Draguignan and its neighbourhoods

Trans is a very old village. It was originally built on the hill of St Victor. The inhabitants would be descended from there very early on the current site from where the name "Trans"(a Latin word meaning "beyond"). The family De Villeneuve, of Catalane origin reigns on the borough from 1200 to 1790. They live in a castle called Forteresse and the villagers settle around. This castle was destroyed at the end of the XVIth century. It is only in the XVIIIth century that the village leaves its medieval look.

1st village of Provence eliberated on August 15, 1944, La Motte has preserved its originality and its peacefulness. The old center, with its shaded places and its fountains, is dominated by a typical clock tower. It is extending towards the plain, where the vines which produce the famous wines of Appelation d' Origine Controlled "Coasts of Provence" are planted. Near to Estérel and the golf of Saint Tropez, La Motte offers varied activities: golf, fishing, tennis, excursion in forest..

Village of the 10th century, Figanières has kept interesting vestiges: the old feudal castle of the Counts de Vintimille resulting from a noble family which reigned on a County gathering the Var department, the Alpes-Maritimes department and part of Italy the Notre Dame de l'Olivier chapel, built in the 12th century on an old pagan temple by the Templiers and registered to the additional Inventory of the historic monuments.

At an altitude of five hundred and forty meters, the village dominates the les Gorges of Nartuby. It seems that nothing changed since the Templiers times. The roads do not cross it and the streets, threading between the recently restored houses, invite to the reflexion. The absence of cars, confers safety to the walkers, to visitors and to villagers.

In Ampus, you can discover ST Michael's Church, restored by the generous Abbé Volpato, who was as enthusiastic about the heritage restoration as he was religious. The two go together. Go in and admire the pretty Provençale working crib. A little higher up, behind the church, go back in time and climb the Stations of the Cross. Stop and look at the magnificent mosaics fixed to the rocks. The village is heir to a lively past, and you can still see the clues which lead you to discover prehistoric times, such as the dolmen at Marenq. You will discover one thing after another and find that Ampus has a special way of revealing all her charms, one by one, peacefully with the rhythm of the River Nartuby whose source is nearby.

Flayosc - Provence's equivalent to the Mont Saint Michel - overlooks the landscapes so dear to Pagnol. As you approach the village from the nearby major town of Draguignan, you will see the bell tower emerging from the hills of forests and vineyards as the Mont Saint Michel emerges from the sea. On entering the village, you will discover the fascinating world of traditional Provence and its still-thriving ancient trades, the notary , the bookbinder on Place de la République, the florist and her magic garden, the wrought iron maker, the potter, Julien - who is deep-down more of an artist than a butcher ! - and many other local personalities.