Brignoles, built along the Via Aurelia during Roman times, has always been an important trading post.
Even today, life in the town revolves around its Saturday market, one of the largest in the Var department, and its agricultural fair, which takes place in April and remains one of the last in the region.
An astonishing heritage
In the heart of the medieval center of Brignoles, the Palace, cradle of the Counts of Provence, was successively the Palace of the Counts of Provence, then a courthouse, prison, meeting place for the Parliament of Provence, and Red Cross dispensary, before becoming the Musée du Pays Brignolais in 1945.
Strolling through the medieval center, you can wander through narrow streets reminiscent of the Middle Ages, stop at small period squares, and come across fountains.
The names of the streets reveal this rich past: Maison des Lanciers (House of the Lancers), Maison du Rabbin (Rabbi's House), gigantic entrance gates...
Among the religious curiosities, it is worth mentioning the Saint-Sauveur chapel, built in 1012, with its gallery organ, the Augustins chapel, the royal Sainte-Catherine chapel, Notre-Dame de l'Espérance and Notre-Dame de Lorette...
On a more secular note, there are the Dolmens des Adrets, three of which are listed and one classified as a historic monument, and the Dolmen de l'Amarron.
Not to mention the Hôtel de Claviers, the gates and the frescoes...
The Medieval Festival
Every last weekend in August, Brignoles celebrates its Medieval Festival. The streets and alleys of the town center become pedestrianized.
Each small square is brought to life by camps of merchants, blacksmiths, public writers, and more, while in the evening, fire-eaters, bear tamers, and troubadours take over.
The Plum Festival
In the 16th century, plum trees were widely cultivated in the plain. The fruit was dried and flattened, resembling a coin, hence the name “pistole.” The vengeance of a local lord, the Duke of Epernon, led to all the trees being cut down.
Today, in order to revive this ancestral production, trees of the “Perdigon” variety are being replanted and the Plum Festival takes place at the beginning of September.
On this occasion, parades of brotherhoods, the induction of new members, entertainment and dances by folk groups, cooking demonstrations and tastings bring these traditions back to life.
An old train allows visitors to discover the Provençal landscape and visit Brignoles and its historic center, Sainte-Anastasie, or the depot for old trains and equipment.
Brignoles Tourist Office
Carrefour de l'Europe
83170 Brignoles
Tel.: +33 (0)4 94 72 04 21
http://www.la-provence-verte.net/ot_brignoles/
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