Discovering the authenticity of the Var villages

When we think of the Côte d’Azur, we often imagine crowded beaches, ostentatious luxury and the hectic life of big cities. However, a little further from the coast, inland, another face of the region lies hidden: that of the Var villages, full of character, authenticity and traditions. Presentations.

The Var villages: a journey to the heart of authenticity

The Var, with its green landscapes, fragrant hills and views of the sea, is full of small villages that have managed to preserve their old-world charm. Far from the hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts, they offer an immersion in to local life and promise unforgettable visits and timeless walks.

Bormes-Les-Mimosas, Cotignac, Gassin, Seillans, Bargemon or La Cadière d’Azur, each of these villages has a history, a typical architecture, a rich medieval and religious past, and traditions that bear witness to the soul of its inhabitants. From small alleys to cobbled streets to the sound of fountains, in the shade of plane trees or bougainvilleas with vibrant colours, between castles, churches and chapels of natural stone, the Var villages are an invitation to the sweetness of life made in Provence.

La Colle Noire: a preserved jewel, former property of Christian Dior

Known and loved by artists since always, it is this soul and the unique beauty of these places that pushed the couturier Christian Dior to acquire the Château de la Colle Noire in Fayence in 1950, 3 years after the triumph of his first collection.

Situated on an estate of several hectares, this exceptional residence imbued with timeless elegance was Dior’s favourite place, where he found inspiration and serenity to design his perfumes and collections. Even today, flowers and fruits from the vines, olive trees, almond trees and rose bushes planted by the couturier are still harvested there.

Although this residence, now owned by LVMH since 2013, is not open to the public, Christian Dior’s mark remains palpable in the atmosphere that reigns there. Its gardens, terraces and the raw beauty of the landscape recall the deep bond between the artist and this region that he cherished so much.

And for these good reasons, we never tire of the light and beauty of the Var villages.