Gonfaron can be discovered through a wide range of themes: two nature trails with archery targets, architectural history at churches and a tower, a local legend, and wine at Terres Ailées. These differences are useful when planning your trip: you can focus on outdoor activities, historic sites or wine culture. The details below show what sets each of these themes apart.
Nature Trails and Archery
The six-hectare Parcours de la Nasque is located in the commune of Gonfaron. It has two nature trails, each about 1.5 kilometres long, running along paths and wooded tracks. Each loop has 24 targets. The site is also used for three official outdoor archery disciplines.
The loops are similar in length and number of targets; the three archery disciplines add a distinct sporting focus to this description of the trails. Within one site, nature paths and archery thus stand side by side as different aspects of the parcours.
Churches with Different Layers of History
The construction history of the parish church of Notre-Dame-de-L’Immaculée-Conception can be traced through two dates: the foundation stone was laid in 1862, and the church was consecrated in July 1865. These dates mark the period between the start of construction and the consecration, giving the church a specific historical context.
The Chapelle Saint-Quinis tells a different story of construction: it was demolished in 1848 and completely rebuilt in 1849. At the same time, its possible history reaches further back. The chapel is said to stand on the site of a 12th-century parish church. A clearly dated construction phase thus sits alongside an older, possible history of the site.
Tower, Fountain and Legend
The Tour de l’Horloge adds a material connection to Gonfaron’s architectural history: the limestone used for the tower came from a quarry north of the village. There is a fountain at the foot of the tower. This building therefore brings together a specific detail about the origin of its material and a feature of its immediate surroundings.
Gonfaron has a total of 16 fountains, whose water flows practically all year round. A walking route is being developed to make it possible to visit them. The local character also includes the legend of the land of flying donkeys: Gonfaron is known by this name, and the legend dates back more than three centuries. The fountains and storytelling tradition add their own distinctive touches alongside the architectural history.
Wine and Visitor Experiences
At Terres Ailées de Gonfaron, a founding year and a variety of wine origins come together. The winery was founded in 1921, and the wines it markets come from four different terroirs. Wine tastings, introductions to wine tasting and cellar tours can be arranged at Terres Ailées. If wine is important to your trip, check the specific arrangements for these activities in advance. Unlike the trails and architectural history, this focus is based both on the terroirs and on possible visitor experiences.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien, Barjols, Ginasservis, Sillans-La Cascade, Collobrieres, Bargème, La Motte, Le Castellet
For the broader travel overview: Var.
