Collobrières is a commune in the Var, Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur, 40 km northeast of Toulon and twenty kilometers of beaches of Lavandou and Lalonde south.
The village has about 2000 inhabitants is located in the heart of the Maures hills and forests rising to 770 m, and its vast territory, with an area of 112 km², is particularly green (forests, vineyards). It is crossed by a stream, the Real Collobrier.
Founded in the twelfth century around a medieval wall now disappeared, the town has developed through the exploitation of its forests (sawmills, corks factories) and its basement (lead mines, copper and iron).
Capital of chestnut Collobrières preserved an aspect of typical picturesque Provencal village while opening up to tourism (hiking in the mountains, near the coast, folk traditions and greedy).
Heritage and environment make it a must when vacationing in the Var, in particular for its gastronomy, its fabulous ice cream with chestnut and candied chestnuts, which will be presented during the festivities of the Chestnut, the last three Sundays of the month 'October.
A beautiful walk in the village allows to discover its history and a large part of its heritage. From the medieval heart perched on a spur to more modern districts (eighteenth, nineteenth) when the town developed along the Real, steep streets lined with houses with orange facades, squares, shaded terraces and cobbles (alleys of which the pavement is covered with pebbles) constitute a village in the shape of a Provencal postcard which is revealed to the visitor.
We will linger at the Saint-Coeur de Marie church also called Our Lady of Victories, Gothic style, erected from 1875 to 1878 to replace the church Saint-Pons (twelfth, in ruins). Bright, the church has a large nave, a polygonal apse and its choir is surrounded by beautiful carved woodwork. The facade has a large rose window and height collateral, stained glass windows. Note its portal with ogival pediment supported by columns and a carved tympanum.
To see also, the town hall of the nineteenth century, the squares Rouget de l'Isle and the Town Hall lined with plane trees, a donkey bridge of the twelfth, the remains of the church of Saint-Pons.
About ten kilometers from the village but still on the municipal territory, a detour is needed to the old Carthusian monastery of Verne, founded in the twelfth century by the bishops of Fréjus and Toulon. Isolated but prosperous, with a Romanesque church of which there remains some vestiges, the Charterhouse was looted several times, burned, and even dismantled during the Revolution. The buildings then fell into ruin, and even if they were classified in 1921, its remains seemed doomed to oblivion when a major restoration campaign began in the 1980s. The whole site has now regained its splendor. antan (church, buildings conventual, cloister), and it is accessed by a forest road. The chartreuse has even recovered a serpentine stone door, a volcanic marble typical of the Massif des Maures. Some religious took over the place. But visits are possible, as are spiritual retreats. Open all year except January. Information on +33 4 94 43 48 28.
Many thematic hikes have been traced and marked out of difficulties and lengths varied (besides a specific route on the village itself). They allow to discover the rich forest of the Moors, singular sites like the Lambert Plateau and its menhirs or the chapel Notre-Dame des Anges, and take famous circuits (GR 9, GR 90 and GR 51). A botanical trail has finally been designed. For cyclists (cycling on the road or mountain bike), specific loops and paths are available. Hiking maps and information on +33 4 94 48 08 00.
For sport and leisure, for equestrian rides in a "western" atmosphere, contact +33 6 25 79 41 92. And for a game of tennis, contact +33 6 22 80 13 39 to reserve a court.
On the cultural level, the Atelier Musée du Santon traces the history of this Provençal tradition. Open every day except Wednesday. Information on +33 6 43 79 38 25.
As for the Geological Interpretation Center of the Massif des Maures, it presents exhibitions of Var minerals, rocks and fossils. Open from May to November. Information on +33 4 94 48 08 00.
The third weekend of May, the festival of Nature aims to raise awareness of the fragility of the Mediterranean ecosystem and the wealth of its heritage. On the program, fun activities, exhibitions, conferences.
In May or June, on the occasion of the Ascension weekend, Trail of the Moors (pedestrian race through the massif).
Sunday before August 15, feast of fountains. Many events commemorate "the arrival of water" in the village in 1891 but are now dedicated to the know-how and products of winemakers in the town.
On the third Sunday of September, the Village des Arts is organizing numerous exhibitions (150 artists are gathered, painters or sculptors).
On the last three Sundays of October, the chestnut festivals offer a large market of artisans, producers and artists. Fun and musical animations are offered in parallel.
Finally, every Thursday and Sunday morning, the Place de la Mairie market allows you to discover and savor the terroir of Provence.
Film Screening: The Medium
- On 7 june 2024
- 16 boulevard Lazare Carnot, Salle des Mouffus
- The Collobrières Cultural Association is organising a series of cinema screenings, including a preview of the film "Le Médium".
La Ronde des Bouscatiers
- On 10 august 2024
- Boulevard Caminat
- The Ronde des Bouscatiers is an urban trail race organised in the heart of the village of Collobrières, in the small streets, staircases, singles in the forest and surrounding roads.
Fountain Festival in Collobrières
- On 18 august 2024
- Bd Lazare Carnot, Place de la Libération
- Traditional festival of the village of Collobrières where the rosé flows from the fountain.
