Things To Do
in Lorgues

Lorgues is a charming Provençal town perched in the Var department amid olive groves and vineyards. Its narrow lanes, medieval ramparts, and bustling market offer a quintessential taste of rural Provence. The town serves as a gateway to both rustic countryside and easy access to the Côte d'Azur.

Expect sunny days, seasonal festivals, and warm Provençal hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Lorgues Market
morning
:

Start your day at the vibrant weekly market in Lorgues where the air is filled with the scents of fresh produce and local delicacies. Stroll along the stalls, interacting with friendly vendors and tasting artisanal cheeses, olives, and wines. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere while sipping a café au lait at a nearby café.

afternoon
:

After the market, visit the historic Church of Saint-Martin, admiring its architecture and beautiful stained glass. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local bistro, indulging in traditional Provençal dishes that celebrate the regional ingredients. Spend the afternoon exploring Lorgues’ charming streets, browsing boutique shops, and discovering local crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant where you can dine al fresco, enjoying local wine under the stars. Listen to live music or a local artist while savoring a delicious meal crafted from seasonal ingredients.conclude your evening with a stroll through the peaceful streets, soaking up the enchanting ambiance of Lorgues at night.

day 2
Visit Château de Berne
morning
:

Begin your day with a trip to Château de Berne, a stunning vineyard estate just outside of Lorgues. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards, learning about the wine-making process and the history of this beautiful estate. Take in the picturesque scenery while sipping on a complimentary glass of their exquisite rosé.

afternoon
:

Remember to make a reservation for lunch at the estate's restaurant, which boasts a menu showcasing local and seasonal ingredients. After your meal, explore the gardens that surround the château, featuring aromatic herbs and flower-filled pathways. Relax and unwind in this serene environment, finding a cozy spot to take photos.

evening
:

Return to Lorgues for a relaxed dinner at a quaint eatery offering a taste of Mediterranean cuisine. Engage with friendly locals and share stories over a glass of wine as you reflect on the day's experiences. Conclude your evening by enjoying a scenic drive through the surrounding vineyards, the peaceful landscape illuminated by the moonlight.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
🍷Three-course dinner for two$40-60
Coffee in a cafe$2-4
🥐Pastry or bakery item$2-4
🚗Taxi ride within town$8-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Provencal town with a vibrant market and accessible wines
  • Walkable historic center and scenic surrounding countryside
  • Good balance of culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared with coastal towns
  • Market crowds can be lively in peak season
  • Distances to bigger cities for more shopping and events
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
  • "S’il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est…?" - Where is…?
  • "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Lorgues

Visit one of these nice places.

Place de la Liberté and old town rooftops

A classic vantage point with terracotta roofs, church spires, and winding lanes bathed in Provençal light.

Town ramparts and lookout walls

Historic fortifications offering sweeping views of the valley and olive groves.

Lorgues market square at dawn

Colorful stalls and early-morning light create vibrant, candid photos.

Vineyard lanes around the village

Golden-hour shots along rows of vines and olive trees set against rolling countryside.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lorgues

Lorgues sits in the heart of a farming region where olive oil, wine, herbs, and fresh produce define the cuisine. Expect bright flavors, generous use of olive oil, and seasonal dishes built around vegetables, seafood from the coast, and cured ingredients.

Lorgues Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tapenade

Olive paste with capers and anchovies, typically served with crusty bread at markets and cafés.

Must-Try!

Ratatouille

A Provençal vegetable stew featuring tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and herbs.

Aïoli with vegetables or cod

Garlic mayonnaise served with boiled vegetables or fish, perfect for sharing.

Pissaladière

A flaky onion tart topped with olives and anchovy fillets, common in markets and bistros.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Lorgues

Weekly market in the town square offering olives, cheeses, honey, herbs, and olive oil.

Olive oil stalls

Specialty stalls and small producers selling extra-virgin olive oil and olive-based products.

Climate Guide

Weather

Provence experiences a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and wine tours.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with bonjour (or bonsoir) and address people as Monsieur/Madame.

Respect and conversation

Politeness in public, ask before taking photos of individuals, speak softly in churches.

Religious and sacred spaces

Dress modestly and observe silence or quiet behavior in religious sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lorgues is generally safe with a low crime rate. Standard precautions include watching valuables at markets, staying hydrated in heat, and exercising caution on rural roads at night.

Tipping in Lorgues

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In France, service is often included; if not, a tip of about 5-10% is customary for good service.

Payment methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common, including mobile wallets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with strong sun. Hydrate, hike early, and enjoy outdoor markets and cafés in the cooler evenings.

Autumn

Harvest season; grape and olive picking, wine tastings, and shoulder-season crowds.

Winter

Mild with occasional rain; fewer tourists but cozy cafés and museum visits in town.

Spring

Blooming landscapes, fresh herbs, and active markets with mild temperatures for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Lorgues at Night

Lorgues offers a relaxed nightlife with wine bars, bistros, and occasional live music, especially in the summer. Expect sociable evenings in the town square and village café culture rather than large club scenes.

Hiking in Lorgues

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Massif des Maures Panorama Trail

Scenic circular route through pines and scrub with valley views.

Olive Grove and Vineyard Loop from Lorgues

Gentle to moderate route through olive groves and vineyards near the village.

Val d’Argens countryside path

Longer scenic path through fields and orchards in adjacent countryside.

Airports

How to reach Lorgues by plane.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)

Major international hub about 70-90 minutes by car from Lorgues; good for international arrivals.

Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN)

Smaller regional airport within about 45-60 minutes; convenient for domestic and some European flights.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

A larger international gateway roughly 1.5-2 hours away by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lorgues is highly walkable within the compact historic center, with narrow cobbled lanes, shaded arcades, and a central market square. Elevation changes mean a few steeper slopes, but most attractions, cafés, and markets are reachable on foot or a short stroll from parking areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and long-time residents who maintain a strong market culture.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists in spring and summer drawn to markets, wine tours, and the Provencal countryside.

Wine and olive producers

Artisan producers contributing to local cuisine and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Petanque

A beloved pastime in village squares; evenings are often spent playing boules.

Rugby union

Popular across the region; local clubs host matches and community events.

Hiking and trail running

Numerous scenic trails around Lorgues for day hikes or longer treks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Lorgues is generally light outside peak season. In town, streets are narrow and can slow down drivers during market days; regional travel relies on roads with some congestion in peak tourist periods. Public transport exists but is limited, so many visitors rely on a car or organized tours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lorgues.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Ample vegetarian options at markets and many restaurants include ratatouille, salads, and vegetable tarts.

Gluten-free

Ask for gluten-free options; many places accommodate with labeled dishes or adaptable menus.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Lorgues is accessible via nearby towns. Pharmacies are common in the town; for serious medical care, Draguignan's hospital (Centre Hospitalier de Draguignan) and nearby hospitals in Toulon or Nice are reachable by car. In case of emergency, dial 112 or 15 for medical assistance.

Discover France

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