"Rocher
de Roquebrune" : "Of surprising and original aspect, this rocky
spur surges from the plain like an island in the desert. Its characteristic
red colour is due to a large quantity of thermite, which contrasts strongly
with patches of green vegetation. Its relief is curious, chaotic and tortured,
comprising torn ridges, steep cliffs, and plateaux scattered with blocks of
stone and scored with deep, narrow gorges" (See "Les Carnets Varois
de l'Environnement - Le Rocher de Roquebrune Faune et Flore" published
by the Conseil Général du Var).
Chapels : Roquebrune was for a long time nicknamed the "village
with 26 chapels". Some have now been restored, such as Saint-Roch (1601)
at the village entrance. The façade of Saint-Pierre chapel (1034), to
the South, bears a perfectly-preserved niche. Saint-Jacques chapel (1875), in
Rue de l'Hospice, is home to the Roquebrune folk museum. (Phone : +33 (0)4 94
19 89 82)
"Notre
Dame des Issambres" : This sanctuary (1954), each corner of which is
decorated with the image of an evangelist, is home to a fine altar piece with
long columns.
Megaliths
(dolmens and menhirs). Dolmens at Les Issambres and La Gaillarde (now a
listed monument).
"Eglise
Paroissale" (Parish Church) : Part of the "Route Historique de
Hauts Lieux de Provence" (Route of the Historical Sites of Provence). The
site was formerly occupied by a chapel, mentioned in 1084 in a papal bull written
by Gregory VII where the name "Roquebrunae" appears for the first
time. In the 19th century, the nave, apse, side chapels, pillars and ribs were
decorated with magnificent paintings - a sight unique in its kind in the region.
"Tour
de l'Horloge" (Clock Tower) : Former part of the ramparts, the tower
was reworked in the 18th century.
"Vallon
de la Gaillarde" : The valley offers breathtaking views over the bays
of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus plus four footpaths created on different themes.
"Gorges
du Blavet" : A magnificent site and international climbing venue, the
gorge is characterized by its very high and steep red rocks. The 20-metre deep
"Grotte du Muréron" cave and "L'Homme Bouvérien"
prehistoric site are absolute musts.
"Forêt
domaniale de Palayson" (3000 acres) : The forest, with its vast plateau
and hilltop lakes, is beautifully maintained by the National Forestry Commission.
"Sentier
du Littoral" (coastal footpath) at Les Issambres : Accessible to all,
the path starts out from Les Issambres Tourist Office and runs along the coast
for 2 km to the locality of San Peïre, reputed for its water sports. Les
Issambres harbour, a little further on, is the boarding point for a wide choice
of boat trips.
"Le
Vivier Romain" (Roman fish tank) : A listed site set on the coastal
footpath and carved into the rock. Very few constructions of this type are still
visible in France. Best admired on clear, calm days.
"Le
belvédère" : Set on top of the water tower overlooking
Les Issambres. Totally clear views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez and the Estérel
hills, plus some fascinating ceramicss.
A
la Bouverie : Le Collet Redon, a remarkable viewpoint over the rock, the
Argens plain and the sea.