Stay at our Miremer campsite and visit La Garde-Freinet! This discreet Provencal village in the heart of the Maures mountains is the starting point for unforgettable walks. Jeanne Moreau took refuge here and filmed “Lumière”. That’s saying a lot. You’ll discover a place where time seems to stand still, the perfect escape for a family vacation in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
La Garde Freinet, a 100% Provencal village
As you leave our campsite in La Garde-Freinet, you’ll be charmed by the village, with its stone houses and red tiles stretching from the valley to the hills. Strolling through its ivy-lined streets, you’ll discover treasures such as a church, chapel, washhouse and spring-fed fountain. The village seems frozen in time, with its peaceful days spent on the terraces of cafés-restaurants, waiting for the time to play pétanque.
The Provencal market enlivens the pedestrian street on Sundays and Wednesdays, with local produce such as fresh vegetables, walnut bread and handmade chestnut cream. In October, the Fêtes de la Châtaigne (chestnut festival) attracts gourmets who come to enjoy marrons glacés, hot chestnuts and chestnut nugget ice creams. A real treat for the taste buds! For children, it’s an adventure to discover these local traditions, and for parents, an opportunity to taste the authenticity of France.
A little history of La Garde Freinet
In the 10th century, three settlements existed on the present-day territory of La Garde-Freinet: on the hill of Miremer (then Miramar), around the Saint-Clément chapel and near the hamlet of La Mourre. At the end of the 12th century, for security reasons, the inhabitants moved to the Fort Freinet hill. This majestic site features houses and a wide moat cut into the rock.
Historical mistake: for a long time, it was thought to be a hideout for the Saracens who came to Provence in the 10th century. From the end of the 13th century, the inhabitants gradually settled on the communication route between the Maures plain and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, where today’s village of La Garde is located.
A heritage to discover
Apart from the festive periods and the Bravade in April, the village hides an intense cultural activity. Discover superb art galleries, attend intimate concerts and admire the ancestral skills of local craftsmen. The village’s rich heritage is well worth a visit.
At the Chapelle Saint-Jean or the Conservatoire du Patrimoine, we hear about Fort Freinet, one of the village’s first sites, perched on its rocky dome in the Middle Ages. We also discover the chapels of Saint-Clément and Miremer, the Adrech mill, and the history of cork, basketry, beekeeping and even silkworms. A place where it’s good to live and enjoy all these wonders. A stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur becomes a real history lesson for the whole family.
How about a guided tour?
From the Tourist Office, cross Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and follow Rue de l’Ormeau to Place du Marché with its kiosk (1872), formerly a fish market. On the right, the old wash-house (1812) and, further on, the Fontaine Vieille. Head towards rue de la Vieille-Caserne, then place de la Vieille Mairie with its prison. Cross Place de l’Amour to Rue Saint-Joseph, where you’ll find the old threshing floor.
Head up to theaire de la planète, the starting point for the Croix and Fort hikes. Return to the early 15th-century church of Saint-Clément, with its campanile. From Place du Baou, head for Place Vieille. These walks allow you to discover the village’s hidden treasures and appreciate the authenticity of La Garde-Freinet.
Spots for breathtaking panoramas
For lovers of photography or simply of nature, don’t hesitate to try out these few spots in La Garde-Freinet, which guarantee a magical view:
- Fort Freinet: lookout point 450 m above sea level, with views of the Mediterranean side of the Maures mountains, the Argens plain and the Alpes de Provence.
- La Croix des Maures: mission cross below Fort Freinet, with a bird’s-eye view of the village.
- Les Roches Blanches: the highest point in the commune at 638 m, with incomparable views.
- The orientation table, high above the village.
A visit to La Garde-Freinet is an experience not to be missed. Staying at the Miremer campsite will allow you to take full advantage of this magnificent region. The sublime landscapes, historic heritage, authentic cuisine and varied activities will make your stay unforgettable. For your next vacation, La Garde-Freinet is a destination that won’t disappoint! Don’t forget to explore Grimaud and enjoy your vacation in the Var.
So why not plan your next getaway to La Garde-Freinet and book your stay at camping Miremer? We’re sure you’ll fall under the spell of this Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur destination.
