Draguignan
Draguignan was the capital of the Var department until 1975, when it lost its title to Toulon. Draguignan is an ideal holiday destination due to its beautiful location in a very lush area. It is a good starting point for excursions in the surrounding area with charming medieval villages, vineyards and olive groves and to the wild mountain gorges of the Grand Canyon du Verdon to the north and to the Gorges de Châteaudouble, which is a smaller version of the Verdon. The main interest lies in the city's medieval neighbourhood, which is surrounded by beautiful plane tree avenues. The streets of the old town are interesting despite not having the same medieval character as the smaller villages. The landmark that dominates the old town is the 24 metre high clock tower, the Tour de l'Horloge, from 1663 with the classic wrought iron campanile at the top. The wooden-roofed Eglise de St-Michel on Place de la Paroisse houses a statue of St Hermentaire, who is said to have slain a terrorising dragon in the 4th century. The town takes its name from this dragon. In the square next to the church there is a huge market every Saturday. In Rue de la Juiverie you can see the facade of a synagogue, the last reminder of a prominent Jewish community that flourished here in the Middle Ages. On the outskirts of Draguignan is a large American cemetery, the Cimetière Américain, with many white crosses in neat rows that bear witness to the fighting that took place during the Allied landings in Provence in August 1944. Here you can visit a very stylish chapel, the interior of which is beautifully decorated by an American mosaic artist. The town also boasts two excellent local museums: the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires de Moyenne Provence, which houses an extensive exhibition of traditional crafts and materials, and the Musée Municipal, whose collection includes paintings by Rembrandt and Renoir. Inspiration for your holiday:Sights to see:Tour de l'Horloge from 1663 Church of St-Michel Musée des Arts et traditions Populaires de Mouyenne Provence: Located in buildings dating back to the 17th century. It illustrates rural life through reconstructed kitchens and barns. Mucée Municipal: Paintings by Rembrandt and Renoir, as well as collections of ceramics and furniture. Prierre de la Fee: North-west of the city you'll find a huge, prehistoric stone cairn. 
Things to do in DraguignanMusical entertainment in summer Festivals (Dragifolies) Markets Golf: There is a wealth of golf courses in the Var department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region: http://www.ffgolf.org/. |