Nans-Les-Pins: Culture, Hiking and Golf

Nans-Les-Pins offers three distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: sacred heritage, hiking and golf. When looking for a hotel, you can first weigh up whether the Chapelle de la Miséricorde and the village church, a path to Vieux Nans, a longer circular hike or golf will be the deciding factor for your trip. Even the hiking options differ in duration and format.

Cultural history in the chapel and village church

The Chapelle de la Miséricorde was built by the White Penitents in 1623. The chapel displays old ex-votos, religious objects once belonging to the White Penitents, and a more than 100-year-old copy of Murillo’s painting The Assumption of the Virgin. These objects and the copy of the painting provide a different focus from the architectural history of the village church. It was built in the 17th century, extended in 1822 and dedicated to Saint Lawrence and Saint Sebastian. Its features include frescoes and a Carolingian altar. Thus, the chapel focuses on its displayed religious objects and painting, while the village church offers a history of construction phases, dedication and interior furnishings. Access to the chapel’s interior may be subject to conditions.

Four of the seven Renaissance oratories originally built in 1516 still stand along the Chemin des Roys. They complement the churches’ architecture and interior furnishings with another form of sacred heritage that can be discovered along a path.

On foot to Vieux Nans and along the Ice Trail

Vieux Nans can only be reached on foot from the Chapelle de la Miséricorde; the walk takes about 30 minutes. Around 15 information panels help visitors explore independently. If you enjoy engaging with information on your own along the way, the panels provide a specific point of reference. Check the condition of the path before setting out.

A longer option is the L’Escaillon and Ice Trail circular hike. It starts at the Parking de la Ferrage, is 10 km long and is described as taking three hours, with 355 metres of elevation gain, moderate difficulty and green trail markings. The route follows in the footsteps of former ice producers in the Sainte-Baume. Compared with the roughly 30-minute walk to Vieux Nans, it is a considerably longer hike with a designated circular route and elevation gain. Access restrictions due to wildfire risk may change seasonally; check the current situation before setting out.

Golf Sainte Baume

Golf Sainte Baume is an 18-hole golf course in Nans-Les-Pins. The public practice facility has around 30 artificial-turf hitting bays, including a covered area with approximately ten mats. This allows the course and practice facility to be considered as distinct aspects of a golf stay: the 18 holes describe the golf course, while the mats describe the practice area. If golf is part of your trip, check the facility’s operating and access conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Valette-Du-Var, Camps-La-Source, Le Pradet, Sollies-Toucas, Saint-Raphael, La Verdiere, Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, La Crau

Return to the regional travel overview: Var.