Saint-Paul-En-Forêt combines easy walks with a town center whose streets and lanes can be explored on foot. There is also the forest landscape of the Forêt Royale and the nature attractions around Lac du Rioutard. Two walks come with specific distance and duration details; the church, a botanical trail and a regional hiking route add to the options. This can help you decide what to focus on during your stay before looking for accommodation.

Walks through the town

The easy Promenade: Le Lac du Rioutard walk starts in Saint-Paul-en-Forêt. It is 2.8 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The 1.5-kilometer Circuit patrimoine de Saint-Paul-en-Foret is also rated easy; it is listed as taking about 1 hour. It starts at Place de la Mairie.

The approximate durations make the difference between the two routes clear: the Circuit patrimoine is estimated to take about half an hour less than the Promenade. It is also shorter. If you would like to include a walk in your plans, you can use these details to weigh up how much time to allow, without combining the two routes into a single tour.

Forêt Royale and Lac du Rioutard

The Forêt Royale is a wooded area with downy oaks, cork oaks and hornbeams. The Endre River runs through the Forêt Royale massif. Those interested in nature around Saint-Paul-en-Forêt will find a different way to explore the area here than on walks through the town.

At Lac du Rioutard, a botanical trail passes about 30 signs featuring Mediterranean plant species. The signs give the walk a botanical focus. Lac du Rioutard itself is a reservoir covering 5.8 hectares. You can fish there for tench, carp or perch; local regulations may apply.

In the Pays de Fayence, a hike leads from Saint-Paul-en-Forêt to Lac de Méaulx. The lake covers 11 hectares and lies in green surroundings with dense woodland. Keeping the locations clearly distinguished helps avoid confusing Lac de Méaulx with Lac du Rioutard.

Heritage and views of the town

The Eglise de Saint Paul en Forêt was built in the early years of the 18th century. Inside is a statue of Saint Paul. These details give a visit to the church a specific connection to the town’s history and patron saint.

The story of Dame-Jeanne associated with Saint-Paul-en-Forêt should also be understood as a legend. It tells of a bottle holding about ten liters, which was covered with woven willow for protection. A hill outside the town center also offers panoramic views of Pincounillier and Chapelle Saint-Joseph.

The approximate durations of the walks offer a practical comparison; the botanical trail and the opportunity to fish at Lac du Rioutard provide other points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Tavernes, Varages, Fayence, Giens, Brignoles, Ollioules, Nans-Les-Pins, Salernes.

For the broader travel overview: Var.