Forcalqueiret between Castellas and the Issole

Forcalqueiret between castle, village and river

Forcalqueiret offers a variety of points of interest: the ruins of Castellas, historic buildings in the village and the Issole, which runs through Forcalqueiret. The annual plant market, held on May 1, is another highlight. Depending on whether you are interested in architecture, local history, riverside walks or an event date, different aspects will take centre stage. Each topic offers a different focus: the castle’s surviving walls, the architectural history of the church and washhouse, and the landscape around the Issole and its walking trail.

The ruins of Castellas and the route to the Issole Valley

The impressive ruins of Castellas Castle consist of six sections arranged around a courtyard. Two still have barrel vaults; the others have preserved most of their standing walls. The surviving vaults and sections of wall reveal different aspects of the site, and all six sections are not in the same state of preservation. The arrangement of the buildings around the courtyard is also part of the castle’s character. By decree of July 20, 1966, the ruins were protected as a historic monument.

The “Au pied du Castellas” hike leads to the foot of the ruins, through an oak forest and, on the return journey, along a balcony path above the Issole Valley. The route thus connects the castle’s surroundings with a stretch of woodland and a view of the valley. This adds a landscape perspective to the historical focus: the Issole also runs through Forcalqueiret, where walks along the river are a local highlight. Check local access conditions before setting out on the hike.

Saint-Martin Church and the washhouse

Saint-Martin Parish Church offers a point of comparison between two church buildings from different periods. Built between 1865 and 1868, it replaced an older church dating from 1742, which had become unstable and dangerous. Of the three recorded religious buildings in Forcalqueiret, Saint-Martin is the only one still standing; the other two have disappeared or survive only as remains. Behind the church, a chapel serves as the burial place of the last Count of Pontevès. The building’s history, its state of preservation and the historical figure associated with the chapel are different facets of this group of buildings.

The washhouse on Rue Frédéric-Mistral offers a different architectural style. The raised, covered concrete structure has three basins. Its pyramidal roof, covered with tiles, rests on four masonry pillars. The basins, roof and pillars give the building a clearly defined form that sets it apart from the religious buildings. The washhouse is thought to date from the 1920s or 1930s; this dating is explicitly approximate.

The plant market on May 1

The “Grand Marché aux plants” is held every year on May 1 in Forcalqueiret. Numerous growers offer trees, flowers, plants, bulbs and other seeds. The selection may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the market, check that year’s programme in advance. The event adds a seasonal highlight to the permanent architectural and landscape attractions: Castellas, the church, the washhouse and the Issole offer different ways to explore the town’s history and surroundings, while the market takes place on a specific date in the annual calendar.

Discover more destinations: Rians, Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var, Auribeau-Sur-Siagne, Carces, Les Arcs Sur Argens, Neoules, Le Thoronet.

For the main travel overview: Var.