The Cascade de Sillans is the natural highlight of a stay in Sillans-la-Cascade: the Bresque plunges 44 meters from pink tuff and travertine cliffs into a turquoise pool. The village center and its architectural history form the other main highlight.
Waterfall and Walking Routes
Visitors can follow a dedicated walking route to the Cascade de Sillans; there is also an alternative version of the route when there is a risk of fire. The Belvédère de la cascade offers panoramic views of the waterfall and pool. The walking route and viewpoint can therefore be seen as two different ways to experience the waterfall.
Village Center and Architectural History
The Rue du Porche is considered the medieval heart of Sillans-la-Cascade. A gate and houses made of tuff give the street its character. The Eglise Saint Etienne was also built in the Middle Ages. Two side chapels were added in the 19th century; the church was also extended with a bell tower whose portal-like base dates from 1880. The Eglise Saint Etienne thus brings together medieval origins and later additions.
The visitor route includes the forecourt of the Eglise Saint Jean Baptiste, with a Marian altar by Louis Bréa dating from 1501. The Chapelle Saint Laurent was built in 1858 by village residents who had vowed to build a chapel if the plague spared Sillans-la-Cascade. The chapel offers panoramic views of the Château de Sillans.
The viewpoints each offer a different perspective: at the Belvédère de la cascade, the view focuses on the waterfall and pool; from the Chapelle Saint Laurent, it takes in the Château. Together, they offer a landscape view and a glimpse into the village’s architectural history.
A fortified enclosure and defensive towers shape the layout of the village. The present-day Château de Sillans was rebuilt by Rolland de Sillans around 1800. Other castles previously stood on the site, including one that was destroyed during the Revolution.
Behind the Château is the Grand Place; beneath its paving lies a stone cistern. Using a hydraulic ram, it collected river water to supply the fountains. The cistern adds a practical aspect of water supply to the village’s architectural history.
The historical landmarks span several periods: the Rue du Porche and the Eglise Saint Etienne date back to the Middle Ages; the Marian altar dates from 1501, the Chapelle Saint Laurent was built in 1858, and the portal-like base of the bell tower dates from 1880. For the Château, “around 1800” refers to its rebuilding by Rolland de Sillans. These dates help place the village’s architectural and artistic heritage in context.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Chemin des remparts passes beneath the ramparts and follows the river to the vicinity of the washhouse. It offers a different focus from the dedicated route to the Cascade: here, the emphasis is on the fortifications, the riverbank, and the path to the Lavoir. Cycling and mountain biking routes also pass through Sillans-la-Cascade. As individual routes may change, it is advisable to check the latest route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Puget-Sur-Argens, Cuers, Aiguines, Varages, Gonfaron, Tourtour, Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Taradeau.
See the regional travel overview: Var.
