The houses of Ginasservis cluster on a promontory around the remains of a feudal castle. Together with the Gallic oppidum on Montmajor, the Romanesque parish church and the walking trails around the town, they offer different ways to explore its history and landscape.
Landscape and Getting Your Bearings
Ginasservis is known for its farmland, livestock, forests and hunting. The restored Chapelle Saint-Damase offers views of the village and Valavès. In the town centre, an orientation board stands on the ruins of the former castle, with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The viewpoint and the chapel offer landscape vistas and different perspectives on the town.
Castle Remains, Church and Traces of the Past
The restored parish church of Saint-Laurent has preserved its large Romanesque nave. A fortified Gallic oppidum stands on the summit of Montmajor. The castle and fortification walls date from the Middle Ages: the Hospitallers built an important fortified castle in Ginasservis, ruins of which still remain.
The Chapelle Saint-Jean des Pénitents blancs stands a few dozen metres from the medieval fortification walls. The building, now known as the Chapelle Saint-Jean des Pénitents blancs, first appears in the 14th century, around 1300, under the name “Sancte Marie de Ginacerviis”. Christian Philibert’s film “Les 4 Saisons d’Espigoule” brought Ginasservis to wider attention; village residents appeared in the film.
A heritage trail published in 2019 introduces the town’s history, heritage and sights through numbered signs. The condition and locations of the signs may change; check these details before setting out. This helps distinguish between two different ways of finding your bearings: the trail explores themes through signs, while the board on the castle ruins directs your gaze across the surrounding area.
Walking Trails and Mountain Bike Routes
There are plenty of options for walks and hikes around Ginasservis, including the named mountain bike circuits “Drailles et Bancaus du Verdon”. The “Circuit 32” mountain bike loop is listed as 5 kilometres long and “very easy”. The Trans-Piades, a mountain bike rally for sports enthusiasts, also features 40- and 60-kilometre loops connecting Ginasservis, Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier and Vinon-sur-Verdon via trails. The listed distances therefore vary considerably, while the “very easy” rating applies specifically to Circuit 32. Trail maintenance may change; check the condition of the routes in advance.
Activities for Different Interests
The Centre Equestre de Bastidan welcomes visitors all year round. It offers introductory riding lessons for children and adults, as well as rides in Mont Major and the plain. As current dates should be checked before your trip, contact the centre if you are planning a lesson or ride.
Le moulin d’Espagne was established in 2004 as an educational farm for children from the region. The Parc Animalier de Ginasservis is home to more than 250 rescued animals and birds from every continent. The themed days on offer include “petits fermiers” and “soigneur d'un jour”. The programme may vary, so check specific dates if you are planning to attend one of these days.
The municipal swimming pool offers swimming and aquagym classes, both individually and in groups. As it operates seasonally, check before your trip whether the activities are available during your travel dates. This lets you combine cultural sites and trails with a suitable activity, without assuming that all activities follow the same schedule.
Discover more destinations: Puget-Sur-Argens, Besse-Sur-Issole, Châteauvert, Les Claux, La Roque-Esclapon, Flayosc, Boulouris-Sur-Mer, La Londe-Les-Maures.
View the regional travel overview: Var.
