These 7 perched villages in the Var are ranked among the most beautiful in France, yet remain little-known by tourists.

There’s much more to the Var than its beaches and seaside resorts. The hinterland is home to 7 hilltop villages ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France®. These medieval villages with their stone streets offer unique panoramic views of Provence, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

Gassin and Seillans: two medieval jewels on a hillside

Gassin invites you to stroll through its maze of narrow streets. Rue de l’Androuno, one of the narrowest in the world, is a must-see. The village has preserved traces of its medieval past, such as the Porte des Sarrasins and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption.

Away from the hustle and bustle, Germaine L’Hardy-Denonain’s garden offers a peaceful panorama. From this vantage point, you can see the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the surrounding vineyards. This bucolic setting appeals to visitors in search of peace and quiet.

Seillans, ranked one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages® since 1990, clings to the hillside. Its sloping streets, lined with old houses, and shady squares invite you to take a stroll. The painter Max Ernst lived here for many years, and his works can still be seen in the village, notably at the Maison Waldberg.

“The village in the Provence sky

A living tradition of craftsmanship

Seillans also has a long tradition of craftsmanship. The Atelier des Couronnes is home to ceramists who perpetuate local know-how. This activity contributes to the authentic atmosphere of the hilltop village.

What’s more, the squares shaded by century-old plane trees offer pleasant stopping places. Visitors can enjoy the mild Provencal climate all year round.

• Gassin: rue de l’Androuno and Germaine L’Hardy-Denonain garden
• Seillans: Waldberg house and Couronnes workshop
• Bormes-les-Mimosas: Gonzalez park classified as a “remarkable garden
• Tourtour: Place des Ormeaux and its eight fountains
• Bargème: the highest village in the Var at 1,097 metres above sea level

Bormes-les-Mimosas and Tourtour: between flowers and altitude

Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of France’s most flower-filled villages. Perched high above the Mediterranean, its old town center is a tangle of cobblestone streets. The squares are decorated with mimosa trees, which give the village its name and identity.

A little way from the center, the Parc Gonzalez, classified as a “remarkable garden”, offers a pleasant plant interlude. The Notre-Dame de Constance site also offers unobstructed views of the Hyères harbor and the Golden Isles.

Tourtour, nicknamed “Provence’s village in the sky”, lies at an altitude of 635 meters. This perched village offers spectacular views over the wooded hills of the Haut-Var. The Place des Ormeaux, with its eight fountains, is the heart of the village.

Religious heritage and oil mill

Tourtour’s Saint-Denis church is well worth a visit. Its origins date back to the early 11th century, making it an invaluable witness to local history. The building blends harmoniously into the village landscape.

The old oil mill, powered by a water wheel, is still in operation. This installation bears witness to the link between these hilltop villages and Provencal olive growing. Visitors can learn more about the region’s agricultural traditions.

Le Castellet, Cotignac and Bargème: strong characters

Le Castellet is a fortified village with cobbled streets and pale stone houses. Pastel shutters add a colorful touch to the old facades. The 12th-century Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior occupies the heart of the village.

From the ramparts, the view extends as far as the famous Bec de l’Aigle, high above La Ciotat. A few kilometers away, the Paul Ricard motor racing circuit, inaugurated in 1970, has hosted such legendary races as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Bol d’Or.

Cotignac is notable for its impressive tufa rock. Almost 400 metres long and 80 metres high, it is home to ancient troglodyte dwellings. The Gouffre waterfall can be reached on foot in around fifteen minutes from the town center.

The sanctuary of Notre-Dame-de-Grâces, just outside the village, is an important place of pilgrimage in Provence. This site completes the visit to this atypical perched village. Cotignac offers a rare blend of geology and spirituality.

Bargème occupies a special place in the Var. It is the highest village in the department, perched at an altitude of 1,097 metres. From its ramparts, you can see the Canjuers plateau and the foothills of the Alps.

The ruins of the Sabran-de-Pontevès castle still overlook the village. The 12th-century church of Saint-Nicolas is a reminder of the site’s strategic role in the Middle Ages. This perched village offers a complete change of scenery for visitors in search of authenticity.

• hilltop villages