10 AOût 2011
VARAGES 83670
vues du village
long 05°57'36" E
lat 43°35'51" N
132533 132534 132535Erected on a tufa cliff, Varages is the cradle of earthenware, its prosperity intimately linked to the generous source of the Foux, visible in its 13 fountains. Since prehistoric times, the inhabitants have exploited the protection and richness of the local environment to establish their roots here. Every corner of Varages seems to resonate with tales of the past. The commune of Varages and the Pays d’art et d’histoire Provence Verte Verdon invite you to immerse yourself in their history and heritage. Residents are proud of their heritage, and will be delighted to share with you the local anecdotes and legends that inhabit these old stones. Take time to observe the details that enrich this heritage as you follow the numbered village discovery trail.
Practical info: 45 minutes is all it takes to discover the sights of Varages.
Varages Provence Verte
Village Caractere Varages @l. Verney Provenceverteverdon.fr 4
Village Caractere Varages @l. Verney Provenceverteverdon.fr 5As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll discover charming old houses, some of which have been preserved for generations. Aged wooden doors and colorful shutters evoke a time when time passed slowly, to the rhythm of the seasons. As early as the 14th century, the town’s reputation was forged around its olive oil, quickly extending to earthenware. In 1588, Antoine Clerissy set up as a potter, marking the beginning of a tradition that has endured down the centuries. In the 18th century, earthenware underwent a significant boom, attracting a variety of craftsmen, from papermakers to glassworkers, thanks to abundant natural resources such as water, earth and wood.
TheEglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the village’s emblematic church, transports visitors back to a bygone era. The church’s stone walls reveal the ups and downs of past centuries, while the frescoes bear witness to the talent of the artists who contributed to its beauty. While the glazed bell tower ofNazareth Church, high up on the hill, is a landmark visible from afar, revealing, through the tinkling of its bells, a singular history of craftsmanship. As an earthenware town, Varages long rivaled Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in supplying the tables of the aristocracy. This know-how is preserved today by a factory and a few determined craftsmen who have succeeded in modernizing traditional Provencal motifs. Don’t hesitate to pack a few pieces of this tradition in your suitcase!
The village is also home to the Musée de la Faïence. The presence of this craft tradition in Varages is explained by the purity of its source, which feeds the Eau Salée downstream, a tributary of theArgens…
Plunge into the heart of Varages’ artisan heritage by exploring the earthenware workshops for which the village is famous, such as the Faïencerie de la Belle époque. Each piece tells a story, each motif reflects the creativity of local potters. The atmosphere is one of concentration and passion. Meet the craftsmen, watch the potter’s wheel turn in their expert hands, and let the intoxicating smell of the kilns fill your senses. A centuries-old tradition, Varages earthenware combines quality and aesthetics. The subtle nuances of the colors, the delicate shapes of the objects, all contribute to creating a unique universe. You can even take part in workshops to shape your own creation under the expert guidance of master potters. A memorable experience that will leave you with an authentic souvenir, made with your own hands.
Ceramics 7250708 1280
Musee Varages Musee Faience @f. Galile Provenceverteverdon.fr 5
Musee Varages Musee Faience @f. Galile Provenceverteverdon.fr 2Welcome to the Musée de la Faïence in Varages, a place where the vibrant history of the earthenware center comes to life. Created in 1976 by the association “Les faïences de Varages”, this museum is a passionate storyteller of the artistic soul and lives that have shaped this heritage since 1695. Imagine travelling through the centuries through a collection of over a thousand pieces, not only artistic but also steeped in human stories. As you visit, you’ll be invited to touch, feel and experience. The museum is open to all, with interactive exhibitions and educational activities. It’s a place where history meets modernity, where each piece tells a personal story, where each visitor becomes a witness to this unique cultural transmission. An experience where the past becomes present, and the timeless beauty of Varage earthenware echoes in the heart of every visitor.
Practical info: Don’t miss the annual Ceramics Festival, held on the 2nd Sunday in August.
The “Faïencerie de Varages en Provence” boutique perpetuates a 300-year-old earthenware tradition, offering a vast selection of pieces in a rich palette of colors. The artisans are inspired by the classic shapes emblematic of Provence to give new life to the art of earthenware. Discover a wide range of plates, bowls, salad bowls, dishes and accessories in a multitude of hues at the factory outlet.
Practical info: Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Head for the La Varageoise olive-growing cooperative, where the Oil Mill, a jewel dating back to 1924, has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional appearance and the know-how handed down from generation to generation. You’ll learn that the old extraction system, with its granite millstones, remains true to tradition. The olives are delicately crushed into a paste, spread out in scourtins and then cold-pressed. Each drop of oil that results tells a story, a heritage preserved with passion. Come and enjoy a unique moment, where the past and authentic taste meet in every drop of freshly pressed oil.
Terroir @f. Galile Provenceverteverdon.fr 9
Terroir @e. Bottero Provenceverteverdon.fr 7
Rando VaragesVarages, nestled in the heart of a rejuvenating natural landscape, is a paradise for hikers. The surrounding hills unveil picturesque paths offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Mediterranean nature, generous and fragrant, accompanies your every step. For the more adventurous, there are excursions into the surrounding area, allowing you to discover even wider panoramas. The well-maintained paths offer total immersion in nature, and the panoramic viewpoints are an invitation to contemplation.
Village Caractere Varages @provenceverteverdon.fr 2 RotatedTake a different approach to hiking in Varages with the “Au fil de l’eau” trail, ideal for families with children.
Distance: 4.5 km
Duration : 2 hours 15 minutes
Elevation gain: 80 m
Difficulty: easy
From fountains to old mills, canals, streams and village laundries, water is everywhere! From the village, follow the source of the Foux and set off on a captivating walk, lined with explanatory panels, with a beautiful view of the village and valley from the Saint Pothin chapel as your reward. An experience that invites you to come back again and again!
Gastronomie @civp F Milot Provenceverteverdon.fr 2Discovering Varages wouldn’t be complete without taking a closer look at its gastronomy. Local restaurants such as La Provence or Chez Lucile et Annie invite you on a culinary journey where local produce takes pride of place, featuring olive oil, aromatic herbs, sun-drenched vegetables and, of course, the region’s delicious cheeses.
Local markets are also a must for lovers of fresh produce. Stroll between the colorful stalls, taste the marinated olives and juicy fruit, and chat with the passionate producers who willingly share their trade secrets. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy local produce that you’ll enjoy the same day, perhaps as a sunny aperitif.
Trumpet 4674800 1280Varages, steeped in Provencal tradition, celebrates its local festivals with infectious passion. Colorful processions, folk dances and traditional markets punctuate the annual calendar. If your visit coincides with one of these festivities, you’ll have the chance to witness lively celebrations that testify to the inhabitants’ deep attachment to their cultural roots. Traditional costumes, songs and dances convey a centuries-old heritage that gives a fascinating insight into daily life as it once was in Varages. The conviviality of these events creates links between generations and offers an authentic immersion in local culture.
Not-to-be-missed local festivities include the Olive Festival in March, theEaster Monday Omelette, the summer night markets and the Rencontres de Varages festival of Provencal traditions in October. Not forgetting the Festivitésde la Saint Pothin or Les Nuits de l’Enclos. These are just some of the many events that punctuate the village, providing moments of joy and warmth.
