carte Besse sur Issole

How long does it take to visit Besse-sur-Issole?

A full day is plenty of time to see the main sights of Besse-sur-Issole. Allow two to three hours for the historic village center. Visiting the belfry, Saint-Pierre Church, and fountains will take about an hour.

A leisurely walk around the natural lake takes 30 minutes. This heart-shaped lake covers 4 hectares and is 33 meters deep. The landscaped surroundings are ideal for relaxing with picnic areas.

For the more adventurous, the climb up Mont Saint-Quinis takes 2 hours there and back. This hike leads to a charming chapel and offers a magnificent view of the village. The trail climbs through the Provençal scrubland to an altitude of 636 meters.

If you have a weekend to spare, you can explore the surrounding area. Neighboring villages such as Flassans-sur-Issole and Carnoules are well worth a visit.

Where can I download a map of Besse-sur-Issole in PDF format?

You can obtain a detailed map of Besse-sur-Issole by clicking on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This PDF document lists all the points of interest in the village and the surrounding area.

The town hall of Besse-sur-Issole also provides tourist maps. The town's official website offers a wealth of information on signposted discovery trails.

The Cœur du Var inter-municipal tourist office distributes free brochures. These include hiking trails and places of interest. You will also find the schedules for guided tours organized during the season.

Mobile apps such as ViaMichelin and Google Maps offer detailed interactive maps. They allow GPS navigation and offline access once downloaded.

Where is the tourist office in Besse-sur-Issole?

The Besse-sur-Issole Tourist Information Office is located at 1 Place Alexandre Souleyret, 83890 Besse-sur-Issole. This visitor center will help you plan your stay in the region.

The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. During the high summer season, opening hours may be extended.

The local staff can provide information on activities, accommodation, and restaurants. They distribute free maps and sometimes organize themed guided tours. You will also find information on cultural events.

For general information, the town hall's website also offers a wealth of additional information on heritage and services.

What are the must-see places in Besse-sur-Issole?

The belfry and its astronomical bell tower are the village's landmarks. This tall rectangular tower topped by an 18th-century bell tower represents the solar system. Listed as a historic monument in 1946, it is one of the few astronomical bell towers in France.

The parish church of Saint-Pierre houses a statue of Our Lady of Purgatory. This 17th-century sanctuary is distinguished by its typical Provençal architecture. The interior contains remarkable religious works of art, including a painting by Frédéric Montenard.

Nine fountains dot the village, including the one in the square topped by a statue of Marianne. This Marianne holds her torch in her left hand, marking the socialist convictions of the mayor in 1891. The 16th-century fountain remains particularly photogenic.

The natural lake of Besse offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. This 4-hectare lake has a municipal campground and a guinguette (open-air café). Water sports and fishing are permitted in accordance with regulations.

The Saint-Quinis Chapel crowns the mountain of the same name and offers an exceptional view. This small building houses ex-votos and is a popular destination for walks. The trail passes through typical Mediterranean vegetation.

How to get to Besse-sur-Issole?

By car, Besse-sur-Issole is accessible from several roads. The departmental road 15 serves the village from Flassans-sur-Issole to the east or Forcalqueiret to the west. The RD 13 provides access from Carnoules to the south.

The A57 motorway has two convenient exits: exit 11 from Toulon and exit 13 from Nice. It takes about 45 minutes from Toulon and 1.5 hours from Marseille. Parking is free in the village center.

Public transportation is limited. Only school buses from the regional Zou! network serve the town. There is a former train station on the Carnoules-Gardanne line, but it no longer provides passenger service.

The Centre-Var tourist train offers seasonal excursions. The ATTCV association operates the line between Carnoules and Brignoles with a depot in Besse-sur-Issole. These heritage trips mainly run in summer.

What are the best hotels in Besse-sur-Issole?

Accommodation in Besse-sur-Issole favors Provençal charm with characterful establishments. L'Oustaou B&B Piscine & Spa offers accommodation with a swimming pool and views, appreciated for its warm welcome and homemade breakfasts. Les Pierres Sauvages offers a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery, with décor in harmony with the location and a private swimming pool. La Bastide de l'Issole is a family-friendly option located 2 km from the town center with independent apartments and an outdoor pool. These establishments combine Provençal authenticity and modern comfort, with average rates around $100 per night depending on the season.

Also worth reading to help you plan your visit to Besse sur Issole:

• Visit Besse-sur-Issole