Moissac-Bellevue: Cultural Heritage and Natural Landscape

Moissac-Bellevue brings together several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: sacred architectural history, a fortified medieval settlement, the historic washhouse on Le Cours, art exhibitions and designated areas of landscape interest. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Roque Chapel and the Église Saint-Joseph reflect different historical periods. The commune is also part of the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, and the Plaine de Moissac-Bellevue is designated as a ZNIEFF area. When choosing a hotel, you might first consider whether culture, art or the natural landscape will shape your stay.

Sacred architecture and medieval settlement

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Roque Chapel probably dates from the 11th or 12th century and features Cistercian and Romanesque characteristics. The opportunity to visit, as described in 2024, as part of the Journées du patrimoine depends on the programme for that year. The chapel was renovated in 1980. Despite earlier looting, its altar stone remains; the furnishings and valuable fittings are missing. Graves of clergy and the notables Ricard, father and son, lie beneath the paved floor. Before travelling, check the dates for the relevant year if you plan to visit.

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Roque complex is recorded as a fortified medieval settlement (bourg castral) and as an archaeological site.

The Église Saint-Joseph probably also dates from the 17th century. The first written records date from 1656. The church originally had three altars. In 1837, the municipal council decided to buy a new bell weighing 540 kilograms.

Historic washhouse and art exhibitions

The Moissac-Bellevue washhouse is on Le Cours, a historic site and a 19th-century historic monument. The washhouse was built in 1878 and supplied by the overflow from the village fountain. The water also supplied gardens at lower elevations through channels. To provide a water supply, in 1860 the commune had decided to buy the Les Gypières spring near Vérignon, in the territory of Aups. The water main and fountain were completed in 1875; to pay off its debts, the commune had to sell the 880-hectare Pelenc forest to the state.

A municipal booklet from 2024 mentions annual group or solo art exhibitions in Moissac-Bellevue. If an exhibition is important to your trip, please check the current dates in advance.

Walk around the village

A walk described in the municipal booklet starts at the fountain and leads through medieval lanes, past a few old doors and windows with stone mullions. The estimated duration is one hour and five minutes. Bear in mind the uphill streets and some steps when planning your walk.

Parc naturel régional du Verdon and the Plaine

Moissac-Bellevue has been part of the Parc naturel régional du Verdon since the regional park was established in 1997. The Plaine de Moissac-Bellevue is a separate designation: it is recorded as a type 2 continental ZNIEFF area and includes the commune. The Plaine is designated as an area of ecological, faunal and floristic interest. When planning your trip, you can consider the landscape as a theme in its own right, alongside the historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Les Arcs Sur Argens, La Londe-Les-Maures, Saint-Julien, Correns, Vinon-Sur-Verdon, Bargème, Cap Bénat, La Bastide.

For the wider travel overview: Var.