Seillans, Provence, Côte d'Azur,
Seillans, Provence, Côte d'Azur,
Le Rouquier is 5 minutes drive from the beautiful hill village of Seillans and within easy access of the towns and beaches of the Côte d’Azur and its ‘arrière pays’. There is no shortage of activities and trips to enjoy in this unique and beautiful area.
One of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’
‘On a hill an hour’s drive from Nice, Seillans is a maze of sloping cobbled alleys, vaulted passageways and tiny squares with fountains. Above it stands the medieval castle and 11th-century church of Saint-Léger. On the square at the entrance to the village is Génie de la Bastille, a statue by surrealist artist Max Ernst, who fell in love with Seillans, moved here with his wife, Dorothea Tanning, and played pétanque with locals on this spot. Artworks by the couple, and by Stanislas Appenzeller, are in the 13th-century Maison Waldberg and can be visited by appointment.
In the valley below, pines, olive groves and vineyards surround the chapel of Nôtre Dame de l’Ormeau, with its 16th-century carved altarpiece. Village events include the international Musique-Cordiale festival (9-17 August) and an olive festival at the end of November.'
‘20 of the most beautiful villages in France', The Guardian, Sat 13 Apr 2019
Visit the local vineyards, literally on your doorstep
Chateau des Selves across the road offers wine tasting or aperetif wine tasting on the terrace overlooking the vines and olive trees. The chateau shop sells its wines and olive oils, as well as Provençal gifts. Val d’Iris is excellent and just up the road also offers wine tasting. A little further away, about 20 minutes on the road to Le Muy, there are some larger, well-known vineyards including Chateau d’Esclans which produces Whispering Angel
https://www.routedesvinsdeprovence.com/en/vineyards/chateau-des-selves/
https://www.esclans.com/contact/
Lac de Saint-Cassien
Lac de Saint-Cassien is 20 minutes from the house, and offers water activities such as pedalos and boat hire. There is a water adventure playground for older children and teenagers in summer. The clear waters are a wonderful place for wild swimming, and a few cafés line the shores for refreshments and light lunch
The neighbouring hill villages
Le Rouquier is 5 minutes by car to the village of Seillans, officially one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’ and one of five hill villages in the canton of Fayence. Seillans nestles onto the side of the hills looking towards the Esteral peninsular and the coast. Seillans has a rich artistic heritage and there are many art ateliers, a choice of great restaurants and winding historic streets. Neighbouring Fayence is 10 minutes away and is slightly larger, hosting a Provençal market three times a week in summer, historic town centre and many good restaurants.
The coast
The nearest beaches are 40 minutes away. The beautiful coastal towns of the Côte D’Azur are all easily accessible thanks to the coastal motorway that allows easy access to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and beyond. In the other direction there is Les Issambres, Sainte Maxime and on to Saint Tropez. The Esterel peninsula is outstandingly beautiful
