In Sollies-Toucas, historic buildings meet village paths and opportunities for exercise. The Oppidum du Castellas, Saint-Christophe Church and the “Le vieux village” walk offer different points of interest. There is also a pump track and paths in the surrounding area—a range of options for those who want to plan their stay around culture, walks or outdoor activities.
Oppidum and church: historic highlights
The Oppidum du Castellas covers more than five hectares and is considered one of the largest oppida in Provence. Its size makes this ancient settlement a notable attraction for visitors interested in early settlements. The remains of a fortification at the site of le Castellas Sud in Solliès-Toucas were protected as a historic monument by decree of 6 September 1978. The main construction phase is attributed to protohistory.
Saint-Christophe Church brings together several historical details. It was built between 1700 and 1701 on the site of an original 16th-century chapel. The church contains a gilded wooden altarpiece dating from 1704, which was added to the inventory of historic monuments in 1984. The tower is another distinctive feature of the church: it stands 23 metres high and serves as its campanile.
The dates refer to different elements: the 16th century relates to the original chapel, 1700 and 1701 to the construction of the church, and 1704 to the altarpiece. This distinguishes the earlier building, the church and its fittings chronologically, rather than treating them as a single construction event.
Village walk and waterways
The “Le vieux village” walk begins at Place Clément Balestra, in front of the town hall. This provides a specific starting point for a visit focused on the village itself. Another route, “Le village ouest,” follows an irrigation canal and a stream and runs along the edge of gardens. The two descriptions offer different points of reference: one starts in front of the town hall, while the other highlights the landscape features along a route.
The waters of Font du Thon also tell a story of how water was used: the Romans channelled them and used them to irrigate the plain. The canal, stream and gardens also feature in the description of the historic “Le village ouest” route. Those interested in water management and the landscape will find both a historical connection and specific features mentioned along the walk.
By bike, scooter or on foot
The Solliès-Toucas pump track is a circuit for bicycles and scooters. A series of curves and rollers can be ridden through or jumped over in different combinations. The pump track is free and open year-round; check local conditions before your visit. Its layout and the riding options described make it a different kind of activity from the historic walks.
During the “Objectif Solliès-Toucas” photo safari, participants are invited to photograph six items from a brochure and then collect a small prize from the tourist office. The activity combines a photographic challenge with a specific goal: collect six images and then return to the tourist office.
In the area around Solliès-Toucas, the Plateau de Siou-Blanc, with its white limestone rocks, has numerous trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. This provides another landscape to explore alongside the paths by the canal, stream and gardens. When planning a trip, visitors can consider whether church and settlement history, a walk through the village or outdoor routes best match their interests.
Discover more destinations: Pierrefeu-Du-Var, Regusse, La Verdiere, Montmeyan, La Roquebrussanne, Entrecasteaux, Trans-En-Provence, Figanieres.
For the broader travel overview: Var.
