Picnics, afternoon naps
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  3. Picnics, afternoon naps

A waterside break

Long live the afternoon nap (the pénéqué in Provençal) beside the Caramy Gorges in Tourves! Everyone now agrees about the benefits of a nap, especially during the holidays... Make the most of the natural shade and freshness of the gorges to treat yourself to forty winks. This is a time to take it easy. And to wake yourself up, dip your toes in one of the many natural pools. A few tables and benches are available for picnics along the way.

Lie down on the beaches of Vallon Sourn (1st photo) between Correns and Châteauvert or on the Berges de l'Issole (2nd photo) in Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole. Listen to the soothing sound of the running water.

The Caramy
At the river’s source

“ The River Caramy rises at an altitude of 470 metres on the north-facing slope of Mourré d'Agnis, to the south of Mazaugues, before flowing into the River Argens in Carcès. 45.9 km long, the river runs from its source as far as Tourves, across steep valleys with remarkable landscapes, the Caramy Gorges. It then winds its way over the vast Brignoles plain, where winemaking is a centuries-old activity, and then between the hills before joining up with the River Issole at the tip of Lake Carcès. ”

On the lakeside

Lake Carcès is a real “water tower” for the Var department (with 100 hectares and six rivers flowing into it) and the ideal spot to get out your fishing rod: this is a landmark for freshwater fishing. Take up position on the grass beneath the blue sky at the lakeside. The vast beach is well adapted for welcoming fans of the afternoon nap. You can also see a breathtaking waterfall (measuring twice 7 metres) on the River Caramy near the lake.

The lakeside beaches in Vins-sur-Caramy (1st photo) and near Lake Montmeyan (2nd photo) are also ideal places for a picnic and a nap.

Bauxite
at the origin of the lakes

“ The First World War marked a turning point in the development of the aluminium industry and the use of bauxite, which is the main mineral used in producing this metal. The huge increase in the production of aluminium at this period meant the army’s demand for soldiers’ equipment (mess kits), ammunition and aviation could be met. ”

At the heart of unspoilt nature

When the weather is warm, take a break at the Pivault ice house in Mazaugues, an unusual place for a picnic and an afternoon nap, in the midst of the centuries-old forest of Sainte Baume. It was once used to store ice before the ice was transported to Toulon & Marseille.

In the middle of the Sainte-Baume mountains, the Marie-Madeleine caves (1st photo) are a sacred place where many pilgrims come to picnic. Not far from Pourrières, the Sainte-Victoire (2nd photo) is also a famous spot for fans of hiking, but also for picnicking.

La cigale ayant chanté tout l'été...
The insect of Provence

“ The cicada’s soothing song can be heard all through summer. You will see them on tree trunks and stones. They rub their legs to attract females. Two species are common in the south of France: Lyristes plebejus and Cicada orni. As soon as the temperature gets up to about 25°C, the male starts to “sing” or more precisely to chirrup.
The cicada seems to be a fearful creature, as when you get near one, its song generally ceases and it sits perfectly still: it only starts to chirrup again when you move away. ”

Around the villages of Green Provence

The Roquette garden in Correns is a peaceful, shaded site on the riverside. It is an ideal place for a nap after a picnic or a visit to France’s first organic village.

The Saint-Martin Château garden (1st photo) has been adapted to picnicking. You will have a pretty panorama over Green Provence. The remains of the Château de Valbelle (2nd photo) in Tourves is filled with large green spaces where you can set down your picnic basket and cutlery. If you look around a little, you will come face to face with a miniature pyramid. On the hills of La Roquebrussanne, a green amphitheatre opens its doors. Lie down in the shade of the oak trees and enjoy a panoramic view over the Issole plain.

Region of
Art and History signs

“ The Region of Art and History label in Green Provence is a chance to discover the region’s heritage at your own pace. Each town publishes a brochure, and extra information signs have been set up at sites that are not to be missed during your visit. ”

Picnics, afternoon naps : location of activity ideas