Discover Seillans: Heritage, Trails and Olive Oil

In Seillans, medieval heritage, marked hiking trails and a cycling route, art, olive-growing culture and a protected natural area come together. If you are looking for a hotel in Seillans, these highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests. The buildings and route information offer different ways to shape your days in the town and its surroundings.

Village History and Buildings

The Porte Sarrazine was built in the 12th century and formed part of the medieval fortified district that served to defend the castle. The Church of Saint-Léger also dates from the 12th century; in the 17th century, it developed into the village’s religious centre. Castle ruins, numerous fountains and washhouses round out the historic buildings. The village’s history therefore reveals distinct functions: defending the castle and the church’s later role as a religious centre.

The Notre-Dame-de-l'Ormeau Chapel, also known as Notre-Dame-des-Essarts, is 2 km from the village and dates from the 12th century. It houses one of the finest Baroque-inspired altarpieces in Provence. It has been listed as a historic monument by decree since 16 October 1930. Visits are possible by prior reservation only; contact the tourist office and arrange your visit in advance. The distance and reservation requirement make the chapel a separate planning consideration from the buildings in the village.

Hiking and Cycling

Seillans has around 100 km of marked hiking trails, spread across about a dozen circular routes that can be adapted to suit your needs. These include the 32 km Grand Tour de Seillans. The approximate total length describes the trail network, while 32 km is the length of this particular tour. This lets you distinguish between the larger network of several circular routes and a specifically named route.

For cycling, the Seillans section of EuroVelo 8 offers a different point of reference. It runs from Claviers via the Viaduc du Rayol to Fayence and is one of the best-preserved sections. While the hiking trails are described as circular routes, this cycling section follows a route through named places and past a viaduct. The different route details provide a concrete basis for deciding whether hiking or cycling better suits your travel plans.

Art, Olive-Growing Culture and Nature

Galleries and artists’ studios welcome visitors along Seillans’s shady lanes and squares. A selection of Stan Appenzeller’s work is permanently on display at the Maison Waldberg. This brings together art venues along the lanes and a named exhibition venue with a permanent display.

The municipal olive mill was built in 1830 and is the only olive mill in the town still in operation. It continues to use traditional grinding and pressing methods. The mill is open to visitors during the Fête de l'Olive. If you would like to plan a visit, take the event dates into account.

A small part of Seillans’s southern area, in the direction of Lac de Méaulx, lies within Natura 2000 special protection areas and zones of ecological and faunal interest. Rare species and habitats can be found there. This natural feature concerns a limited area and adds a protected-area perspective to the cultural and outdoor themes.

Discover more destinations: Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Le Muy, Barjols, Seillons-Source-D'argens, Taradeau, Trans-En-Provence, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var, Vins-Sur-Caramy.

For the broader travel overview: Var.