Draguignan and its neighbourhoods

Draguignan is settled in a region of contrasts, with a fertile plain with vineyards and olive trees to the south, and to the north-east a rugged landscape with pine forests and green oaks.

Discovery of the town  Pierre de la Fée - classified as "historic building", it is a collective burial dating from the end of the Neolithic era (2500/2000 before J-c.)  The clock tower - dating from the XVIIth century, this tower measures 18 meters of height  The American Cemetery and its Memorial  The St Sauveur Chapel - this small chapel was probably built in the second half of the XIIth century by the knights of the St Jean Order

Trans en provence  Trans is a very old village. It was originally built on the hill of St Victor. The inhabitants would be descended from there very early on the current site from where the name "Trans"(a Latin word meaning "beyond"). The family De Villeneuve, of Catalane origin reigns on the borough from 1200 to 1790. They live in a castle called Forteresse and the villagers settle around. This castle was destroyed at the end of the XVIth century. It is only in the XVIIIth century that the village leaves its medieval look.

La motte  1st village of Provence eliberated on August 15, 1944, La Motte has preserved its originality and its peacefulness.  The old center, with its shaded places and its fountains, is dominated by a typical clock tower.  It is extending towards the plain, where the vines which produce the famous wines of Appelation d' Origine Controlled "Coasts of Provence" are planted.  Near to Estérel and the golf of Saint Tropez, La Motte offers varied activities: golf, fishing, tennis, excursion in forest...

Figanières  Village of the 10th century, Figanières has kept interesting vestiges:  the old feudal castle of the Counts de Vintimille resulting from a noble family which reigned on a County gathering the Var department, the Alpes-Maritimes department and part of Italy  the Notre Dame de l'Olivier chapel, built in the 12th century on an old pagan temple by the Templiers and registered to the additional Inventory of the historic monuments.

Chateaudouble  At an altitude of five hundred and forty meters, the village dominates the les Gorges of Nartuby. It seems that nothing changed since the Templiers times. The roads do not cross it and the streets, threading between the recently restored houses, invite to the reflexion. The absence of cars, confers safety to the walkers, to visitors and to villagers.

Ampus  In Ampus, you can discover ST Michael's Church, restored by the generous Abbé Volpato, who was as enthusiastic about the heritage restoration as he was religious. The two go together. Go in and admire the pretty Provençale working crib. A little higher up, behind the church, go back in time and climb the Stations of the Cross. Stop and look at the magnificent mosaics fixed to the rocks. The village is heir to a lively past, and you can still see the clues which lead you to discover prehistoric times, such as the dolmen at Marenq.  You will discover one thing after another and find that Ampus has a special way of revealing all her charms, one by one, peacefully with the rhythm of the River Nartuby whose source is nearby.

Flayosc  Flayosc - Provence's equivalent to the Mont Saint Michel - overlooks the landscapes so dear to Pagnol.  As you approach the village from the nearby major town of Draguignan, you will see the bell tower emerging from the hills of forests and vineyards as the Mont Saint Michel emerges from the sea.  On entering the village, you will discover the fascinating world of traditional Provence and its still-thriving ancient trades – the notary , the bookbinder on Place de la République, the florist and her magic garden, the wrought iron maker, the potter, Julien - who is deep-down more of an artist than a butcher ! - and many other local personalities.