Sollies-Toucas: History, Church and Trails

If you are looking for a hotel in Sollies-Toucas, you can plan your stay around specific themes: the history of the Oppidum du Castellas and the Church of Saint-Christophe, the local walking routes described here, or activities for cycling and scooter rides. You can decide whether you would rather explore the heritage or focus on trails and outdoor activities. The Plateau de Siou-Blanc adds another regional destination nearby.

The Oppidum and its building history

The Oppidum du Castellas covers more than five hectares and is considered one of the largest oppida in Provence. At the site of le Castellas Sud in Solliès-Toucas, the remains of the oppidum’s fortifications are protected: they were designated a historic monument by decree on 6 September 1978. The main construction phase of the remains is attributed to protohistory. The construction phase and protected status refer to distinct historical aspects: the dating of the structure and the later protection of its remains.

The Church of Saint-Christophe also has several clearly distinct points of reference. It was built between 1700 and 1701 on the site of an original 16th-century chapel. A gilded wooden altarpiece dates from 1704 and was added to the inventory of historic monuments in 1984. The 23-metre-high tower serves as the church’s bell tower. These details distinguish the earlier chapel, the church building and its dated furnishings.

Village walks and connections to water

The “Le vieux village” walk begins at Place Clément Balestra, in front of the town hall. By contrast, the historic “Le village ouest” route follows an irrigation canal and a stream and runs along the edge of gardens. These offer different points of reference when choosing a walk based on your interests: the starting point is specified for “Le vieux village”, while the description of “Le village ouest” highlights water and gardens along the route.

The waters of the Font du Thon are another historic connection to water: the Romans channelled them and used them to irrigate the plain. Along with the irrigation canal and stream on the “Le village ouest” route, these details make water a theme in different ways—both as a feature of a walk and as part of the history of irrigation.

Activities at the pump track and in the surrounding area

The Solliès-Toucas pump track is a circuit for bicycles and scooters. Riders can negotiate or jump over a series of turns and rollers, depending on how they combine them. The pump track is free and open year-round. Check the current conditions before your visit.

The “Objectif Solliès-Toucas” photo safari offers a different kind of challenge: participants photograph six items from the brochure and then collect a small prize from the tourist office. The steps are clearly laid out, from the photo subjects to collecting the prize.

The Plateau de Siou-Blanc lies outside the village centre, near Solliès-Toucas, and is known for its white limestone cliffs. There are numerous trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. When planning your trip, you can distinguish this regional focus on nature and outdoor activities from the heritage and village walks mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Varages, La Croix-Valmer, La Bastide, La Farlede, La Mole, Carqueiranne, Trans-En-Provence, Auribeau-Sur-Siagne.

For the regional travel overview: Var.