PORQUEROLLES: HISTORY OF ISLAND

The island of Porquerolles is located in the Gulf of Hyères, in the Var department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Like the islands of the Levant and Port-Cros, the island of Porquerolles has been known to mariners throughout the Mediterranean region since well before the Middle Ages.

Inhabited by the Romans, it was long coveted by barbarians and pirates as a staging area from which to prey on seafaring coastal traders. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the island was threatened by the Spanish crown and thus Francis I decided to install a military garrison and built fort Sainte-Agathe. A century later, Richelieu had the island’s defenses augmented by adding additional fortifications later known as the “Big” Fort and “Small” Langoustier.

Today Fort Saint-Agathe is open to the general public. Remodeled during the 20th century, this fort notably retains its round tower from the 16th century. Its terrace offers a panoramic view of the island and its magnificent harbor.

PORQUEROLLES: VILLAS AND VINEYARDS

In the aftermath of the Revolution, the island was sold by the government as national property in 1792. Over the course of the ensuing 120 years, title to the property passed through several owners. In 1912, the island was sold at public auction.

François-Joseph Fournier bought it and offered it as a wedding gift to his wife Sylvia. Fournier’s purchase turned out to be a watershed event in the history of the island.

This event will radically change the life of the island. Fournier brought families to live there, he had school built, planted fruit trees, vineyards and thousands of trees such as Aleppo pines and eucalyptus trees. Soon thereafter, he began shipping wines and fruits on the continent - kumquats, lemons, mandarins and oranges. His wife facilitated multiple commercial development projects on the island which included the hotel Le Mas du Langoustier and La Villa Sainte-Anne.

Nowadays, the descendants of Fournier continue the family tradition of developing plantations, vineyards, and hotels.

PORQUEROLLES: NATURAL HERITAGE

In 1971, in order to preserve a rare and unique plantation, part of Fournier's property was placed under the management of the State. The natural area of 1000 hectares has been entrusted to the National Park of Port-Cros. The administration is provided by the National Botanical Conservatory of the Mediterranean.

PORQUEROLLES: RESTAURANT LE MAS DU LANGOUSTIER

Le Mas du Langoustier hotel has two restaurants: La Pinède and L'Olivier. Each dining venue offers Provençal cuisine with sweet Mediterranean and oriental scents. On either menu one can find a large choice of fish dishes mostly originating from local fisheries: octopus, Aioli, Bouillabaisse, Mediterranean lobster, lobster and grilled wolf, tartare of fish with coconut milk. The menu of the restaurant La Pinède features lighter fare. The menu of the restaurant L'Olivier is rather intended for lovers of tasting multiple course meals.

IN THE MENU OF THE RESTAURANT L'OLIVIER

Entrees are offered either as single dishes or in the form of three tasting menus: "L'Ombre de l'Olivier", "Les Chants des Cigales" and "Découverte".

Menu set "A l'Ombre de l'Olivier" consists of an egg from Pradet farm; Mediterranean red mullet fish for main course, and fresh cheese and "Parfums de Provence for dessert".

Under the menu entry "Les Chants des Cigales": marinated “fish of day” with lemongrass. Main course - crispy monkfish scented with coriander. Second course: poultry followed by a Saint Félicien accompanied by truffle honey and topped off with Agrumeraie: sorbet with black lemon from Iran, creamy Priscos, and lemon marmelade with tarragon.

The menu "Discovery" is composed of seven dishes: asparagus from Provence to start; first main course - langoustines. Second main course: Saint Pierre, then filet of beef matured as third course. The suite is made up of a plate of Cheese, followed by a before-the-dessert and a Cazette de Bourgogne for dessert.

The wines of "Domaine de l'Île de Porquerolles in white, rosé and red are available to accompany your meal.

Both restaurants are open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. Open on Monday May 1st, Monday, May 8th, and Monday, June 5th.

Address: Chemin du Langoustier, 83400 Hyères

HYÈRES - THE MOST SOUTHERN CITY IN PROVENCE

CITY OF ART AND HISTORY

Hyères is located about 110 km from Cannes in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

It is the most southern city of Provence, which itself extends along the sea for thirty-nine kilometers.

The peninsula of Giens and the four “golden islands” - Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Levant and Bagaud, are part of the commune known as Hyères.

The islands of Hyères are renowned for the large quantities of lavender found there.

The city of Hyères possesses a rich historical and architectural heritage from the time of antiquity, through the Middle Ages and into the Belle Epoque.

Among the listed historical monuments are the site of Olbia, which dates from the 4^th century BC, the oppidum of Costebelle, the castle built between the 11^th and 13^th centuries, Port Barruc, Portalet Place, Port Massillon, Romanesque house dating from the 13^th century, the Collegiate Church of Saint Paul, the Tower of Saint Blaise which dates from the 12^th century, the church of Saint Louis from the 13^th century, the Villa Tunisienne and the Anatole France school of the 19^th century, as well as the Villa Noailles of the 20^th century.

The economic life of the city has been closely linked to the salt harvest for centuries: indeed, it was practiced from the time of antiquity through the late 20^th century. In the 19^th century, the city was transformed into a seaside resort. During the late 1800s, many sumptuous hotels and villas were built. Hyères is labelled as a “city art and history”.

HYÈRES: OLBIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Olbia of Provence was founded as a Greek fortress, by Massalia, in the 4^th century BC. The colony of Olbiens served to secure the maritime trades. The settler soldiers, the Olbiens, were fishermen and farmers as the same time.

The vestiges of the site present an ancient military city: a thick square rampart flanked by towers, streets with sidewalks and sewers, collective wells, houses, thermal baths and sanctuaries.

The economic activity of Olbia of Provence continued after the defeat of Massalia by Caesar. Centuries later, in 989 AD, the Saint-Pierre Abbey of the Almanarre was built on the remains of the ancient city. In 1220, the Benedictine abbey became Cistercian and existed at that place until the end of the 14^th century.

HYÈRES AND HISTORY OF SALT

The name of the city comes from the Latin word Areae which designates the salt marshes.

The wealth of town stemmed from the salt harvest. From antiquity, salt was transported from Hyères throughout Europe.

The Pesquiers salt site has now become an ornithological reserve.

HYÈRES IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Fief of the lords of Fos, Hyères was the seat of a commandery of the Templars until 1257.

Then the town came into the possession of Charles of Anjou and was attached to the county of Provence.

During the Religious wars, the city of Hyères was dismantled by Louis XIII.

COLLÉGIALE SAINT-PAULE

The Saint-Paul church in the upper town of Hyères has been open to the public since 2016, following the renovation undertaken in 1983.

The first building of the Church of Saint Paul was built in the 12^th century in the Provençal Romanesque style. The church became parish in 1221. In 1572, it was redesignated as a collegiate church.

The new gothic-radiant nave was built in the 14^th century. This building is placed perpendicular to the old Romanesque church, which became the vestibule, called narthex.

It houses one of the most important collections of ex-voto (i.e., a religious offering given in order to fulfill a vow) in Provence. The collection comes from the Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation which was destroyed in 1944.

HYÈRES: THE TOWER OF THE KNIGHTS OF TEMPLARS

From the commandery of the Templars built from the 12^th century, to the present day remains the Tour Saint-Blaise.

The tower chapel is located on the ground floor, and the guard room on the first floor.

At the top of the building is the fortified terrace. In the present day, the Tower has become a place reserved for temporary exhibitions of all manner and description.

HYÈRES: ARISTOCRATIC WINTER STATION

King Charles IX and his court stayed in Hyères in 1564.

Thanks to Pauline Borghese, the city became an aristocratic winter resort as early as 1820.

Aristocrats, the bourgeois and the intellectual elite stayed in the great hotels and villas of Hyères. Among them, Queen Victoria, Catherine Medicis, Michelet, Ambroise Thomas, Lamartine, Stevenson, Hugo, Tolstoy, Conrad and many others.

From this period date the Victorian, Moorish or Belle Epoque houses which alongside avant-garde houses such as Villa Noailles.

Among the buildings of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, three are inscribed on the list of historical monuments: the school Anatole France, Villa Tunisienne and Villa Noailles.

The school known as Anatole France was built during 1888-89. This is an example of the Jules Ferry school of architectural design. The building is endowed with a courtyard of monumental proportions, the decoration refers to the Antiquity.

The Tunisian Villa presents Moorish art with earthenware, bows and geometric motifs. It was the principal residence and the office of Pierre Chapaulart. It was built in 1884 by the architect himself.

The villa Noailles was built in 1920 by Robert Mallet-Stevens. Marie-Laure and Charles de Noailles received in this place all the artistic elite of the Roaring Twenties.

Today, it is a place of creations and exhibitions in the fields of design, architecture, fashion, and photography.

HYÈRES : VINS CÔTES PROVENCE LA LONDE

Les vins d'Hyères bénéficient soit du label IGP (Var, Maures et Méditerranée), soit de l’AOP Côtes de Provence la Londe.

WINE TASTING "CHÂTEAU LES VALENTINES"

Château Valentines offers Provencal wines certified as belonging to the appellation Côte de Provence and Côte de Provence La Londe.

The varied range of wines are marketed as part of a line of gastronomic wines, "Great cuvee No. 8", great gourmet reds, "Caprice of Clementine" and sparkling rosé extra dry wine.

The range of gastronomic wines "Château les Valentines" are typical in character of those commonly associated with the appellation Cotes de Provence.

The "Great cuvee No. 8" family of wines reflect the exceptional characteristics of the land from which they are produced in the best winemaking traditions of the Côtes Provence La Londe appellation. The rosés possess mineral accents, full-bodied and ample. Made from old Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine and aged in barrels, the white wines are fine and possess a delicate aromatic balance.

This collection of great gourmet reds offers wines of character, powerful and fine at the same time, with aromas of red and black fruits. Such reds are characterized by spicy cassis-like aromas.

The "Caprice of Clementine" range, for example, possesses flavors of fresh fruits in a delicate and delightful way, giving the rise to exceptional vintages. Rosé wines, on the other hand, are marked by the aromas of fine red fruits and spices. The white wines, in contrast, express the finesse of the Rolle, Clarets, and Ugni-Blanc varietals blended in a manner that provides hints of citrus accompanied by notes of iodine.

Among the wines tasted and described here, two proved especially noteworthy: the white wine "Caprice Clementine" and rosé sparkling wine extra brut. Produced from Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine, the white wine is essence of finesse and delicate aromas. The rosé sparkling wine extra brut expresses the fine gourmand notes of citrus, wood strawberries and anise. Elaborated through traditional Provencal methods, this wine possesses fine, light bubbles, and a delightful effervescence.

Address: route de Collobrières, lieu-dit les Jassons, 83250 La Londe-les-Maures

CHARTREUSE DE LA VERNE - CHARTERHOUSE AT COLLOBRIÈRE  

Located in the heart of the Massif des Maures, in the municipality of Collobrière in the Var department, the Chartreuse de la Verne was designated as a Historical Monument in 1921 and 1976.

HISTORY OF CHARTERHOUSE

Founded in 1170 AD by the presiding bishops of Fréjus and Toulon, the “Chartreuse de la Verne”, the home of Carthusian order, was originally known as the “Monastery of the Virgin Mary”. It has been governed under the authority of successive local priors: Didier, bishop of Toulon, first prior, Stephen, another bishop of Toulon, Bertrand de Correns, and later Joseph-Claude Geoffroy.

The first Roman Catholic church was consecrated in “Chartreuse de la Verne” on October 3, 1174. Destroyed by fire and rebuilt thereafter, it was sacked in 1416 by the lords of Bormes.

Following the great fires of the 13^th and 14^th centuries, all buildings except the church were destroyed and were rebuilt in the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

There are only a few surviving structures from the Romanesque period, including, the north wall of the church and part of its apse (a part of a church that is shaped like a half circle and usually located on the east side of a building).

The original bell from the 17^th century tower was placed on a pedestal in the large entrance hall of the Town Hall of Collobrières.

In 1968, the complex was largely restored by using the stones found within surrounding ruins.

MONASTIC LIFE OF CHARTERHOUSE

The founding of the "Chartreuse de la Verne" came to pass in 1170, when the local bishop decided to install one of the groups of the Carthusian Order at the site.

A request was sent to the closest Charterhouse, "Chartreuse of Montrieux", located at Méounes-les-Montrieux, about 40 km from Collobrière between Toulon and Brignoles and 30 kilometers from Hyéres.

The history, customs, and life of the Charterhouse were directly related to those of their antecedents, the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, located in Isère. The Carthusian Order was formed within the Roman Catholic church during the 11^th century, with a unique emphasis on Carthusian monastic values and traditions.

The spiritual life of the Carthusians placed a premium on the virtues of silence and solitude. Carthusian monks were perpetually aspiring for absolute and total dedication to God. Individual monks pursued their spiritual goals within the confines of their individual living quarters (cells).

Nevertheless, the "Chartreuse de la Verne" held the status more or less of a Convent rather than a Monastery. The Carthusians, lay brothers living in Chartreuse, could interact with the outside world, something that was not permitted for monks. Such individuals were permitted to interact with the laborers who lived among them within the community and took care of the "hard" work such as farming crops, minding livestock, and related social activities.

"Chartreuse de la Verne" maintained a monastic life until the Carthusians were forced to relocate to Italy, following the onset of the French Revolution.

Since 1983 the monastery has regained its quasi-monastic tradition: it is now home to a community of nuns from Bethlehem. Hierarchically, the Charterhouse of Verne (Chartreuse de la Verne) is under the governance of the Charterhouse of Montrieux (Chartreuse de Montrieux).

ECONOMIC LIFE IN CHARTERHOUSE

The spiritual life of the Carthusian monks was devoted primarily to God, hence their devotion to the deity left the members of the community little time to exploit the large surrounding agricultural tracts. However, the community did benefit greatly from lands and forests in the region. Between 1084 and 1170, for example, the main population of the Carthusian order derived its wealth from forges operating in the Grenoble region. By the end of the 19^th century, their revenues came mainly from the sale of a liquor named the "Chartreuse." Today visitors and tourists can purchase at Charterhouse various products made entirely by hand within the Chartreuse community such as ceramic tableware, wooden sculptures, pottery, and other objects related to religious procedures.

For visits, the Chartreuse is open:

• 11:00am-5:00pm, every day, except Tuesday, September thru December and February thru May; 
• 11:00am-6:00pm June thru August.

Address: 83610 Collobrières, road D214

Phone: +33 4 94 43 48 28

FINE DINING NEARBY RESTAURANT LA COLOMBE

The restaurant "La Colombe" specializes in Provencal gourmet and traditional French cuisine.

The «Maitre Restaurateur» Pascal Bonamy welcomes you in a stylish environment of pastel colors and offers Provencale cuisine rich in Mediterranean fragrances.

This gourmet restaurant is higly praised and mentioned by Gault Millau, Bottin Gourmand, Champérard, and honored with a culinary prize by Quartet Veuve Clicquot.

Address: Bayorre - Route Nationale 98, 83400 Hyères

WINE TASTING

Provencal wines by « Château les Valentines »

Located 25 km from Chartreuse de la Verne, at La Londe-les-Maures, "Château Valentines" offers Provencal wines certified as belonging to the appellation Côte de Provence and Côte de Provence La Londe.

These wines are produced from grape varietals traditionally grown in Provence: the Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Clarette, and Ugni-Blanc from vines more than of thirty years old. The varied range of wines are marketed as part of a line of gastronomic wines, "Great cuvee No. 8", great gourmet reds, "Caprice of Clementine" and sparkling rosé extra dry wine.

The range of gastronomic wines "Château les Valentines" are typical in character of those commonly associated with the appellation Cotes de Provence.

The "Great cuvee No. 8" family of wines reflect the exceptional characteristics of the land from which they are produced in the best winemaking traditions of the Côtes Provence La Londe appellation. The rosés possess mineral accents, full-bodied and ample. Made from old Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine and aged in barrels, the white wines are fine and possess a delicate aromatic balance.

This collection of great gourmet reds offers wines of character, powerful and fine at the same time, with aromas of red and black fruits. Such reds are characterized by spicy cassis-like aromas.

The "Caprice of Clementine" range, for example, possesses flavors of fresh fruits in a delicate and delightful way, giving the rise to exceptional vintages. Rosé wines, on the other hand, are marked by the aromas of fine red fruits and spices. The white wines, in contrast, express the finesse of the Rolle, Clarets, and Ugni-Blanc varietals blended in a manner that provides hints of citrus accompanied by notes of iodine.

Among the wines tasted and described here, two proved especially noteworthy: the white wine "Caprice Clementine" and rosé sparkling wine extra brut. Produced from Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine, the white wine is essence of finesse and delicate aromas. The rosé sparkling wine extra brut expresses the fine gourmand notes of citrus, wood strawberries and anise. Elaborated through traditional Provencal methods, this wine possesses fine, light bubbles, and a delightful effervescence.

The cellar is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day except Sunday and holidays.

Address: route de Collobrières, lieu-dit les Jassons, 83250 La Londe-les-Maures

ABBEY OF THORONET - ESSENCE OF CISTERCIAN ART

Situated in the town Thoronet, this Cistercian Abbey was founded in 12th century. The Abbey of Thoronet (*) is one of three Provencal abbeys built in the Cistercian style during the Romanesque period. It was designated an "Historic Monument" in 1840.

HISTORY OF ABBEY

The complex was built between the years 1150 and 1200 AD. The main buildings of the abbey, its church, including sacristy cabinets, chapter house, and cloister were built between 1150 and 1175. In 1175, the tenants added a sink and pantry to the kitchen as well. The courtyard and a dormitory for lay brothers were built around 1200. The buildings were built from cut stones which were set without mortar.

The Abbey of Thoronet expresses the essence of Cistercian art: perfection was to be found in simplicity and harmony in rigor, notions that were inspired by the philosophy of Saint Bernard.

The Cistercian architectural style is characterized by clean lines, simple design, and elegance intended to convey to the observer feelings of harmony and serenity.

The abbey nearly disappeared due to centuries of neglect. Its acquisition by the state in 1854, and intervention of the writer Prosper Mérimée, marked a turning point in its history. Its first restoration was undertaken by the architect Revoil in 1873, followed by another effort initiated by Formigé beginning in 1907. Restoration works continues to this day.

Note: (*) Three Provençal abbeys were designed and constructed in the Cistercian Romanesque style: Abbey Thoronet, Abbey of Our Lady of Sénanque, located on the town of Gordes, Vaucluse department, and Abbey Silvacane, in the town of Roque-d'Anthéron, in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône.

MONASTIC LIFE AT THE ABBEY OF THORONET

The establishment of the Abbey of Thoronet was rooted to the expansion of the Cistercian Order during the 12th century. At that time, many faithful were seeking "new ways to find religious inspiration." Many sought to pursue more disciplined ways of tending towards perfection by returning to the community’s original values and canons.

The Cistercian order was to promote asceticism, with strict liturgical discipline, and held hard work to be a cardinal virtue. Socially, the order acts as the guarantor of the development of intellectual fields, arts and spirituality. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Abbey of Thoronet housed as many as 20 monks and a few dozen lay brothers. About two centuries later, the abbey entered a period on decline. By 1790, there remained only seven monks inhabiting the abbey.

ECONOMIC LIFE AT THE ABBEY OF THORONET

The economy of the abbey until the middle of the 13th century was organized around agriculture and animal husbandry. The isolated lifestyle required by the doctrine of St. Benedict applied to the inhabitants of the Abbey of Thoronet.   Lay brothers were responsible for the full economic development of the abbey’s agricultural lands: salt production at Marignane and at Hyères, fishing at Martiques, Hyères and Sainte-Maxime, and the production of meat products and skins through the breeding sheeps and goats.

GREGORIAN CONCERTS AND MUSIC FESTIVALS AT THE ABBEY OF THORONET

With exceptional acoustics, the Abbey of Thoronet invites visitors to experience unforgettable concerts featuring the music of the Middle Ages.

During the summer, the abbey hosts the "International Medieval Music Meetings ", the "Music and Spirit Festival", and Gregorian chant concerts by soloists and choirs.

Address: 83340, Thoronet, D79

WINE TASTING NEAR THE ABBEY OF THORONET

PROVENCAL WINES OF DOMAINE SAINT CROIX MANUELLE

Situated a very short distance from Abbey of Thoronet, Domaine Saint Croix Manual offers a varied selection of wines from Provence certified on AOP and on IGP VAR.

Among the wines, two are worthy of special mention: the red wine 100% Merlot and white wine 100% Chardonnay.

The 100% Merlot varietal wine is powerfully expressive, full-bodied, and fruity. It goes particularly well with roasted duck and beef carpaccio dishes.

The 100% Chardonnay varietal wine expresses gourmet silky notes of mango and citrus. Excellent as an aperitif. It goes well with fish, salads and desserts.

Addresse : Route de l'abbaye, le Thoronet, 83340

PROVENCAL WINES OF CHÂTEAU NESTUBY

The Château Nestuby, located 20 km from the Abbey of Thoronet, near the village of Cotignac, produces Provencal wines which are designated apellation Côtes de Provence and PGI VAR.

The wines produced by Château Nestuby, as part of the "Classic" line, are typical of the region of Provence, noteworthy for their power and finesse.

The wines produced by Château Nestuby, as part of the "Collection" line, are admirably expressive of local soil characteristics. Such wines are truly exceptional vintages which harmoniously combine freshness and elegance.

Among the wines tasted, two deserve special mention: the rosé wine from the "Collection" series and its white wine counterpart which is produced 100% from the Rolle varietal.

The "Collection" line’s rosé wine expresses a range of elegant aromas such as wild strawberries, underscored by great freshness and a spicy finish. Excellent as an aperitif, it delightfully accompanies poultry, pork, and fish dishes as well as fresh tossed salads.

The white wine produced 100% from the Rolle varietal is expressive and gives off pleasant hints of citrus. Characterized by its minerality, this wine is excellent as an aperitif and goes particularly well with seafood dishes and meals featuring, in particular, sea bass and other types of white fishes.

The shop is open between May 1st through October 30th: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sundays and holidays from 10 :00 AM to 12:30 PM;

November 1st to April 30th: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12 :00 PM and between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Address : 4540, route de Montfort, 83570 Cotignac

* Three Provençal abbeys were built in the Cistercian style of the Romanesque period: the abbey of Thoronet, located in the commune of Thoronet in the Var department, Notre-Dame de Senanque abbey, and the abbey of Silvacane, located in the commune of Roque-d'Anthéron, in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône.