Lorgues is a small town in the Var, nestled between the Gorges du Verdon and the Gulf of St. Tropez. Here, medieval relics, religious monuments and old facades blend harmoniously to create a pleasant town with narrow streets and shaded squares. Surrounded by two rivers, the landscape, with its terraces, has many hamlets and chapels and a remarkable natural environment.

History

Sunny location sheltered from the wind and with a good supply of water through several sources, the site of the present town of Lorgues has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Dolmens can still be seen.

Important Ligurian village with an oppidum refuge on the St. Ironwood hill, it was later colonized by the Romans.

In the Middle Ages, the Castrum remained safe from barbarian and Saracen invasions through its fortifications.

Around 1156, the Templars settled here to form the Commandery Ruou. They gave the city new and solid walls whose ruins are still visible today. From the fourteenth century, several religious orders settled in Lorgues and built their chapels, schools and convents.

Between the eighteenth and nineteenth century, Lorgues grew and became rich: the major monuments of the city were built and the Republic avenue, surrounded by townhouses, was designed. So far, the municipality has made ​​sure to keep this historic and architectural heritage.

To see:

Saint-Martin church: This huge church, disproportionate compared to the size of the village, has been watching over Lorgues for over two centuries. Its imposing facade is 30 meters wide and its classical forms impart high symmetry.

The Clock Tower: This tower was built in the seventeenth century in one of the towers of the medieval fortress dating from the fourteenth century. In 1615, the tower was raised, and the clock was added in 1619. The Clock Tower is listed historical monument.

The village also has many fountains that produce a pleasant coolness in summer. Several major tourist attractions are nearby Lorgues, such as Lake St. Croix and the Gorges du Verdon, the Villecroze Benedictine Caves, Sillans the Cascade and the cities of Saint-Tropez and Tourtour.

Location:

Lorgues is located in the Var department, between Draguignan (15km), Vidauban (10km), Villecroze (15km) and Le Thoronet (10km).

Nice Cote d’Azur airport is the nearest airport. It is 90 km from Lorgues.