In Rians, medieval buildings in the village, a versatile pump track, hikes with pack donkeys, winegrowing and festivals at different times of year come together as reasons to visit.
Village History and Architecture
The historic village is laid out in a spiral at the foot of the clock tower. During a visit, you can discover medieval remains, including the 12th-century clock tower, the Saint-Jean Gate, the former fortification walls, the castle tower and the Tour Carrée. There is also the public grain store at Place du Posteuil, dating from the 15th century. The historic village landscape also includes the Notre-Dame de Nazareth church and the Saint-Jacques hospice, founded in 1558.
The present-day Notre-Dame de Nazareth church was built between 1880 and 1882. Inside is a black statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to date from the 14th century. The gallery holds altarpieces from the Annonciade chapel, classified by the Beaux-Arts. If you would like to see this interior, check local visiting arrangements.
The small Romanesque Saint-Estève chapel dates from the beginning of the 12th century. Its single-nave plan and semicircular apse are two distinctive features of its design. Following work in 2013 supported by the municipality and volunteers, residents and visitors can use the chapel again; confirm local visiting arrangements.
Activities and Ways to Spend Your Stay
The Camille MAIRE municipal pump track is an 850 m² sports facility with various circuits, bumps and turns. You can use it with mountain bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards. The Suzanne JANETTI municipal swimming pool offers a different kind of activity: it has a large pool, a medium-sized pool and a paddling pool.
The circular route described in Rians starts at DĂ©fends and passes through the village via the Saint-Jean Gate and the Saint-Laurent and du Posteuil squares. Check the route and conditions before setting out.
Provenc'Anes in Les Bournelles, Rians, offers day trips and multi-day hikes with pack donkeys; outings range from half a day to several days. A pack donkey carries a picnic and luggage, as well as small children, if the route allows. The different durations help you distinguish a shorter outing from a multi-day hike; take the route conditions into account.
Around Rians, the landscapes and vineyards of the AOC CĂ´teaux d'Aix invite you to explore on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or with a pack donkey. When planning, check outdoor conditions and the availability of activities.
Winegrowing and Festivals Throughout the Year
Winegrowing is an important activity in Rians, and its wine carries the “Côteaux d'Aix” quality label. Domaine Les Toulons combines agricultural production with an archaeological site: the property includes the remains of one of the largest Gallo-Roman wine estates and stands on the ruins of a former Roman wine cellar. The 25-hectare family-run estate produces wine, beer, grain, essential lavandin oil and extra virgin olive oil.
The archaeological site at Domaine Les Toulons is freely accessible. To protect it, visitors should stay at the edge of the site; check access conditions before visiting.
The Fête de la Courge was founded in 1996 and takes place over a weekend in the second half of October. Its program includes exhibitions of different kinds of squash, food stalls, artisans showcasing squash creations, competitions, children’s activities and street entertainment. The format may vary from one edition to another; check the dates each year.
The Saint-Laurent votive festival is still held around August 10 and is accompanied by various events. Check the annual program. The two occasions take place at different times of year: Saint-Laurent around August, and the FĂŞte de la Courge over a weekend in the second half of October.
Discover more destinations: Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, Villecroze, Garéoult, Flassans-Sur-Issole, La Verdiere, Le Val, Ollioules, La Motte.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
