Ollières: Village History, Trails and Wine

Ollières is surrounded by hills and Mediterranean forests. Two aspects of the village are especially useful when choosing where to stay: its historic character and the landscape you can explore along the trails around Ollières. Several trails around the village offer opportunities to discover local flora and fauna, as well as views of Sainte-Baume and the surrounding vineyards. You can choose the focus of your stay: the village’s cobbled lanes and architecture, or the trails through the surrounding landscape.

Village and Heritage

The village sits on a hill and is built around its Château d’Ollières. The château is now privately owned and was once a seigneurie with a thousand-year history. Its narrow, cobbled lanes are part of exploring the village; the campanile and terraced fortification walls are other visible features of its historic character.

At Sainte-Anne Church, two distinct aspects of its heritage can be distinguished: the portal was classified by the Beaux-Arts in 1921, while a restoration program launched in 2011 restored and enhanced several paintings. The Oratoire Sainte-Marie adds to the picture of the village’s religious heritage: it was built in 1954 at the roadside on the road to Saint-Maximin.

Trails and Wine

Several trails around Ollières offer opportunities to discover local flora and fauna. Their views of Sainte-Baume and the surrounding vineyards add another dimension to this connection with nature: the landscape itself. If you would rather focus on scenery than architectural history during your stay, these trails offer another way to experience the village.

The vineyards bring these two themes together: they feature in the views along the trails and also provide the setting for wine tastings. You can discover the aromas of the Var terroir; participating wineries may vary. Château d’Ollières is one of the leading producers in the AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence. It offers guided tours followed by wine tastings in French. As dates may change, check the latest information before making plans. The setting is what distinguishes the two formats: the vineyards put the terroir in the foreground, while the château combines a guided tour with a tasting afterwards.

Clay Mining and the Fête du Chien

The village’s history spans two distinct periods: its local heritage is linked to historical clay mining, while the Fête du Chien is a recurring event. It takes place in early July each year and includes dog-training competitions and other events. The specific program may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and program in advance.

Discover more destinations: Brignoles, La Bouillabaisse, Fayence, Flassans-Sur-Issole, Solliès-Ville, Fox-Amphoux, Vidauban, Cabasse

For the broader travel overview: Var.