Cuers: Scenery, Hiking and Heritage

Cuers combines views of the Barres de Cuers and the Massif des Maures with a rich history reflected in its churches, chapels and rural buildings. There are different options to choose from when planning your visit: a panoramic view, a challenging hike, a historical walking tour or insights into the local olive-growing culture.

Views and hiking at the Barres de Cuers

The Chapelle Notre Dame de Santé offers panoramic views over Cuers, the Barres de Cuers and the Massif des Maures. In August 2023, the Barres were recognized as a “remarkable site” under France’s classification of landscapes and notable sites. Built on the site of the ruins of the feudal castle, the chapel’s history dates back to a vow made by the inhabitants during the cholera epidemic of 1865. The chapel was built between 1876 and 1878.

The La barre de Cuers hiking route starting in Cuers is a challenging 15.83-kilometer hike that takes 6 hours and 10 minutes. Route details may change, so check the information before your hike. This is quite different from the shorter, guided tour of historic Cuers: the walking route covers 2 kilometers and takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Churches and chapels with a history of their own

The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries on the site of an earlier chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. Historic details include the polychrome marble high altar dating from 1772 and the wrought-iron bell tower dating from 1626. The organ in the collegiate church was built by Charles Royer between 1668 and 1670 and is listed as a historic monument. The reliquary arm of Saint Peter is also part of the church’s furnishings: it dates from 1526 and contains a relic from the saint’s arm.

The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste is documented as dating from the second half of the 13th century. It lies on the Circuit découverte du Cuers historique and is free to enter. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit. Visits to the Chapelle Saint-Louis in the hamlet of Valcros are limited to the exterior; the chapel was built between 1723 and 1724. A few meters away stands the “Arbre de la Liberté,” a white mulberry tree planted in 1848.

Another example of rural heritage is the Mur à abeilles on the Piste des Basses Sambalettes. The bee wall dates from the 18th century and has niches for up to 25 beehives. It combines rural construction with beekeeping.

Guided tours and local olive-growing culture

The “Visite commentée du Cuers historique” is free and must be booked no later than the day before at one of the listed tourist offices. The route and duration may change. Check the latest information about the tour and booking in advance. The Cuers tourist office also offers a free guided tour of the Cuers terroir, focusing on local craftsmanship and winemaking expertise. The program may vary.

One seasonal option is the “Randonnée à la journée avec mules et muletiers” offered by Les Muletiers Bigatier. Professional muleteers accompany the hike with their animals; the experience combines hiking, nature and regional specialties. Depending on the group, the route is 7 to 15 kilometers long. Check in advance whether this seasonal activity is currently available.

The Moulin des cinq ponts is part of the local olive-growing tradition. It has operated as an olive cooperative since 1920 and produces AOC olive oil from pitted olives grown in olive groves in Cuers and the surrounding area. Its historic olive-mill equipment includes screw presses, millstones and a waterwheel.

Discover more destinations: Draguignan, Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, Tourrettes, Montmeyan, Bauduen, Boulouris-Sur-Mer, Seillans, Le Castellet

For the broader travel overview: Var.