Walking

 

There are many beautiful walks and trails in the area and it is possible to walk to several nearby

villages for lunch and relax for a while before heading home. If you have transport, a day walking

some of the coastal paths with spectacular views of the Mediterranean will be memorable, but

remember to take a bottle or two of water and a hat for protection from the sun. St Beaume is a

challenge for the fitter visitor. It is reputed to be where Mary Magdalene lived and prayed and is

on top of the Massif Maures between St Maximin and the coast. The climb to 1000 meters takes a

couple of hours but is well worth the effort with views across the Mediterranean and back to the

mountains of the Haut Var.  Visit Provence Web

 

 

Riding

 

We are fortunate to have two riding stables near us where you can book in to go riding. They are

happy to take beginners and they exercise the horses in their own arena. They also go for walks

through the countryside near us. We can provide details on this if you are interested as it will be

necessary to book in the busier periods.

 

 

Water Activities

 

There are many water sport activities up in the gorges and on the lakes, from simply hiring a pedalo or

canoe to rafting down the canyon for the more adventurous. The gorges are about an hour away from us,

and for as little as 15 euro you can take a boat up through the entrance to the gorge and experience

the vastness of it from the river. The lake is also safe for swimming in and we often take a picnic up there

and have a swim to cool down.

 

 

Cycling

 

We have a couple of bikes which you can borrow and there are plenty of lanes through the vines

which are not too hilly. Surprisingly the roads out in the countryside are pretty quiet and safe for

cycling, a sharp contrast from the coast which is only 35k away and rather hectic in the summer

months. As for walking, several villages are within reach for a salad and glass of wine (only one!)

over lunch before returning for a dip in the pool! Follow this with an aperitif before supper and

what more could you wish for!

 

Vindage

 

Or "grape picking" takes place during September. Though much of the harvest is done by machine nowadays,

there are many growers who stick with the traditional methods. Our neighbour at Domain de St Marc,

who is is English, always welcomes people to share in the harvest process and duly rewards them with

the"fruits" of their labour and his vines.

 

Skiing

 

If you feel like a winter break we are only an hour and half from some good ski resorts which

have nursery slopes for the beginner. Its not St Moritz, but everyone using them seems to be

having great fun and the local folk from Cannes and Nice go up for the day. So for the beginner

or "casual" skier it can be just the place to visit whilst enjoying the other delights of Provence

in the winter with our crisp blue skies and sharp winter sun.

 

Paragliding  ( below )

 

For the really adventurous you can paraglide up in the Gorges. You fly with a personal  instructor and no

previous experience is necessary, just a strong nerve! Our son Brian had a go and said it was an absolutely

amazing experience.

Visit Verdon Paragliding Centre

 

 

Painting

 

For generations Provence has been a place where people have come to put paint on canvas.

The light here is second to none and the range of subjects limitless. From the great artists

such as Monet, Matisse and Picasso to the most recent arrivals, Provence holds an attraction

and inspiration which seems limitless. Every seaside port has a display of talent and they are

always a pleasure to visit, St Tropez being one of the most famous.

 

 

Relaxing

 

If you are seriously challenged by this page and simply want a rest, well we can help there too.

In fact, it is what we do best during our warm summers and balmy evenings. We have plenty

of novels and books to choose from and shady corners to snooze in as you charge your

batteries" We also have a peaceful roomy chalet under the pines if you are looking for a quiet

corner to be still for a while away from all the hustle and bustle of your every day life.