Lovely getaways in the heart of the Var countryside

Whether you decide to go for family walks or sports hikes in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, spring is the perfect time to embark on an adventure. The fauna and flora are awakening and the good weather is on board so it’s one of the best time of the year to enjoy the Var countryside.

Discover the Cistus

Copyright Domaine du Rayol

Domaine du Rayol offers an emblematic stroll that will take you straight to the encounter of Mediterranean plants. Accompanied by a botanist gardener from the Domaine, you will discover everything about the Cistus, these plants with delicately crumpled flowers. All their secrets will be revealed to you, an introduction to local botany that everyone will remember. This discovery walk is accessible to everyone, whatever your age and ambitions.

Departures on April 21st and 28th, with extensions on May 05th and 10th. The entrance to the garden + the nature walk are at the rate of €14 for adults and €8 for 6-17 year olds. It’s free for children under 6 years old accompanied by an adult.
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The maquis of Rayol

Copyright Domaine du Rayol

It is out of the usual trails that the Domaine offers you an excursion into its wild and totally natural part. The old customs trail will lead you to a magnificent panoramic view of the coast if you take it. Cross by the maquis to discover the cistus hill, for the moment in full bloom. A fun way to get to know the plants of the region and learn about their uses.

Access to the garden and nature walk from Domaine Rayol at 2:00pm, from Friday March 28th to Friday October 27th. Duration 2.5 hours including a 1.5 hour walk. The rate is age-dependent and free for children under 6 years of age accompanied by an adult.
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Full moon in Camarat

A forest path that leads to the seaside, nothing more exciting when it’s the moon that shows you the way. Your senses are awakened by the smell of aromatic plants against a backdrop of dark shrubby silhouettes. With the murmur of the wind in the foliage and the melody of the birds, it is the least of your perceptions that is stimulated. Add the sound of the surf crashing on the granite rocks and you have reached the pinnacle.

2.5 hour tour scheduled for May 11th, 2019 at 8:30 pm, for 1.5 hour of itinerary over 3.2 kilometers, with a difference in altitude of 110 meters. Rates are based on the age and condition of the participants. Stroll supervised by a naturalist guide.

Night for a walk

Copyright Domaine du Rayol

In the mildest hours, in this sometimes scorching season, enjoy a hike as soon as summer arrives. Domaine du Rayol is even more fascinating on full moon nights! The music of the wind and the aromas exhaling from the day will pick you up with full force. As plants also live at night, you will enjoy the scents of the shade, but also the pollination of their flowering. A 2.5hour walk that you will never forget.

Excursions on June 26th, July 21st, August 18th and September 22nd, for a nature tour at Le Rayol. Meeting at the entrance of the garden at 8:30 pm. The walking time is 1 hour and 20 minutes but it takes 2.5 hours on site with the visit of the Domaine. Rates according to age.
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The Mills of Paillas

Copyright https://ramatuelle.fr

Overlooking the village of Ramatuelle, the hill of Castellas offers a paradisiacal view of the Gulf and the ocean. At your feet are the perched village of Gassin, the peninsula of Saint-Tropez, the castle of Grimaud and its ruins, as well as the vineyards of Croix Valmer. Of the 5 mills that were built on it, only one has been completely rebuilt. It’s the one that you’ll have you the opportunity to contemplate, during a 2.5 hour walk supervised by a naturalist guide.

Trips on July 27th at 5pm and September 21st at 2:30pm… for a 1.5 hour itinerary established over 1 kilometer, with a difference in altitude of 50 metres. Rates are based on age and number of participants. Book well in advance as tickets sell out quickly!
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Horseback rides

For horseback riding enthusiasts and its benefits, the Stables de l’Eau Blanche offer you a ride on Cavalaire. The club’s immense wooded estate is available all year round, as well as its qualified instructors. If you wish to improve and progress according to the rules of the art, it is with the greatest pleasure that the team will welcome you.
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Grimaud invites you to discover the Massif des Maures. Le Relais de la Mène will allow you to combine discovery, pleasure and love of horses, with the assault of the traverse paths. Beginners are welcome, all rides are accompanied by an equestrian guide.
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Photo credit Ranch de la Mène

This year, night rides are on the agenda to make you discover sensations that only night can provide.

Note: this article was first published in French on the blog on May 3rd, 2019. We apologize if some of the events already occurred.