Discover Pignans through a range of themes: medieval and ecclesiastical history, Roman traces and parkland in Berthoire, as well as hiking opportunities in the Massif des Maures. Pignans Plage adds a seasonal leisure option to the mix. The road connection and the town’s railway station are also relevant when planning your trip.
History across different periods
The Tour de l'Horloge, also known as the Porte Sarrasine, dates from 1630 and marks the site of the wall of the second medieval fortification. The date refers to the tower; its connection to the wall also places it within the history of the earlier fortifications.
Outside the town walls, the Chapel of the White Penitents of Saint André was built in the 13th century. Pignans collegiate church is documented from 1080; a papal bull of 1152 attests to its importance. These different dates refer to distinct historical points: the records concerning the collegiate church, a chapel outside the walls, and the later-dated Tour de l'Horloge.
Berthoire: park and Roman traces
In Berthoire, the foundations of buildings and houses, along with remains of vats and wine presses from the Roman village of Pignans, are still visible. These tangible traces of the former settlement stand alongside the present-day park of Domaine de Berthoire.
The park features streams, a fish pond, fountains and canals. Picnic tables are also available, making it possible to spend the day there. Check local access conditions before your visit.
Pignans Plage is located in Domaine de Berthoire, in the town centre. Swimming is free, and the seasonal programme includes supervised learn-to-swim activities and aquagym. The facility has a 20 × 10 metre pool, a paddling pool for younger children and a seven-metre-high water slide. Facility details may change seasonally; check the current offerings before your visit.
Hiking in the Massif des Maures
The Massif des Maures forms the backdrop to Pignans and offers impressive landscapes and a variety of hiking opportunities. One specific route is the GR9: it leads from Pignans on foot to the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel, following for the most part the Oratory Way, which was used as a pilgrimage route. Hiking and the history of the pilgrimage route are therefore part of the same route description. Check trail conditions locally before planning your hike.
Getting there by road or rail
The A57 motorway crosses the municipality of Pignans from east to west between Toulon and Le Luc. Pignans railway station is served by the Marseille–Toulon–Les Arcs–Draguignan line. You can plan your journey around your chosen mode of transport; if travelling by train, check the latest timetable before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Carces, Tourrettes, Claviers, Forcalqueiret, La Londe-Les-Maures, Pourrières, La Verdiere, Le Beausset.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
