Forcalqueiret can be explored through three distinct themes: the ruins of Castellas, the parish church of Saint-Martin and the Issole, which runs through the village. Walks along the river complement the historic buildings with a landscape perspective. There is also the plant market held every year on 1 May. This gives you a choice of historic architecture, riverside scenery and a seasonal event when planning your trip; you can choose the highlights that suit your interests.

Castellas Castle: courtyard complex and masonry

The substantial ruins of Castellas Castle comprise six sections arranged around a courtyard. Two still have barrel vaults; most of the standing walls remain in the others. The surviving sections therefore differ: a vault remains in two, while the standing walls are the defining feature of the others. A barrel vault is a long, arched ceiling; the term helps explain the form of the surviving structure. Since the decree of 20 July 1966, the ruins of the fortified castle have been protected as a historic monument.

The Issole: walks along the river

The Issole runs through Forcalqueiret, and the riverbanks offer opportunities for walks. The focus here is not a particular building, but the river itself as a point of reference in the landscape. The Issole thus complements the historic buildings with a different focus for your stay.

Saint-Martin and the village’s building history

The parish church of Saint-Martin is the only one of three recorded religious buildings in Forcalqueiret that still survives; the other two have disappeared or remain only as ruins. Saint-Martin was built between 1865 and 1868, replacing an older church dating from 1742. That predecessor had become unstable and dangerous. The dates mark two separate building phases: 1742 refers to the older building, while 1865 to 1868 marks its replacement by Saint-Martin. Behind the church is a chapel that serves as the burial place of the last Count of Pontevès. It adds a distinct historical connection to the succession of church buildings.

The washhouse on Rue Frédéric-Mistral

The washhouse is a raised, covered concrete structure with three basins, four masonry pillars and a pyramid roof covered with tiles. A pyramid roof slopes upward from several sides to a single point; this washhouse has a tiled roof. The three basins and four pillars are also distinctive features of the structure. The washhouse is on Rue Frédéric-Mistral. It probably dates from the 1920s or 1930s.

Grand Marché aux plants on 1 May

The Grand Marché aux plants is held every year on 1 May. Numerous growers sell trees, flowers, plants, flower bulbs and other seeds there. The selection may vary from one year to the next. Its fixed date gives the market a clear place in spring travel plans; check that year’s programme before your trip. This lets you plan for the market as a separate event and combine its seasonal focus with Forcalqueiret’s historic and landscape attractions.

Discover more destinations: Comps-Sur-Artuby, Montauroux, Pignans, Bandol, Flassans-Sur-Issole, Bargème, Le Lavandou, Ampus

Go to the main travel overview: Var.