Les Arcs-sur-Argens

Les-Arcs-sur-Argens is an exciting town located midway between Le Muy and Vidauban in the hinterland of Fréjus/Sainte-Maxime in the Var department. The town's medieval neighbourhood, Quartier du Parage, is car-free and well worth a visit. Arched passages, stone arches (les arcs) that gave the town its name, old houses, medieval doorways, carved wooden doors and the remains of a medieval castle now converted into a hotel guesthouse and Michelin-starred restaurant, ‘Le Logis du Guetteur’. In summer, it serves on an open terrace with a pool and views of the countryside.

The old town was double-walled for defence against Saracen invasions. The round, fortified bell tower is topped by an interesting 17th-century campanile. The area between the ‘Saracen’ tower (11th century dungeon) and Paul Simon Square, called ‘Parage’, is the oldest in the medieval city. Here you can see the tower, the 11th-century dungeon, the remains of the old Arcubus Castrum and the 13th-15th-century St Pierre Chapel with two naves and side chapels (exhibition space in summer).

St Peter's Chapel (12th century) is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. It is now used as an exhibition hall during the summer season.

As you walk through the old town, notice all the old doorways and interesting old doors. There are many of them, each one more beautiful than the next.