Discover Ginasservis: History, Trails and Nature

Ginasservis sits on a promontory, with houses clustered around the remains of a feudal castle. In the village centre, an orientation board on the castle ruins offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The landscape also shapes the character of the village: Ginasservis is known for its farming, livestock raising, forests and hunting.

Village and History

The restored parish church of Saint-Laurent has retained its large Romanesque nave. A fortified Gallic oppidum is located on the summit of Montmajor. The fortified castle built by the Hospitallers in Ginasservis dates from the Middle Ages, as do the ruins that have survived to this day. The local heritage therefore brings together traces from different periods.

The chapels are also closely connected with the history of the village. The Chapelle Saint-Jean des Pénitents blancs is located a few dozen metres from the medieval ramparts. The restored Chapelle Saint-Damase offers views of the village and Valavès.

The heritage trail presents the village’s history, heritage and sights through numbered panels. A guide to it was published in 2019; the condition and placement of the panels may change. Film enthusiasts will also find a cultural connection to the village: Christian Philibert’s film “Les 4 Saisons d’Espigoule” brought Ginasservis to wider attention, and local residents appeared in the cast.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Ways to enjoy the outdoors around Ginasservis include the “Drailles et Bancaus du Verdon” mountain biking loops. Another named route is the “Circuit 32” mountain biking loop, listed as five kilometres long and “very easy”. If you are looking for a route with a specific distance and difficulty rating, this loop provides a clear reference point; the “Drailles et Bancaus du Verdon” are another part of the trail network, as named mountain biking loops. Trail maintenance may change, so check current conditions before setting out.

The Trans-Piades is a sporting mountain biking rally. For visitors interested in cycling, it is a different kind of activity from the designated loops: the focus here is on the rally format. No dates or annual recurrence are implied.

Horse Riding, Animal Sanctuary and Swimming Pool

The Centre Equestre de Bastidan offers introductory horse-riding lessons for children and adults, as well as rides on Mont Major and across the plain. Visitors are welcome throughout the year. Check the current schedule for horse-riding activities before your trip.

Le moulin d’Espagne was founded in 2004 as an educational farm for children from the region. The Parc Animalier de Ginasservis is an animal sanctuary that takes in more than 250 rescued animals and birds from every continent. Named themed activities include “petits fermiers” and “soigneur d'un jour”; the programme may vary. These activities have different focuses: the farm emphasises educational work, the animal sanctuary focuses on rescued animals, and the themed days offer special activities.

The municipal swimming pool in Ginasservis offers swimming and aqua-aerobics classes, both individual and group. It operates seasonally; check the opening hours in effect before your visit. The local activities can therefore be chosen to suit your interests: horse riding, encounters with animals and swimming-pool classes complement the heritage trail and routes around Ginasservis.

Discover more destinations: Moissac-Bellevue, Sillans-La Cascade, Collobrieres, Saint-Paul-En-Forêt, Ampus, Gassin, Carces, Montferrat.

Return to the main travel overview: Var.