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

Collobrières: A Provencal Village of Authenticity and Heritage

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

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

Collobrières is crossed by the Collobrier real. With its gentle current, it’s a great place for ducks.

This is undoubtedly why 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 monastery, a listed religious monument, requires you to enter the Maures national forest.

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

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Collobrières (@hello_collobrieres)

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by @la_team_sud

Discover the Maures massif

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

Starting from the Stade parking lot (east entrance to the village), this route offers magnificent views over Collobrières, the Maures, the coastline and the Alps, with the option of a 3.2 km round trip to the Notre Dame des Anges monastery.

The 19-kilometer hike takes around 5 hours to complete.

Collobrières, the capital of chestnuts

Collobrières is synonymous with chestnuts!

If Collobrières is considered the Chestnut Capital, it’s mainly because the village takes care to celebrate this small fruit, so emblematic of the Massif des Maures, for three Sundays each year 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 scent of freedom are preserved thanks to a forest of chestnut groves with no real fences.

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

Var chestnuts are renowned for their excellent taste.

See this publication on Instagram
A publication shared by Marrons Glacés (@confiserie_azureenne)

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Marrons Glacés (@confiserie_azureenne)

Côte d’Azur confectionery puts chestnuts in all their states!

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

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

Among the many specialties 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!

41ᵉ Chestnut Festival

It’s harvest time!

Join the Chestnut Festivals in the charming village of Collobrières, on Sundays October 13, 20 and 27, 2024.

Numerous craftsmen and women will be on hand to share their expertise in the world of chestnuts.

The Fêtes de la Châtaigne brings together producers, artists and craftsmen, 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 taste local produce!

You’ll also have the chance to stroll through the chestnut grove:
8€/adult
4€/child (4 to 12 years)

Entry to the festival is free, but parking is compulsory (2€). No credit cards accepted, cash only!

More information

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Mairie de Collobrières (@collobrierestourisme)

Chestnut festivals on the Côte d’Azur

➥ Chestnut festival in Nice:

A family festival celebrating autumn, the Castagnada warms hearts with chestnut tastings and entertainment for young and old alike! Dates to come.

➥ Chestnut festival at the commune libre du Safranier in Antibes:

On Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 6:30pm, once again enjoy roasted chestnuts, sip mulled wine and enjoy the conviviality of the commune libre du Safranier. A gourmet tradition that attracts ever more visitors in search of authentic flavors.

➥ Fête des vendanges et des châtaignes in Saint-Paul-de-Vence :

The annual gathering of winegrowers from Saint-Paul de Vence and Tourrettes sur Loup and numerous local producers. Chestnuts, mulled wine, meet up on October 20, 2024 to feast!

➥ Chestnut Festival in Valdeblore:

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, take to the road for Valdeblore to celebrate the chestnut, which will be in the spotlight!

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 folklore groups.

➥ Chestnut festival in Tende village:

Come and celebrate the first fruit of autumn on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Tende village! A lively program to entertain you around the chestnut.

➥ Fête des vendanges et des châtaignes à Sospel:

The chestnut festival in Sospel celebrates the authentic flavors of autumn, with music, dance and, of course, roasted chestnuts to enjoy under the gentle Mediterranean sun on October 20, 2024.