Discover Montmeyan: History, Village Center and Basses Gorges du Verdon

Montmeyan is perched on a rocky promontory above a narrow plain bordered by wooded plateaus. The village is also close to the Basses Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Quinson. If you are looking for a hotel in Montmeyan, these two sides of the destination may shape your choice: the historic village and the landscape around the gorges and lake.

Village Center and Architectural History

The compact village lies within its fortified walls. The parish church of Notre-Dame provides an early historical reference point in this townscape: it is of Romanesque origin and was built in the 12th century. The ruins of the former feudal castle stand on the hilltop. The clock tower, meanwhile, is topped by a campanile. Together, these buildings illustrate different aspects of Montmeyan’s history and architecture, without requiring a single specific walking route.

The Tour Charlemagne is another notable historic building: it has a gate in the fortifications and numerous architectural features dating from the 12th century. The Tour de la Roquette is another testament to the past, a remnant of a former commandery. It is located a few kilometers from the village center. So, if you are interested in architectural history, these sites are not all clustered in the same spot in the village center; the Tour de la Roquette in particular is worth distinguishing by its location.

Gorges, Lake and Activities

At Montmeyan Plage on the Basses Gorges du Verdon, canoes, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and electric boats are available. The range includes various ways to spend time on the water. Check current boat availability when making specific plans.

For a hike, the Sentier du Garde Canal is a clearly defined option: the easy route is 10.5 kilometers long, takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, and leads from Quinson through the Basses Gorges du Verdon to the Sainte-Maxime Chapel. When planning, take into account both the stated duration and the starting point in Quinson.

The Le Pierrier du lac loop passes through natural landscapes along varied trails and offers views of the lake at Montmeyan. Trail conditions and forest access rules on this route can vary seasonally. Check the conditions for your visit in advance.

A Documented Festival Day

The 26th Foire à l’oignon took place on September 21, 2025, the third Sunday in September. The program for that edition included a farmers’ fair, contests for the largest onion and for scarecrows, a giant pissaladière, and other events. If attending a festival is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the year of your trip.

What to Consider When Choosing a Destination

Montmeyan combines a compact village enclosed by fortified walls with historic buildings and a landscape close to the Basses Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Quinson. If you hike the Sentier du Garde Canal, the starting point in Quinson is also a factor to consider; for Le Pierrier du lac, be aware that trail conditions and forest access rules vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Pierrefeu-Du-Var, Auribeau-Sur-Siagne, Tourves, Varages, Le Thoronet, Ponteves, Bauduen, La Croix-Valmer.

View the broader travel guide: Var.