From the top of its rocky spur, GASSIN offers exceptional 360° views over the whole peninsula - it's just like being in a helicopter! As you stand on the ancient 13th century ramparts, you'll be able to declare: "I have seen La Croix-Valmer, Saint-Tropez, Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Les Issambres and beyond... I was in Gassin!"

Here too, it's best to leave your vehicle behind to appreciate this village with its well-preserved stone houses, jostling around the church and the old Medieval fortress. Gassin's ancient streets are often topped by flowering porticoes; its alleyways are so narrow that one of them is considered as the world's tiniest! Will you manage to squeeze through ?

Our villages are certainly are full of surprises! Collobrières, tucked deep away in the Maures Hills, Plan de la Tour, hidden in the country, La Croix-Valmer with its steep, hidden creeks... You will love discovering them all - or of course coming back to continue your adventures!

Since the 1950's, the development of tourism has somewhat changed the character of these villages, although their originality remains intact. Unfortunately, though, this trend has led to the disappearance of all sorts of ancient trades. In Gassin, for example, five cork makers worked full time during the 19th century. The streets were cluttered with horses and carts. Silk worms were also raised here before being sent to Cogolin. And charcoal was produced by the vilage's so-called "bousquetiers" (only one charcoal maker remains in the Var region today!). Hops and asparagus were farmed in the area...

At the turn of the 20th century, the job of postman was highly sought-after in Gassin the village, which was one of the French Republic's largest administrative "communes", possessed no less than 5 to deliver the mail! It should be mentioned that in addition to the current village, the "commune" extended to Le Dattier (by the beautiful white house you can see on leaving Cavalaire), through Cape Lardier. La Croix-Valmer and Cavalaire did not exist at the time! Vines covered most of the area and attracted large numbers of workers from all over the region, hence reinforcing the village's population.

Faithful to its Wine-Growing Tradition…

Like most fof the villages located on the peninsula, Gassin, has stayed faithful to its wine-growing tradition. And that's a lucky thing for the environment. Lucky for the local economy too. On this crystalline soil, vines flourish on the hillsides or in the plains, nurtured by the southern sunshine and cradled by the sea air.

Here, the vineyards boast prestigious names. Appreciated the world over, the "Côtes de Provence" AOC wines they produce are highly-reputed and regularly recompensed at a national level. But this international opening really is the village's only little foible - here, discretion is cultivated above all.
Nonetheless, that didn't prevent Gassin from receiving the "Marianne d'Or" prize recently for the quality of its architectural restoration work and adjacent new village, created by the architect François Spoerry, who also designed Port-Grimaud.

assin has also received a prestigious European award for its rebuilding work and has just been named one of "France's most beautiful villages"! An early evening drink on the terrace of "Les Barri", under the age-old nettle trees, will allow you to judge for yourself!

"Maison des Confitures" (House of Jams)

Chemin du Bourrian. From the village, take the RD89 road towards Carrefour de la Foux. After the "Parc St James", take the Chemin du Bourrian on your right towards Saint-Tropez. Tel: 04 94 43 41 58. Closed on Sundays.

The "Marines de Gassin" marina

Comprising a residential complex, shops and a pretty sandy beach, are set along the coast from Port-Grimaud and the "Marines de Cogolin".

La Moune sailing scool

RD 98 - Phone : 04 94 97 71 05 - Open from May to Septem ber.

Numerous vineyards

Château Bar beyrolles, Les Maîtres Vignerons, Château Mi nuty, Domaine de Bertaud-Belieu, Domaine de la Rouillère, Domaine du Pin Pinon, Domai ne du Bourrian, Domaine Tropez-Béraud, Domaine de Chausse, Domaine de Moulin Brûlat (see visiting times in the practical guide published by the "Maison du Tourisme").

Haras de Gassin

Terrain du Bourrian - From June to September, from 6 to 8 polo games, Arab horse shows and the first week of September, the Polo Masters Gassin.

A Touch of History

The first written traces of Gassin... or rather "Garcin", go back to 1234-1235. At the time, the "castrum" or ancient castle occupied today's Rue de la Tasco and was surrounded by ramparts or "Barri", which were subsequently used to support the village houses.

Remains of these ramparts can still be seen in certain streets, held up by buttresses, with impressively thick doors and windows. The name of Gassin (formerly Garcin, Garcinum, Garcino) is thought to originate from a word meaning "steep place". The village was not officially named Gassin until the mid-18th century and is now officially one of France's most beautiful villages.

Monuments

"Notre Dame de l’Assomption" (Church)

"Notre Dame de l’Assomption" church, on the village square, was comple ted in 1558. The bell tower, which was built separately from the rest of the church, is probably the oldest section. The church formerly bore battlements, which were destroyed in 1793.

It is home to the shrine of Saint-Laurent, the village's Patron Saint, a golden virgin and many paintings. A 16th century white marble font, decorated with 4 angel heads, plus a fragment of a Christ by the Spanish school can be admired in the sacristy. The modern cross was designed by Roger Roux in 1968.

"Notre Dame de Consolation" (chapel)

This small Romanesque chapel set in the middle of the woods was a parish church up to the mid-16th century. Located 500 metres to the North of the village, it is said to have been built after the Plague hit the area. There are 3 or 4 classical music concerts (piano, chorale society, etc)in july and august in this idyllic and rustic place.

"Moulin à vent de Verdagne"

Set in the plain, in a quarter bearing the same name, this windmill was built in the 19th century. The tower is still standing. Access: Take the Route du Brost from the village - the windmill is located inside Verdagne campsite. Open all year round.

“Le Moulin Brûlat”

Situated less than 300 metres from Cavalaire town centre, in a little lane situated between the top of the cemetery and the road leading to Saint-Tropez, this ancient mill, still sporting its original tower, offers splendid views over the village.

Take a Walk !

Length: 40 mins. on foot.

1. Departure from the top of the car park, Montée Saint-Joseph, near the orientation table, offering unique views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez and the Maures Hills.

2. Follow the promenade Deï Barri, a Medieval terrace marking the former boundary of the ramparts and take a look at the age-old nettle trees. At the end of the Promenade Deï Barri, you will enjoy a splendid panorama over Cavalaire Bay and the Golden Islands off the coast of Hyères (Le Levant, Port-Cros, Bagaud and a glimpse of Porquerolles, when the Mistral wind is blowing!).

3. At the edge of the Passage des Bénédictins, you will discover "Notre Dame de l'Assomption" church and the adjacent presbytery.

4. Take the Passage du Guet leading to the so-called "Porte des Sarrasins" (Saracens Gate) -this was in fact the folding door of the primitive "castrum" or ancient castle) then head back up the Rue Centrale, passing in front of the porch next to the oldest section of the Town Hall (built in 1584 above the public oven). Then turn right to discover the well.

5. Go back down the Rue du Puits. 150 metres further on, on your left, is the Rue du Moulin where olive oil used to be made. On your left, the village's narrowest street called "l'Androuno" (the street can only be taken by one person at a time - and they have to be pretty trim too!) is claimed by some to be the narrowest street in the world! Then go up Rue de la Treille and Rue Troubadour Rollet de Garcin (born of Jehan de Nostredame at Château de Garcin castle in 1150!).

6. Go back up Rue Rompecuou (Bottom-Breaker Street!) to Rue Longue. On the left, you will see the Passage des Templiers or "Templar's Way" (at the time, all the village cellars were networked for defence reasons).

NB : Groups can enjoy tours of Gassin hosted by a professional guide (languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish, German). Free tours leave from the orientation table. Dates & Times: every Wednesday from April to October at 4pm except in july and august at 6pm. Please call the guide service on 04 94 55 98 55.

You will adore strolling through Gassin's quiet streets with their many porticoes and Medieval gates adorned with bougainvillea, plumbago and Virginia creepers.

Panorama

Orientation table

Located at Montée Saint-Joseph, in the village, to the left of the car park.

"Les Moulins de Paillas"

Ancient windmills, on the RD 89 road.

"Azur Park"

Amusement park situated at Carrefour de la Foux on the RN 98 road. Take the D89 from Gassin to La Foux, then the R.N. 98 towards Saint-Tropez. Open every day from April 1 May 31, from 20.30 to 1.00. June 1 Sep tember 15, from 20.30 to 2.00. Sundays and Bank Holidays from 16.00. Tel: 04 98 12 62 90.

"Le Tropical Golf"

Same address as Azur Park, crazy golf and garden with prehistoric animals, open 7 days a week from April-October. Tel. 04 94 56 48 39.

"Galerie Deï Barri"

Art exhibitions, Place Deï Barri. Open from April 1-October 31 and until 22.30 in July/August. Tel. 04 94 56 13 52

"Foyer des Campagnes"

Photo, art and sculpture exhibitions. From April to September.

"Petit Village"

A wonderful opportunity to taste the wines produced by the "Maîtres Vignerons" association and choose from an excellent selection of local produce (olive oil, jams, honey, pottery, Provençal fabrics and books, etc.). Great gift ideas!

Carrefour de la Foux - R.N. 98 - Tel: 04 94 56 32 04 - open all year round.