Les Arcs sur Argens

Discover Les Arcs-sur-Argens, a charming village in the Var department near Draguignan

Look up—an entire village clings to its rocky outcrop. This is Le Parage, the medieval quarter of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, dominated by a 19-meter-high square keep.

You are ten kilometers south of Draguignan, in the Var department, right in the heart of Dracénie. The coast is about thirty minutes away. But once you pass through the fortified gates, you completely forget about it. The cobblestone streets climb without warning. The narrow streets wind, narrow, and then open up to a lookout point facing the Maures Mountains.

We love this village, which you can explore on foot in half a day. Here’s what to see and how to plan your visit so you don’t miss a thing.

History of Les Arcs-sur-Argens

In the past, Les Arcs-sur-Argens was known as Archos in 1010 (from the word “arc”); this Provençal village later became Castrum de Arcubus (Castle of Les Arcs). From the 12th century to the 17th century, the seigneury of Les Arcs remained the property of the Villeneuve family.

However, until 1612, Les Arcs was a barony, and in March 1612, Louis XIII decided to elevate it to a marquisate in favor of Arnaud de Villeneuve de Bouliers, lord and baron of Les Arcs.

Take a stroll through this Provençal village

Park your car in the town hall square; the tour is on foot. Let yourself be guided by the narrow streets and cobblestone paths that wind their way up to the castle at the very top. From this stunning vantage point overlooking the valley, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the village rooftops, the Massif des Maures, and the Roquebrune rock.

The Parage district

Perched above the present-day village on a rocky outcrop lies the oldest part of the village, known as “the Parage District,” which stretches from the tower (a 13th-century keep) to Place Paul Simon. Simply pass through the fortified “Horloge” gate, carved into the ramparts of the double enclosure, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a medieval setting—a labyrinth of winding, uphill alleys, cobblestone streets, and old buildings.

You’ll discover the remains of the ramparts with their four gates, the ruins of the 12th-century castle—formerly known as Castrum de Arcubus—and the Romanesque Saint Pierre Chapel, a 12th-century structure consisting of two adjoining naves and side chapels (a venue for exhibitions in the summer).

The Sainte-Roseline Chapel

Don’t miss the Sainte-Roseline Chapel, located just outside the village (D91), the former abbey of La Celle-Roubaud, at the foot of a hill and surrounded by the vineyards of the Sainte-Roseline wine estate. The Sainte-Roseline Chapel, a listed monument dating from the 11th and 16th centuries, houses the shrine and reliquary of Saint Roseline.

On the initiative of Marguerite Maeght, modern works (a mosaic by Marc Chagall, three bronzes by Giacometti, and stained-glass windows by Ubac and Bazaine) have been added to the Descent from the Cross on the high altar—carved in high relief in 1514—the Nativity altarpiece (1541), and a very rare carved rood screen with choir stalls dating from 1658.

Wine: A specialty of Les Arcs-sur-Argens

Les Arcs is a major center of viticulture in the Côtes de Provence. Thanks to the Argens River, the quality of the vineyards and the soil, about ten prestigious estates produce highly acclaimed wine there.

At the Maison des Vins des “Côtes de Provence,” you’ll find a wine cellar featuring 800 wines with the Côtes de Provence AOC designation, sold at producer prices, as well as numerous wine-related events.

The Market in Les Arcs-sur-Argens

The market in Les Arcs-sur-Argens takes place every Thursday morning. It’s a charming Provençal market in the Var department where you can find a wide variety of local products, including wine, fruits and vegetables, local desserts, as well as clothing and souvenirs.

Map of Les Arcs-sur-Argens (83460)

Don’t miss our interactive map of Les Arcs-sur-Argens if you need to find your way around town or view the accommodations we recommend in this charming village in the Var, a popular summer tourist destination.