The market town of Brignoles is located in the departement of Var, a few kilometres north of the Mediterranean coast in the Provencal hills. An area that has been popular with British tourists, as well as those looking for a second home, for many years, the town of Brignoles is an ideal location for exploring not just the Cote d'Azur but the many picturesque and spectacular hilltop villages that are to be found in the Var hills. Not only is the area surrounding Brignoles home to some pretty and interesting historic towns, but it is also the scene of some of the most spectacular countryside in Provence and a number of well known vineyards; a great area to explore on foot, on bicycle or even on horseback.
The historic centre of Brignoles is undoubtedly the town market place, where there are still weekly produce and craft markets all year round. The old quarter is full of quirky houses, winding streets and pretty courtyards and squares that are often filled with pavement cafes taking advantage of the pleasant summer climate in this part of France. There are a couple of unusual things to keep an eye out for you as you wander through the streets of Brignoles, including the fountain in the Place Caramy which used to be the only source of water for local villagers and a 19th century home with a painted advert for the Dubonnet aperitif still visible on one of its external walls. Older attractions come in the shape of the 12th century Saint Saveur church with a particularly fine Romanesque doorway and the 13th century Chateau des Comptes de Provences. This used to be the home of the Provencal lords, but is now home to museum of local curiosities and traditions.
The modern part of Brignoles is not particularly beautiful, but is where most of the amenities, such as hotels, restaurants and the tourist information office can be found. The tourist office is not only a good source of local knowledge about Brignoles and the surrounding area, but they also arrange tours of the local vineyards for visitors.
While the Var countryside is one of the major attractions to the Brignoles area, there are other towns and resorts within a short drive of the town if you decide to spend your holiday there. The coast is less than thirty kilometres away, making day trips to the exclusive resorts of Port Grimaud and St Tropez possible. Staying inland, the nearby town of Saint Maximin la Saint Baume is famous for its huge 13th century basilica, the largest Gothic building in the region. Said to be built on the site of a crypt that housed the skull of Mary Magdalene, the modern building houses some impressive religious artwork and an 18th century organ that is still used in services and summer concerts.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Brignoles? Then below is a selection of gites in Brignoles and villas in Brignoles that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
