Sillans-La Cascade: Waterfall and Local History

Sillans-La Cascade combines the Cascade de Sillans waterfall with a village setting whose history spans the Middle Ages to the 19th century. This gives you several options when planning your trip: the waterfall and its pool, the village’s architectural history, or routes through the village and along the river. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the waterfall, local history, or cycling will shape your trip.

The Cascade and its walking routes

At the Cascade de Sillans, the Bresque plunges 44 metres from pink tufa and travertine cliffs into a turquoise pool. The height of the drop makes it a defining feature of the landscape; the Belvédère de la cascade also offers panoramic views of the waterfall and pool.

A dedicated walking route leads visitors to the Cascade de Sillans. An alternative route is also provided for periods of fire risk. If you’re planning a walk, note the distinction: the additional route is specifically intended for periods of fire risk.

Historic village setting and churches

Sillans-La Cascade is protected by a fortified enclosure and defensive towers. Rue du Porche is considered the medieval centre; it is home to a gateway and tufa-stone houses. The defensive architecture and tufa-stone buildings illustrate two distinct features of the village’s historic character.

In the forecourt of Eglise Saint Jean Baptiste stands a Marian altarpiece by Louis Bréa, dating from 1501. Eglise Saint Etienne was built in the Middle Ages and extended in the 19th century with two side chapels and a bell tower. Its portal-like base dates from 1880. The two churches therefore have different historical reference points: a dated work of art at one and a building added to over several centuries at the other.

Chapelle Saint Laurent was built in 1858 by residents of Sillans-La Cascade, who had vowed to build a chapel if the plague spared the village. The chapel offers panoramic views of Château de Sillans. Alongside the history of its buildings, the village’s story here also includes the residents’ shared vow.

The château’s history and water supply

Today’s Château de Sillans was rebuilt around 1800 by Rolland de Sillans. Other châteaux had previously stood on the site; one was destroyed during the Revolution. This sequence distinguishes today’s building from the older château that was lost during the Revolution.

Behind the château, Grand Place conceals a stone cistern buried beneath the road surface. Using a hydraulic ram, it collected river water to supply the fountains. The technical history of the water supply thus offers a different perspective on the village, complementing its visible churches and defensive structures.

Routes through and around the village

Chemin des remparts runs beneath the ramparts and along the river, ending near the washhouse. The washhouse serves as a landmark near the end of the route.

Cycling and mountain biking routes also pass through Sillans-La Cascade; individual route itineraries may change. If cycling is part of your plans, check the route you’ve chosen before your trip. Chemin des remparts runs along the river; the itineraries of some cycling and mountain biking routes may change.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Mandrier-Sur-Mer, Montfort-Sur-Argens, Six-Fours-Les-Plages, Pourcieux, Tourves, Figanieres, Lorgues, Ramatuelle

For the main travel overview: Var.