as the details along the lanes, expansive views are part of the town’s character.
Churches and the Château
The municipal audio walk introduces the history of the Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the Chapelle Saint-Roch and the Château de La Verdière. Its themes therefore span the histories of churches and the château, while the three named buildings provide tangible points of reference for the town’s cultural heritage.
The present-day Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption was probably built in the 14th century. It stands at the top of the village, within the former medieval fortifications. Its location thus anchors it in the medieval village landscape. It has been listed as a Monument historique by decree since 30 May 1947.
The Château de La Verdière was one of the most important fortresses in medieval Provence and is considered the largest château in Provence. Its historical importance as a fortress and its status as the largest château describe two different aspects. Carefully restored, the Château now houses a rich collection of artworks.
The private Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Santé bears a different marker of time: the year 1625 appears on the chapel. A procession is also held there every year on 8 September. The date thus refers to the building, while the September date marks a recurring tradition. If you would like to plan your trip around the procession, check local information in advance.
The La Rabelle-Bois de Malassoque discovery trail
The La Rabelle-Bois de Malassoque discovery trail can be explored independently using 15 information sheets. In 2023, visitors could learn about the fauna and flora, as well as the management of natural and agricultural land. These themes go beyond observing species and also cover land management. Before visiting, check the current access arrangements.
A report from 2024 describes rare arable wildflowers and remarkable birdlife at the La Rabelle site. It also mentions the Criquet hérisson: this protected species, which is declining and endemic to the region, is strictly tied to steppe habitats. The account therefore contrasts broad groups such as plants and birds with a specifically named species whose habitat is narrowly defined.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin, Cabasse, Cogolin, Cap Bénat, Sainte-Maxime, Montferrat, Seillans, La Bouillabaisse.
For the regional travel overview: Var.
