In 890 AD, the Saracens established themselves in la Garde-Freinet, and gave it the name of "Jabal al-Qilal" meaning "mountain of jars" for having found traces of a Gallo-Roman indus-try there. Later, in the 12th century, we discovered le Fort Freinet and the remains of an old fortified village from the middle ages with its thirty cave dwellings. This strategic fort extending over more than 120m2 and classified as historic monument, was then used to control the passage between Vidauban Valley and le Golfe de Grimaud. In the 13th century, the inhabitants settled on le Col de la Garde allowing the town to be-come La Garde du Freinet. But it was its sentry position at the top of the pass, on the relief of le Massif des Maures which later earned him his current name "Garde-Freinet".
Your trip in the heart of Provence
The village of la Garde-Freinet is nowadays this picturesque Provençal village which has pre-served all its authenticity. With its small steep alleys, its houses dug in stone, its squares and fountains, its small shops ... A family village where we like to go shopping bread in the morning, buy some fruit and vegetables on the market place before having a break for a coffee in one of its cozy restau-rants & bars.
A medieval gem worth discovering!
For example, start from the Tourist Office in the direction of the place of l'Hotel de Ville, then go up Rue de l'Ormeau. Discover the market place with its kiosk, the old washhouse, the place of la Vieille Fontaine ... Go up Rue de la Vieille Caserne and find yourself on the place of la Vieille Mairie and then on the place de l'Amour. Then, by walking in Rue de l'Amour and then in Rue Saint-Joseph, you will find yourself on parking Saint Joseph and at Aire de la Planète which is the starting point for several hikes. We could suggest a plethora of routes, nothing’s worth the simple fact of getting lost in this small village and reveling in what surrounds you ...
Sports getaway in Mediterranean countryside
La Garde-Freinet is also a must-see destination in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, ideal for na-ture lovers and sports enthusiasts wishing to discover its lush landscapes, tinged with Medi-terranean culture. Starting point for a dozen hiking, walking, cycling or horse riding circuits, it is through no less than 16 routes thanks to which you will have the pleasure of discovering the sumptuous Massif des Maures, offering spectacular views of le Golfe de Saint-Tropez ...
The hike of the Cross and Fort will offer you, for example, a return to the breathtaking past by exploring the old medieval Fort and its vestiges; the Roches Blanches one (longer: around 3 to 4 hours) gives you access to a geological gem made up of sparkling quartz towards the highest point of the village ... You will find all the information you look for on the tourist website of la Garde-Freinet..
A lively village life
Just half an hour from the festivities of the coast (and its famous seaside resorts such as Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime ...) by staying in la Garde-Freinet you will have the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of pleasures and village activities, because indeed, residents make a point of developing local life.
To start, it would be a shame to miss the local market which is held every Wednesday and Sunday morning on la Place Neuve. About forty exhibitors we are pleased to meet, enjoying to exhibit their artisanal products. Fruits and vegetables, but also butcher and delicatessen products, clothes, utensils, furniture, toys .... and beautiful flowers and plants!
In addition to the market are held lots of events throughout the year, and for all audiences! Exhibitions at the Conservatoire du Patrimoine, concerts of all kinds, including pétanque competitions, conferences, dancing meals, garage sales, semi-opera screenings ... or the famous « Bravade" period festival celebrated every year on may in South of France, where we take part in various wrestling games, where we attend parades in honor of the Patrons : Saint-Pancrace, Saint -Jean, Saint-Sébastien, Saint-Clément among the most notable ...
Do not hesitate to visit the Tourist Office website of la Garde-Freinet to discover the program of local various events