Callas

Callas is a small picturesque medieval village nestled on a hillside in the heart of Provence, 14 kilometres east of Draguignan and just 33 kilometres from the lovely Mediterranean beaches of Fréjus/Saint-Raphaël. It has all the necessities including restaurants, cafés, grocery store, bakery, butcher and a tourist office.

Callas is a typical Provençal medieval village with narrow, winding streets, stone paved stairways and small squares with fountains. Callas doesn't offer any major sights, but places of interest include the old town hall from 1623 with its wrought-iron bell tower typical of the area, the church of Notre-Dame with its tall bell tower and the ruins of an old castle from the 13th century, Pontevès. At the top of the town you can admire the magnificent panoramic views over the Estérel mountains and down towards the Mediterranean. The cafés in the town's main square are where tourists and locals gather in the shade under the large plane trees.

Below the town is an old olive mill (moulin à l'huile), which also serves as a souvenir shop. In addition to olive oil, it sells handmade products made from olive wood and clay. The old mill wheel no longer works, but the metal frame is beautifully decorated and the old wooden slats are still intact.