The Cotignac region is streaming with water – from fountains, to rivers and waterfalls rushing past rocks or murmuring through woods. There is much that still seems undiscovered in the Var countryside.
The most beautiful waterfalls in Provence Verte
Waterfalls are plentiful in Provence Verte and in the summer season attract hundreds of visitors every day. You will have to get up early to fully enjoy these stunning spots.
Sillans-la-cascade
This legendary waterfall of Sillans-la-cascade (42m high) can be admired after a short walk, from the paid parking lot at the entrance of the village, across the stone bridge and along the small dirt road by the river. Although swimming is prohibited in the basin under the waterfall, you can take a dip further down toward the Bresque, which has equally beautiful turquoise waters.
Les Trompines in Cotignac
No need to take the car to admire these two beautiful waterfalls (just over 25m high) falling from the limestone cliffs. Follow the path at the foot of the cliff in the village to reach the plateau, before taking the trail behind a villa and crossing a field of olive trees marked as private property. Pass a few ruins and descend along a palisade to reach the river, where you can cool off in two or three shallow basins. Then follow the markings to the waterfalls a short distance away.
Le Vallon Gai in Cotignac
A must-see during your stay in Cotignac, the Vallon Gai is accessible by foot from the parking lot of the Tourism Office (about 15 minutes). Follow the path between the Municipal Police and the Cassole bridge. The Vallon Gai path goes on for almost 700 m to the first waterfall. The riverbed drops sharply into the first cascade. The second, known as the Cascade du Gouffre, ends in a waterfall (around 10m high) in a large basin, where swimming is unfortunately prohibited.
Les chutes du Caramy in Carcès
Departing from the small ‘lavoir’ (wash house) in Carcès village, behind the retirement home, a pleasant stroll along the canal allows you to discover the powerful Caramy Waterfalls, a set of two waterfalls (each around 7m high). Although swimming is prohibited, the hike is worth the detour. The loop allows you to take the road to Saint Jacques de Compostela and discover two charming chapels from the 11th century, the chapel of Sainte Jaume and Notre Dame de Carami.
La cascade de Villecroze
Located in the municipal park in the heart of Villecroze village, this waterfall is 35 meters high and flows like a veil over the limestone cliff that houses the troglodyte caves. The resurgence of this source is in the town of Tourtour, a hilltop village in Haut-Var. Entrance to the park is free.
Chute du Grand Baou
Not far from the town of Le Val there is a waterfall little known to all: the Grand Baou waterfall. This shady and cool place is the property of Mr Guigues, who opened it to the public. Access to the waterfall is free, swimming is possible (but not supervised), and you can also dine nearby. To access the site, take the direction of Le Val from Brignoles, then follow the road to Carcès and turn left on the small marked path.
Swimming and canoeing on the Argens River
When temperatures approach 40 Celsius in the shade, there’s nothing like swimming in the clear waters of the river. Treat yourself to a refreshing swim, picnic, or canoe trip.
Swimming in the Vallon Sourn in Correns Village
Canoe trip on the Argens River
The river offers a wild and magnificent route punctuated by dozens of rapids – an ideal setting for a canoe trip! For thrilling adventures from Correns, Montfort sur Argens, Entrecasteaux or Saint Antonin du Var, choose Natur’Evasion.
For an equally refreshing getaway in a paradisiacal setting 1 hour’s drive from Cotignac, the Sainte-Croix lake and the Verdon gorges invite you to dive into their turquoise waters.
