Garéoult is a town of Var Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, 10 km south of Brignoles.
Crossed by the course of the Issole, a sub-tributary of the Argens, the territory of 15 square kilometers is located in the southeast of the Mount of Loube, following the Massif de la Sainte Baume. In this hilly area northwest of the city that is its highest point (659 m). In the center has developed the village and to the south, in the plain, vineyards producing wines of PDO-Coteaux Varois en Provence form the core of the landscape.
already occupied in ancient times (Gallo-Roman tombs were unearthed during excavations), the town which now has about 5500 inhabitants has preserved a heritage of quality and traditional Provencal historic center. With a charming environment (forest, vineyards, olive groves), that justifies a step during a stay in Provence, half an hour from the beaches. Especially with the other localities of the country of green Provence, the town is labeled "Country of art and history" for its natural and cultural (Provencal traditions).
The parish church of St. Stephen built in the half of the eleventh century proves ideal to start a journey of discovery heritage. Romanesque style, it was with a campanile wrought iron in 1842 and rebuilt with original stones a few years later. Inside are preserved works and furniture classified: statues and busts of saints, a pulpit or a remarkable altar with its altarpiece including representations of Saint Pons, St. Eloi and St. Anthony.
Obviously more modest, St. Felix chapel was built on a hill near the cemetery. The people wanted its construction, and even performed in 1854 after Garéoult was spared during a cholera epidemic. This chapel was renovated in 2011.
In terms of civil heritage, one step at a "cemetery Louis Cauvin" is required. This is a small archaeological museum in the enclosure even of the Town Hall. Exposed a burial of the first century AD and daily life objects of Gallo-Roman terracotta. Moreover, installed nine illustrated panels that give explanations of the excavations and the funeral rites through time. The origin of the funds was in 1988 when individuals digging a swimming pool discovered the ancient remains. Archaeological excavations that followed unearthed a total of 90 graves from Antiquity to the Middle Ages. Open all year except Sundays and holidays. Free visit. Information +33 4 94 04 94 72.
Other sites of interest: the wine cooperative of Provençal Cellar (twentieth first listed on the Inventory), the oil mill from the village center (early sixteenth), ten fountains marking out the town (including the Four Seasons, eighteenth-shaped dagger with faces carved in white marble representing the four seasons, which adds to the Provencal charm of the town hall square adorned with its plane trees).
Finally, there is also the oven sixteenth century still used when St. John or Christmas and a contemporary fresco in the center, performed by local artists.
As for recreation, the town offers open air cinema on Tuesdays in July and August and in the "house Garéoult" the rest of the year an ad hoc basis. Program information +33 4 94 80 94 90.
Hikers, for their part, available paths and routes including large communal wood of 700 hectares, planted with oaks and pines, north of the territory, but also the protected areas of the foothills of the mountain of Loube (north), the plain Roquebrussanne and valleys of the Issole and Caramy (south). Tasting breaks are also possible with the winemakers. Maps and information +33 4 92 72 04 21.
It is also possible to join the local club outings. Contacting at +33 4 94 04 22 92.
As fishermen, rivers of the area available to them. Inquire +33 6 03 16 62 33.
For sports tourists finally book a tennis court is easy to June 14, 61 79 98. In addition, the outdoor fitness course that includes 10 tackles (Chemin des Clos), the city park and skate park (path dovecote, behind the stadium) are free to access.
Finally, in July and August, the three basins of the pool allow to combine freshness, relaxation and swimming. A picnic area is also available. Price: 2 and 3 euros. Information at +33 4 94 78 49 66.
Easter Monday (March or April), choral festival.
The Ascension, the feast of the soil in the center of town.
The first weekend in June, hiking picture.
The first weekend of August, communal feast on four days with amusement, fairground, petanque competitions, exhibitions of local associations, concerts, dances, fireworks and, at the pool, water festival.
Finally, every Tuesday and Saturday morning, the Provençal market is proving true to tradition and allows to appreciate the flavors and specialties.
