There is much to do in the local area around La Bergerie that will elevate your stay and make you feel a part of the Provencal culture and way of life. During your time here we recommend the following:
Seillans, in the Var region, is officially designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France and offers medieval winding streets, interspersed with small squares and fountains, spectacular views, a vibrant art scene with art galleries and numerous arts and crafts workshops. It is known in the region for its cultural events and music festivals. There is a small supermarket, bakery, pharmacy, bank, post office, tabac, a boutique hotel, as well as a weekly market. There are also some excellent restaurants - see below.There are nearby attractions such as the Gorge du Verdon (hiking, camping, white water rafting) and the stunning Lac St Cassian, a great place to spend the day en famille with its lakeside beaches and snack bars. Plenty of water sports too, ranging from canoeing to pedallos and floating trampolines. There are a number of golf courses and beautiful local villages within easy reach. Of course, most of us love a bit of beach fun during the holidays, and only 35 minutes away are the glamorous beaches of Cannes. So whether you prefer to lie under a parasol all day, or cruise on a luxury yacht, go mountain biking, play golf, hike, go wine tasting, climbing, Sand buggies, horse riding, shopping, diving, or gliding, the list is endless.
The French Riviera with it’s beaches, restaurants, night life and all the various attractions of the coastline is a short drive away. The long sandy beaches of Fréjus and St Raphael are child-friendly and offer watersports with coaching facilities. Those seeking to 'chill' away from the crowds will be more at home at one of the many beach clubs where the music is 'cool' and the seafood impressive! We can recommend the Marco Polo Club in Théoule-sur-Mer about 30 minutes away. Cannes is approx 30 minutes drive, St Maxime is about 40 minutes whilst St Tropez is just over an hour, as is Monte Carlo. Cannes is 35 minutes away whilst Nice is a 50 minute drive. Italy is also only about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Nice Carnival: One of the biggest in the world, Nice Carnival is a true spectacle. Expect huge floats, a riot of colour, dazzling figurines, theatrical productions, “flower battles”, music, dancing, and a diverse range of entertainment both day and night.
Four Seasons Spa at Terre Blanche is one of the most stunning and luxurious of its kind in Europe, whilst the Spa and beauty centre at the Domaine de Fayence is much less expensive. Both spas are a very short drive awayThe Four Seasons hillside, two-level, 3,200-square-metre facility boasts 12 treatment rooms complete with showers and heated blankets in addition to two VIP couples' suites. Each has a double whirlpool bath, steam shower and large outdoor terrace with cabana. It opens between 7am and 9pm every day and also offers a variety of massage, body and facial treatments a salon and health/well-being assessments.
The Cannes Film Festival lures industry luminaries and gong-hopeful A-listers to town, for premieres, parties and paparazzi. It’s followed by the famous F1 Monaco Grand Prix. St Tropez - La Bravade de Saint Tropez - Traditional Provençal festival of St Tropez for over 440 years.
Have you ever thought of flying silently above some of the most beautiful countryside in the world? The famous Aerodrome de Fayence is only ten minutes away, and offers initiation gliding flights, discovery courses and much more.
For the winter months, north of Seillans lie the ski slopes of Greoliers-les Neiges at 1400-1800 metres with 30 km of pistes and cross country trails, is about 1 hour away. A day care centre is available at the resort which accepts children from the ages of 6 months. For those who do not ski, there are lots of organised activities, sled races, snowmen contests, horse riding, and trampoline, ice skating and guided tours. Other nearby resorts for keen skiers, are Auron with 135 kms of ski runs and a perfect set up for families, and in the National park are Valberg and Beuil. Isola 2000, at 2000 metres, which has 120kms of pistes, a snow park and an outdoor skating rink.
Dining out is a real treat in Seillans and the surrounding area. Michelin-star restaurants in the area include: Le Castellaras (between Seiilans and Fayence - 0494 76 13 80), Auberge des Fontaines d’Aragon in Montauroux, Hostellerie les Gorges de Pennafort in Callas and Restaurant Faventia in Tourrettes.In Seillans itself, a personal favourite is Chez Hugo (0494 85 54 70), fine dining may be enjoyed at 'Les deux Rocs' (0494 76 87 32), a very old and beautiful restaurant/hotel with an outdoor terrace, while more informal dining (outside in summer) is a must in the main square at either 'Le Relais' (0494 60 18 65) or the 'Gloire de mon Père' (0494 76 98 68). Other highly recommended nearby restaurants include Le Castellaras , La Farigulette (0494 84 10 49) and Le Moulin de la Camondoule (0494 76 00 84) both in Fayence.
Seillans and many of the nearby villages have been for many years frequented by artists, and this is a theme that prevails in many of the local shops and markets.The markets themselves are colourful and vibrant - a great place to people watch if you get tired of tasting dozens of different varieties of olives or cheese! The market in Seillans is on Wednesday.The main market in Fayence is a particular favourite and operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the season. Get there early to secure a parking place! The South of France also offers several much larger markets at Antibes and Nice on various days of the week and Le Muy on Sundays. There is also a vibrant market in Ventigmiglia just over the border into Italy dubbed “the bargain shopping of Italy” on Fridays and Saturdays. Over the last weekend of every October, St Tropez holds a Grand Braderie- a big sale, where the tiny streets of St Tropez are full of stalls whilst all the shops reduce their prices too, attracting many thousands each year.
You can't of course avoid sampling a glass or two of wine, especially rosé, while in the area. You will pass many a vineyard on your travels, many of which offer tasting opportunities ('dégustation'). A personal favourite is the Chateau des Selves, outside Seillans. When you're done with tasting, the very understated shop stocks gifts with a local flavour such as olive oils, dried flowers and fragrant soaps.The smaller villages Tourrettes, Callian Montauroux, and Seillans also host various events and of course, the Cote D’Azur itself has innumerable major events ranging from the Cannes Film Festival, The Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, and magical markets and festivities over the Christmas and New Year for those seeking winter breaks.
The 'Huit à Huit' supermarket in Seillans stocks most basics and has a fantastic butchers, but the Leclerc, Super-U and Intermarché, in and around Fayence, offer wider ranges.Banks and cashpoint machines are to be found in Seillans (la Poste), close to the roundabout in Fayence, and in Bargemon.
