Collobrières, Massif des Maures, chestnut capital of the Côte d’Azur

Collobrières: A Provencal Village of Authenticity and Heritage

Winding streets, historic monuments, fountains and shady squares… Collobrières is a small Provencal village that has managed to retain all its authenticity.

Surrounded by vineyards and chestnut trees, the village and its surroundings are a delight to explore.

Collobrières is crossed by the Collobrier river. Its gentle current makes it a great place for ducks.

It is certainly for this reason that the village has been awarded the “Villages et cités de caractère” label.

While the heart of the village and the arboretum can be visited on foot, the Chartreuse de la Verne, a monastery listed as a religious monument, requires you to enter the Maures national forest.

This excursion offers a unique experience for visitors, plunging them into the heart of unspoilt nature and the spirituality that permeates this ancient monastery.

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Discovering the Maures massif

Collobrières lies at the heart of the Maures massif. This makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the massif, particularly on the “Balcon des Maures” hiking trail.

Starting from the Stade car park (at the eastern entrance to the village), this route offers magnificent views of the village of Collobrières, the Maures mountains, the coastline and the Alps, with the option of a 3.2km round trip to the Notre Dame des Anges monastery.

The 19-kilometre walk takes around 5 hours.

Collobrières, the capital of chestnuts

Collobrières is synonymous with chestnuts!

If Collobrières is considered the chestnut capital of the Var, it’s mainly because every year the village takes care to celebrate this small fruit so emblematic of the Massif des Maures for three Sundays in October.

Chestnut groves in the Var are concentrated mainly in the Maures massif, with no less than 2,000 hectares spread over the communes of La Garde-Freinet, Gonfaron, Les Mayons and Pignans.

Its authenticity and sense of freedom are preserved thanks to a forest of chestnut groves with no real fences.

Get your taste buds ready… because the Var chestnut will take you on a journey between warmth and freshness thanks to its grilled speciality or its iced speciality.

Var chestnuts are renowned for their excellent flavour.

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The confiserie azuréenne puts chestnuts in all their states!

Established over half a century ago in Collobrières, the confiserie azuréenne continues to perpetuate its ancestral know-how through a multitude of chestnut-based products for gourmets!

The establishment even has a marron glacé museum (free of charge), where visitors can discover a whole collection of tools and machines from the past, used over many years to transform the fruit of the chestnut tree into a delicious confection.

Among the many specialities of the house: the unmissable marron glacé, of course, but also the irresistible chestnut ice cream…

Master craftsmen, proud of their traditions and heritage, await you for a moment of exchange, sharing and indulgence!

42ᵉ Chestnut Festival

It’s harvest time!

Join the Chestnut Festivals in the charming village of Collobrières on Sundays 12, 19 and 26 October 2025. A host of craftspeople will be on hand to share their expertise in chestnuts.

The Fêtes de la Châtaigne brings together producers, artists and craftspeople, each selected according to rigorous criteria. This event supports the economic and agricultural activity of Collobrières. It’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity to sample local produce!

You can also take a stroll through the chestnut grove:

8€/adult
4€/child (4 to 12 years old)

More information

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Practical information:

Admission to the festival is free, but parking is compulsory (€2). Shuttles run between the village and the car park.
The last return shuttles from the village leave at 7pm.
Make sure your vehicle has sufficient autonomy, as there are electric recharging points and a petrol station in the village.

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Chestnut festivals on the Côte d’Azur

➥ Chestnut festival in Nice: La Castagnada:
A family festival celebrating autumn, La Castagnada warms hearts with chestnut tastings and entertainment for young and old alike! Dates to come.

➥ Chestnut festival at the Safranier commune in Antibes:
On Saturday 8 November 2025, enjoy roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and the friendly atmosphere of the Safranier commune. A gourmet tradition that is attracting ever more visitors in search of authentic flavours.

➥ Fête des vendanges et des châtaignes (Harvest and chestnut festival) in Saint-Paul-de-Vence :
The annual gathering of winegrowers from Saint-Paul de Vence and Tourrettes sur Loup and a host of local producers. Chestnuts, mulled wine, meet up on Sunday 19 October 2025 from 10am to 6pm for a treat!

➥ Chestnut festival in Valdeblore:
On Sunday 26 October from 9am to 6pm, take to the road to Valdeblore to celebrate the chestnut! Local producers will be on hand to offer you a wide range of regional and artisanal products, including roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, all surrounded by entertainment and musical and folk groups.

➥ Fête des vendanges et des châtaignes à Sospel:
Sospel’s chestnut festival celebrates the authentic flavours of autumn, with music, dance and, of course, roasted chestnuts to savour in the warm Mediterranean sunshine. See you on 12 October 2025.

➥ Chestnut festival in Tende village:
Come and celebrate the first fruit of autumn on 19 October 2025 in the village of Tende! A lively programme to entertain you around the chestnut.

➥ Chestnut festival in Saorge:
Sunday 2 November 2025 from 3pm, chestnut tasting, brousse and mulled wine in this magnificent hilltop village, followed by a convivial meal from 8pm.

©Chestnut streets in Lunigiana, control browning lifting the cap of a pot on the fire|IStock

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➥ Chestnut Festival in Isola :
From 8 to 9 November 2025, the village of Isola will be hosting its traditional Chestnut Festival. Folk entertainment, chestnut tastings and festivities will bring the whole village to life! Free admission and entertainment.

➥ Chestnut Festival in Cagnes-sur-Mer:
In mid-November (date to be announced), the Tinée valley, its 2- and 4-legged inhabitants and its tasty products take over the streets of Cagnes-sur-mer to the sound of music. Animal parades, chestnut tastings, musical groups and children’s entertainment.

➥ Chestnut festival in Tanneron:
On Sunday 19 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm, Place de la Mairie, Tanneron celebrates autumn with its traditional roasted chestnuts and local produce in a picturesque setting at an altitude of 360m.

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