Discover Solliès-Pont

When planning a stay in Solliès-Pont, there are several distinct themes to explore: historic buildings, a botanical garden, walks through the lanes and the local fig known as the “violette de Solliès”. The buildings tell the story of different periods, Parc du Château brings together plants, water and sculptures, and two walking routes focus on the town’s heritage. The fig adds its own distinctive note of local produce culture.

Château Forbin and other architectural history

Château Forbin was built by the Forbin family in the early 16th century. Its features include brick-clad walls, slate roofs and four round towers. After renovation, the château became a cultural centre with two exhibition rooms, a courtyard of honour, a forecourt and a park. The building’s origins and its later cultural use form two distinct chapters in its history.

There is a special condition for visiting Château de Solliès-Pont: it is generally not open to visitors; visits are possible only on Heritage Days. If you are planning to take advantage of this exception, check the dates before your trip.

Churches, chapels and local history

Église Saint Jean-Baptiste was rebuilt from 1729 onwards to plans by Pierre Sénès, after the earlier church collapsed in 1698. The church houses an organ built and installed by Joseph Callinet in 1845. In 1984, the organ was classified as a historic monument. The church building and the organ thus reflect different periods in the town’s history.

Chapelle Sainte-Christine dates from the 11th century. Its forecourt offers a wide view of the horizon. Chapelle Saint Roch houses numerous votive paintings by H. Allègre, a painter from Solliès-Pont, created between 1840 and 1860. Another glimpse into local history is the Lavoir de Solliès-Pont on Place du docteur Angot: it was built in 1951 at the initiative of Georges Durando and his municipal council. The buildings and the washhouse represent different forms of local heritage.

Botanical garden and lake in Parc du Château

Parc du Château is a botanical garden with centuries-old trees, a rich collection of palms, a lake and contemporary sculptures. Among the tree species planted in the 19th century are holm oaks, Aleppo pines and hackberries, as well as Chilean coconut palms and Canary Island date palms. The grounds therefore combine a diverse range of plants with contemporary art.

The lake also has its own design history: it was built in sandstone and is fed by a supply channel. This branches off from the Canal de l’Enclos, which draws its water from the Gapeau. The plants, sculptures and water supply offer different aspects of the garden to focus on.

Walking routes and local fig culture

Two walking routes make it possible to discover Solliès-Pont’s heritage while strolling through its lanes. They offer a way to explore the town’s history on foot. Another viewpoint is the forecourt of Chapelle Sainte-Christine, which offers a wide view of the horizon. The walks through the lanes and the view from the chapel forecourt provide different ways to experience the town.

The fig is also part of Solliès-Pont’s identity: the local “violette de Solliès” has its own AOP designation of origin. It adds a culinary connection to the town alongside its architectural and natural attractions. Château Forbin, churches and chapels, the botanical garden, walking routes and the fig each offer a different focus. You can choose which of these sides of Solliès-Pont interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Nans-Les-Pins, Bauduen, Draguignan, Comps-Sur-Artuby, Collobrieres, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Le Thoronet, Puget-Ville.

For the broader travel overview: Var.