Hiking, canoeing and wine experiences offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Vidauban. At Château d’Astros, you can choose between an easy walking trail and a strenuous climb; Provence Aventure offers canoe trips from its base in Vidauban. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vidauban, you can start by considering which of these activities you’d like to shape your stay.

Hiking: a walking trail or a climb

Several hiking trails cross the 600-hectare Château d’Astros wine estate; access may depend on the estate’s conditions. The signposted Tour du Deffenson is an easy 30-minute walk with no incline. Its route details may change if the estate adjusts the trail. The Sommet du Deffenson, by contrast, is a strenuous 45-minute climb. From the summit, you can enjoy views of the vineyards and the village of Vidauban. The routes therefore differ clearly in duration and elevation: a 30-minute walk with no incline versus a 45-minute climb.

Nature and tradition

The family loop through the Bois du Rouquan is within the Réserve naturelle nationale de la plaine des Maures; access conditions may vary. From the Chapelle Sainte-Brigitte, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Massif des Maures and the Argens Valley. The chapel is also the destination of a local tradition: on October 8, the people of Vidauban walk there in a procession. Check the date locally before your trip.

Canoe trips and activities on the water

From its base in Vidauban, Provence Aventure offers a 1.5-hour canoe trip to Les Rondins: the route is 3 km round trip. A second canoe trip takes two hours to reach Les Plainons; the return is by shuttle through a Natura 2000 landscape. Both the duration and the return option matter when choosing: 1.5 hours and 3 km round trip to Les Rondins, or two hours to Les Plainons with a shuttle return.

The Provence Aventure site in Vidauban also has an adventure climbing park for ages 3 and up, and a mega zip line. Parc de Loisirs Dracénie Provence offers water play facilities, a children’s playground, picnic areas, table tennis tables and walking trails along the ponds. These facilities are free and accessible year-round.

Wine and seasonal harvest

Domaine des Féraud offers a tour of its wine cellar, tastings of wines from its own organic estate, and a vineyard trail. Château Matheron offers a guided cellar tour followed by a tasting. At La Ferme Sainte Brigitte, families can pick their own apples, pears and plums during the season. These experiences differ in when they are available: the procession to Chapelle Sainte-Brigitte traditionally takes place on October 8, while fruit picking is seasonal.

Discover more destinations: Barjols, Tourtour, Puget-Ville, Puget-Sur-Argens, Collobrieres, Plan-D'aups-Sainte-Baume, Flassans-Sur-Issole, Saint-Julien

For the wider travel overview: Var.