Seillans Village by the Villa des Rêves

Seillans is an ancient village dating to 500 B.C. It lies nestled back against the base of a forested mountain, looking out to the south across lower valleys. The village stretches up through narrow, cobblestone streets that pass between ancient buildings and other lovely squares to eventually reach the 12th century Saint Léger church at the top. In between are small, shaded squares and fountains. The village and area has always been popular particularly with artists (painter-sculptor Max Ernst lived his last ten years in this village). Princess Diana and Fergy vacationed here in July 1996. David and Victoria Beckham own a villa in the neighbouring village of Bargemon.

The climate comprises mild winters and hot dry summers. The hills to the North protect Seillans from the Mistral wind. The area is quiet and peaceful, being dominated largely by vines, olive groves, lavender fields and wooded hills. There are vast forests where one can discover truffles or mushrooms and sometimes even wild boars!
Surrounding Seillans are other beautiful perched hilltop Provencal villages such as Fayence, Montauroux, Callian and Bargemon.

ACTIVITIES
Lake St. Cassien - Nearby is the 1,600 acre lake of St. Cassien, 12km away, with swimming, sailing, canoes, pedalos and other boats available for rent, fishing and beach restaurants.
The Gorge of Verdon (Europe’s Grand Canyon) - offers whitewater canoeing, climbing and hang gliding.
Perfume/crafts - The perfumeries of Seillans, located a short way up in the hills outside the village, date back to 1883. You can visit perfume-makers in Grasse and various markets and arts/crafts fairs in villages close by.
Eating - There are restaurants both in Seillans and in all the villages around, all serving aromatic Provencal dishes.
Hiking - The Seillans Ramblers produce a booklet available from the Tourist Office detailing 100km of walking trails around the village. The walks vary from 6km of easy strolling to 32km of serious hilltop hiking. All the routes are plainly marked and offer spectacular panoramic views.
Cycling - There are also hundreds of miles of roads to cycle, most suitable for road bikes. The many hilltowns and villages make this area one of the most attractive cycling destinations in Europe.
Golf - There are several golf courses in the Var region and these will all be busy during the summer months requiring advance booking for decent tee-times. The 36-hole course at La Terre Blanche is only 5 miles from Seillans.
Gliding - Fayence airfield is Europe's largest gliding centre. It is possible to fly in a two-man glider as an observer or as a learning experience, or, for an experienced flier, to hire a glider.

Bottom photos' copyright Russ Collins, Provence Beyond Website