DESCRIPTION

The city of Ollioules is 5Km inland between the towns of Sanary-sur-Mer, Six-Fours-les-Plages and Toulon. It offers a compromise between the sea and the Provençal hinterland. The ruins of its castle and its medieval and Renaissance streets will delight lovers of history.

HISTORY

Ollioules appeared in the Middle Ages. At that time, it belongs to the Viscounts of Marseille who built a castle around which the city thrived on commerce and wealth of powerful noble families of Provence that live there.

The best times of Ollioules were in the sixteenth century : the agriculture of the city was developing, the size tripled and the city prospers. The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, however, were harmful for Ollioules, the city was gradually abandoned for Toulon and Aix-en-Provence.

It's at the nineteenth century that the city found its brightness. With the arrival of the railroad, it developed the growing and shipments of flowers.

ACTVITIES

Ollioules allows visitors to discover its rich heritage and history through discussed themes visits. These visits are free and provided by a tour guide from the region.

Several monuments, symbols of the city are open to visitors:

• St Lawrence's Church: built on the site of a pagan temple and completed in 1475,


• The castle : dating from the Middle Ages and built by the Viscounts of Marseille,


• La Courtine : largest Celto-Ligurian city of West Provence, it dates from the sixth century BC,

Several hiking trails, starting around the city are accessible to all levels of walkers.

ACCESS

By plane : Marseille airport is located about 80Km from Ollioules

By rail : The train station Ollioules-Sanary is directly related to the city of Toulon.

By road: From Nice take the A8 and take exit A57 towards Le Luc/Toulon/Hyères. Then take exit 14 to La Seyne-sur-Mer-centre/Aubagne/Châteauvallon and follow Ollioules.

From Marseille, take the A50 motorway and take exit 13-Six-Fours-les-Plages towards La Seyne-sur-Mer and follow Ollioules.