Saint-Julien offers a range of reasons to visit: 17th-century windmills, viewpoints with different vistas, nature activities in the village and water activities at Lac d’Esparron. When planning your stay, you can choose to focus on culture, landscape or activities on the lake. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Saint-Julien, you can tailor your trip to the focus you want, based on these specific offerings.
Windmills and village panoramas
Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier is located in the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, in the Haut Pays Varois and on the border with the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. In the centre of the old village, the Château-d'eau-Belvédère stands at an altitude of 583 metres. Its 360-degree orientation table identifies the surrounding towns and mountains. La plaine offers a different view from its orientation table in front of the church and cemetery: from there, you can see across the Saint-Julien plain. Their viewpoints differ noticeably: the Belvédère gives a panoramic view of towns and mountains, while La plaine focuses on the plain.
Two windmills dating from 1635 and 1653 stand at the Aire de Gourdane. The two mills were built 18 years apart, placing them both in the 17th century. For a trip with an interest in local history, they offer a distinctive attraction alongside the viewpoints and activities by the lake.
Nature trail or cultural route
The 2.3-kilometre biodiversity discovery trail in Saint-Julien features explanatory panels. The route therefore has a clearly stated length and information along the way. Route details may be updated by the municipality; check the latest municipal information before setting out.
The WiVisites cultural route offers another way to explore. It lets you discover Saint-Julien independently using audio and visual content, and is also available in English. If the way information is presented matters to you, the difference is clear: the biodiversity discovery trail uses explanatory panels, while WiVisites uses audio and visual content.
Saint-Julien Plage and Lac d’Esparron
Saint-Julien Plage is a small beach in a cove on Lac d’Esparron and a starting point for walks and seasonal water activities. At the Saint-Julien Plage nautical centre, canoes, paddleboards and electric boats are available to rent from the end of May to the end of September. Check the current rental opening conditions before your visit.
For a hike, La balade du Quartier starts and ends at Saint-Julien Plage. The route follows the former canal keeper’s path through a protected natural area on Lac d’Esparron, whose biological, geological and landscape features are preserved. Above the lake and its coves, the trail leads to cliffs overlooking the lake’s beaches. Seasonal access restrictions may apply; check the conditions for your visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Toulon, La Martre, Fréjus, Vins-Sur-Caramy, Varages, Solliès-Pont, La Garde-Freinet, Saint-Martin
To the main travel overview: Var.
