Just 15km from the chic town of Saint-Tropez, and 10km from sandy beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea, Plan-de-la-Tour is a secret gem of Provence with its flower-filled alleyways, ochre-coloured houses and pastel-hued shutters. A peaceful place to discover ideally in spring or autumn.
Surrounded by verdant vineyards, garrigue-scented countryside, olive orchards and forests of umbrella pine, oak and cork trees (cork was once the main industrial activity of the area), Plan de la Tour in the Massif des Maures hills is like a little oasis where time has stood still. Not well known, the town has a laid-back vibe and an enticing, authentic Provencal village feel, and 25 pretty little hamlets are scattered among the hills that surround it. This area is well worth a detour from the more well-known villages of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
What to see in Plan de la Tour
Spread in a winding snail-shell like pattern around the centre of town, are a maze of leafy squares and cobbled streets, perfect for a break or to enjoy a long, lingering, lazy lunch or dinner, for people watching or enjoying aperitifs – it has to be the local wines, especially the famous pale roses of the area. Hop to Restaurant Le Porche with its roomy terrace, warm welcome and real-deal menu specialising in Provençal flavours and hearty, tasty pizzas with an Italian flavour.
Plan-de-la Tour is the perfect place for a stroll. Wander the “old village” section of the town to discover pickled in the past, picturesque old houses and tiny streets clustered together. Don’t miss Saint-Martin church and its remarkable campanile, and the old presbytery, now partly divided into artists’ studios and exhibitions, and the Chapel of Saint-Peter where a large fig tree grows out of the stones.
Visit on Thursday to enjoy the colourful Provençal market which takes over plane-tree shaded Place Foch – you’ll find an array of local goat’s cheeses, olives, honey, street food, fragrant soaps and local crafts. In the summer look out for the stall where you can buy one-of-a-kind magic wands! You might think artist Gilles Taïs, or ‘Gillou d’où Plan’, is a distant relative of Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter books but no, the artist is simply passionate about creating unique magic wands! Wizards of all ages can contact him and visit his workshop in his home.
Wonderful walks
The area is perfect for walking and hiking, with routes that take you through cork forests, past the impressive blue-grey granite boulders of the massif and offering stupendous views over the Gulf of Saint-tropez, and the French Pre-Alps. Information points have been set up along the intercommunal footpaths. Find out more here: www.golfe-sainttropez-tourisme.fr/en/things-to-do/activities/hikes/
Stop off at the little hamlets that pepper the hillsides of Plan-de-la-Tour. Each has its own character and way of life, like Les Brugassières (where the heather grows), Préconil, Vallaury, Vernet (where alder trees grow), Prat Bourdin and Revest where horses run free. The little hamlet of Forge offers a dazzling view of the village, vineyard and the circle of hills that surround it. And dotted about are numerous traces of the past dating back to prehistoric times. Nature lovers will adore the Gorgues Path, an easy, accessible walk that takes in a vineyard, hamlets and menhirs.
A festive village
This may be a tranquil village, but festivals are a way of life here. In March, parade floats are covered in white heather, at the end of April olive oil is celebrated at a colourful fair. In May it’s the fete of Saint-Pons with animal and agricultural events, and a donkey festival. And in the summer there are lively evening markets, dances and Festival dans les Vignes performances. In July/August, is the animated Festival of Saint-Pierre which dates from 1792. September, when the grapes have been harvested, it’s the turn of the Vigne à l’Époque Romaine to be celebrated – a grape and wine festival. Finally, in December there’s a mulled wine festival heralding the arrival of Christmas as the hamlets put up their lights and prepare for the lantern parade and famous Grande Veillée when all the locals gather around the cacho fue – the traditional lighting of Christmas Log in Provence.
Pop into the tourist office at 7 Place Georges Clémenceau (closed weekends) for details of hikes, cycle routes, horse-riding, events… and meet the charming “Marie-Jo” for personalised advice.
Find out more information about Plan-de-la-Tour and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: www.golfe-sainttropez-tourisme.fr/en/
