The Pays de Fayence, or Fayence Country, is an area in the popular region of Provence, just east of the famous perfume town of Grasse. Home to numerous attractive hilltop villages, including one named Fayence which gives the area its name, the Pays de Fayence is also where the foothills of the Alps start to rise as you move north from the Mediterranean coast. An ideal destination for those who enjoy walks in woods, valleys and by the shores of mountain lakes, Fayence is also popular as a day trip for those staying on the coast who are looking for some peace and quiet.
As the largest of the villages in the area, Fayence is also the most popular with tourists on day trips from the Cote d'Azur. That doesn't mean that it ever gets too crowded or that it has become a tourist trap. In fact, many of the best restaurants and hotels are to be found here, if you decide to extend your stay, as well as an interesting 11th century chapel and a museum dedicated to that essential ingredient, bread, including 16th century ovens that were still in use in the 20th century! Bargemon was once surrounded by huge fortified walls, of which a few stretches still remain, along with the medieval gates, while the church in tiny Callian is often used for summer concerts.
There is little to see in the town of Callas, apart from its charming medieval streets and houses, but walk or drive a few kilometres out of town and you can explore the ruins of a large 13th century fortress. Some of the best views of the Mediterranean coast can be enjoyed from Mons, north of Fayence, or the larger village of Seillans in the west of the region. Seillans is also one of the most picturesque of the Pays de Fayence villages, and is worth exploring on foot so you don't miss any of the details on the medieval buildings. In particular, look out for the shaded courtyards, fountains and the few ramparts still standing.
One of the biggest attractions in the Fayence area isn't a village at all, but a stunning mountain lake. The Lac de St Cassien is actually a reservoir, but a three-kilometre stretch of the clear water is open for public use in the summer months. Here you can swim, relax on the man-made beaches, paddle a canoe or pedalo out to the middle or just take a stroll along the shore and enjoy the breathtaking views. Fishing is also a very popular pursuit in the lake, but make sure you have the correct licence for the time of year you are visiting, as the fines for having the wrong kind of paperwork can be huge!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Fayence? Then below is a selection of gites in Fayence and villas in Fayence 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.
